DEVIL IS A LIE

Album

Single

Label

PULSE Records

Genre

Hip hop

Composer(s)

Tommy Richman

Entered Chart

Jun 29, 2024

Peak Date

Jul 13, 2024

Released

June 14, 2024

"Devil Is A Lie" is a gritty exploration of self-worth, the need for validation, and overcoming adversity. A hypnotic chant opens the track, setting the stage for raw honesty. Richman confronts a partner, highlighting a clash of their worlds. The lyrics expose frustration and a hunger for recognition: "I work too hard, can you f---n' pay me?" This plea for validation is layered with his partner's insecurity, adding complexity to their dynamic. "The devil is a lie" chant on the outro is a powerful metaphor for Richman's inner battles. It's a rejection of negativity and a desperate plea for survival. His question, "Can we survive?" underscores the uncertainty Richman faces, both personally and in his relationship. Richman reteams with his production crew of Jonah Roy, Max Vossberg, and Kavi (three of the five producers behind his breakthrough hit "Million Dollar Baby"). They craft a dark and pulsating soundscape with an orchestral violin melody weaving through layers of ethereal synths. The beat pays homage to the early 2000s Neptunes sound, all driving percussion and heavy basslines. It contrasts to the hip-hop/alt rock/R&B vibes of "Million Dollar Baby." "Devil Is A Lie" premiered as a TikTok tease on May 27, 2024, before its official release on June 14th. While "Million Dollar Baby" is a catchy song about making it big, "Devil Is A Lie" is a raw and unflinching anthem of self-belief and overcoming inner demons. The song's music video maintains the grainy, camcorder aesthetic of "Million Dollar Baby," but this time there's a newfound intensity in Richman's eyes. We see him navigate the gritty underbelly of the city, from a strip club walkthrough to a low-rider photo shoot featuring a gleaming blue pinstriped 1984 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. It's a visual world that complements the song's message of struggle and resilience.

Ah-ah
Oh no
Ah-ah
Oh no
Yeah, yeah, yeah

I tell her, "Pipe down, baby," hell nah (yeah)
You know my roundabouts, baby, hell nah (yeah)
It's where I came from baby, hell nah (yeah)
It's 'cause I come from a different part (mm, yeah)
I can take you places you ain't ever seen before (mm)
Ah, ah (woo, woo, mm)
You're moving so loud, that is not my goal, hell nah (mm)

But you got no confidence like me (mm, mm)
Only wanna run around and chase me (mm, mm)
I'm not no Travis, baby, not no Chase B (ah, ah)
I work too hard, can you fuckin' pay me?

I did so much, you did it with me, and I'm not alone (ah, ah, ah)
Since 2019, you're doin' this with me, I'ma set it in stone (ah, ah, ah)
You come from a sunken place again (ah, ah, ah)
You know the struggle, baby, can we be friends? (ah, ah, ah)
From the bottom to the top began
We go hard again, hard again (hell nah, nah, nah)

But you got no confidence like me (mm, mm, come on)
Only wanna run around and chase me (mm, mm, oh, oh)
I'm not no Travis, baby, not no Chase B
I work too hard, can you fuckin' pay me? (hell nah)
But you got no confidence like me (mm, mm)
Only wanna run around and chase me (mm, mm, oh, oh)
I'm not no Travis, baby, not no Chase B (Oh, oh)
I work too hard, can you fuckin' pay me?

Right now, right now (the devil is a lie)
Right now, right now (I wanna be alive)
Right now, right now (can we survive?)
Right now, right now (can we survive?)
Right now, right now (the devil is a lie)
Right now, right now (I wanna be alive)
Right now, right now (can we survive?)
Right now, right now (can we survive?)