Old Devil Moon

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of instant, almost supernatural attraction, framed by a local legend about a moonless April night. Woody, the primary vocalist, describes a sudden, overwhelming feeling sparked by looking at Sharon. He attributes this intense enchantment to "that old devil moon" he perceives in her eyes, suggesting her gaze has a powerful, almost magical, bewitching quality that eclipses even the stars. The legend itself sets a tone of fated romance, where meeting under specific, unusual conditions guarantees eternal love. The central tension lies in the irresistible pull of this burgeoning romance, described as "too hot to handle." Woody’s feelings are a whirlwind of exhilaration and emotional chaos, leading him to "fly high and wide on a magic carpet ride" filled with "butterflies inside." This ecstatic state is so potent it makes him want to "cry, wanna croon, wanna laugh like a loon," highlighting the disorienting, yet thrilling, impact of this unexpected connection. Sharon’s spoken interjections and later vocalizations add a layer, acknowledging the legend and her own bewitchment, suggesting a mutual, albeit perhaps more cautiously expressed, experience. The most striking craft element is the recurring metaphor of the "old devil moon" as the source of enchantment. This personification of the moon, stolen from the sky and residing in Sharon's eyes, imbues the attraction with a sense of ancient, potent magic, far beyond ordinary infatuation. The contrast between the absent moon and the powerful lunar influence in her eyes creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. The lyrics also employ vivid imagery of celestial bodies – stars that "can't hold a candle" to her "razzle-dazzle" – to emphasize the extraordinary nature of her allure. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they capture that dizzying, out-of-control feeling of falling deeply and instantly in love. The "devil moon" metaphor effectively conveys the dangerous, intoxicating, and fated quality of the attraction. It’s not just a crush; it’s a cosmic event, a legend coming to life, making the overwhelming emotions feel both personal and mythic. The final lines, "Blinds me with love," seal the idea that this enchantment is absolute and inescapable, a powerful testament to love's irrational power.