Tell The Devil I'm Busy

The song dives deep into the struggle between past mistakes and the desire to move forward. JD Steel paints a vivid picture of battling inner demons while holding onto hope and strength. The repeated message of telling the devil to back off emphasizes a firm refusal to give in to despair. It’s about living authentically and standing strong in one’s truth.

Verse 1

Woke up with a mouth full of ashes and blame
I tried to chain me to yesterday's name
Mirror said sinner, but my heart said fight
Ain't a grave deep enough to hold my light

In this opening verse, JD Steel sets a heavy tone. Waking up with "ashes and blame" suggests a hangover from past choices or regrets. The line about the mirror calling him a sinner contrasts with his heart’s desire to fight, showing an inner conflict. The idea that no grave can hold his light speaks to his refusal to let darkness define him. He’s determined to rise above his past.

Chorus

Tell the devil I'm busy, I got living to do
Got a soul that won't sell and a sky I ride through
He can circle like a vulture, but I won't be his fool
Tell the devil I'm busy, I'm busy choosing the truth

The chorus is a catchy and powerful declaration of independence. By telling the devil he’s busy, JD Steel is asserting that he has more important things to focus on than negativity and temptation. The imagery of a vulture highlights how the devil represents death and decay, yet he chooses to ride through life with his soul intact. This choice to embrace truth shows strength and determination.

Verse 2

The phone keeps buzzing with the ghosts I fed
Whole lot of almost living rent free in my head
I've loved good people in a bad man's hour
I burned down bridges just to watch my power

In this verse, Steel reflects on the weight of past choices. The "ghosts" could refer to memories or regrets that haunt him. He acknowledges that he's had moments where he didn’t truly live, just existing. The mention of loving good people during tough times reveals his empathy, but also hints at a darker past where he burned bridges, suggesting he’s learned from his mistakes but also recognizes the power in those choices.

Chorus

Tell the devil I'm busy, I got living to do
Got a soul that won't sell and a sky I ride through
He can circle like a vulture, but I won't be his fool
Tell the devil I'm busy, I'm busy choosing the truth

Repeating the chorus reinforces the song’s central message. It’s a reminder that life is about making choices that uplift rather than drag us down. JD Steel isn’t just saying he’s busy; he’s actively choosing to fill his life with truth and light, rejecting anything that doesn’t serve his growth.

Bridge

I've been a liar and I've been the lie
Shook hands with hell just to learn how to try
If grace is a road, then hand me my boots
'Cause I'm walking it sober with nothing to lose, hm, mm

The bridge reflects a moment of vulnerability. Steel admits to being both a liar and the lie itself, highlighting a struggle with authenticity. Shaking hands with hell suggests he’s faced his demons head-on. The idea of grace being a road he’s ready to walk on shows his commitment to change. He’s ready to take on life sober, free of the burdens that once held him back.

Chorus

Tell the devil I'm busy, I got living to do
Got a soul that won't sell and a sky I ride through
He can circle like a vulture, but I won't be his fool
Tell the devil I'm busy, I'm busy choosing the truth

The repetition of the chorus once again emphasizes the core theme. It feels like a rallying cry, a mantra for anyone facing their own challenges. By affirming his busyness with life, JD Steel inspires listeners to also focus on their own truths.

Outro

Knock all you want, this door is closed to you

The outro wraps up the song with a definitive statement. It’s a clear boundary against negativity and past influences. By saying the door is closed, JD Steel reminds us that we have the power to shut out what doesn’t serve us.

Closing Thoughts

"Tell The Devil I'm Busy" is a compelling anthem about resilience and self-empowerment. JD Steel's lyrics resonate with anyone who’s faced struggles but chooses to rise above them. The song’s energy is infectious, encouraging listeners to focus on their path and reject anything that threatens their peace. It’s a reminder that while we all have a past, it doesn’t have to define our future.