The Introduction
Paul Harvey was a radio broadcaster who became famous for his conservative views and distinctive voice. One of his most famous speeches was “If I Were the Devil,” which he first delivered in 1964. In this speech, Harvey discussed his vision of what the devil would do if he were in charge of the world. The speech became so popular that it was eventually turned into a song with the same title.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “If I Were the Devil” are both haunting and prophetic. The song describes a world in which the devil has taken over, and all the things that he would do to corrupt and destroy society. Here are some of the most powerful lines from the song:
“If I were the devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellects but neglect to discipline emotions; let those run wild.”
This line speaks to the idea that the devil would want to create a society in which people are intelligent but lack moral guidance. He would want to encourage people to follow their emotions rather than their intellect, which would ultimately lead to chaos and destruction.
“I would have drugs and pornography promoted as much as possible, and make them both legal.”
This line speaks to the idea that the devil would want to corrupt people through pleasure and addiction. He would want people to become obsessed with drugs and pornography, which would ultimately lead to their downfall.
“I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on television is the way to be.”
This line speaks to the idea that the devil would want to destroy traditional values and promote hedonism. He would want people to reject the idea of marriage and commitment, and instead embrace a life of promiscuity and pleasure-seeking.
The Meaning
The meaning of “If I Were the Devil” is clear: it is a warning about the dangers of moral decay and the corrupting influence of temptation. The song speaks to the idea that there are powerful forces at work in the world that seek to destroy our values and corrupt our souls. It is a call to action, urging us to resist the temptations of the devil and cling to our faith and our principles.
The Legacy
“If I Were the Devil” remains a powerful and relevant piece of music nearly 60 years after it was first written. Its message of warning and hope continues to resonate with people around the world, reminding us that we must always be vigilant against the forces of darkness and corruption.
Whether you are a religious person or not, the lyrics of “If I Were the Devil” are a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to our values and resisting temptation. They urge us to be strong in the face of adversity and to never give up hope for a better tomorrow.
So, if you ever find yourself feeling lost or discouraged, just remember the words of Paul Harvey: “If I were the devil, I’d keep on doing what he’s doing.”
The Conclusion
“If I Were the Devil” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that speaks to the dangers of moral decay and the corrupting influence of temptation. Its message of warning and hope continues to resonate with people around the world, reminding us that we must always be vigilant against the forces of darkness and corruption. Whether you are a religious person or not, the lyrics of “If I Were the Devil” are a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to our values and resisting temptation.
