Gospel Song – Don’t Let the Devil Ride

Gospel Song – Don’t Let the Devil Ride.

Rev. Orvis Mays wrote this song in 1968. I’ve heard it said by a musician covering this great song that this a blues song that you can take to church. And that’s what it is. This is one of those gospel songs that has the soul of the blues deep inside. It has become a blues standard, covered by any number of musicians.

The song pictures each of us going along on our life journey in a car. Suddenly we see a hitchhiker on the side of the road trying to flag us down to get a ride. Rev. Mays says that is what the devil is always trying to do… Getting us to let him into our life, where he will relentlessly try to take over our life till all we have are the flames of hell. The devil is never content to just sit in the passenger seat. So don’t even get started with the devil. Don’t even let him into your car by doing things you know you shouldn’t be doing. That’s the same as opening your car door and letting him in. Here are the lyrics, and they are worth remembering, to say the least.

“Don’t let the devil ride, don’t let the devil ride. Oh if you let him ride, he’ll ask if he can drive; Don’t let him ride. 

Don’t let him flag you down, don’t let him flag you down. If you let him flag you down, he’ll turn your soul around. Don’t let him ride.

Don’t let him in your car, don’t let him in your car. If you let him in your car, he’ll take you way too far. Don’t let him ride. 

Don’t let him call your name, don’t let him call your name. If you let him call your name, he’ll throw you in the flame. Don’t let him ride. 

Don’t let him be your boss, don’t let him be your boss. If you let him be your boss, your soul will be lost. Don’t let him ride.

Don’t let him talk to you, don’t let him talk to you. If you let him talk to you, he’ll tell you what to do. Don’t let him ride.”

Don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it. Don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it. Don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it. 

 

“Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  (James 4:7). 

 

Neal Roberson – Don’t Let the Devil Ride – YouTube

Don’t Let the Devil Ride – YouTube

Leo Bud Welch – Don’t Let the Devil Ride [Official Video] – YouTube