One of my favorite Kris Kristofferson performances.
Because there are many stellar videos on the internet of Kris Kristofferson delivering his lyrical poetry, you can’t go wrong firing up a performance from the late singer and songwriter. But if I were to sit here and recommend one to you, it would be this one.
In 1971, Kristofferson released his second album after his highly acclaimed debut record Kristofferson. The Silver Tongued Devil and I was Kristofferson’s first record with commercial success, charting in the top 30 on the Billboard Top Tapes & LPs chart. Written by Kristofferson and produced by Fred Foster, the record would later become certified gold.
One of the standout tracks among the tracklist is the lead single “The Silver Tongued Devil And I.” The cheeky tune details a shy man sitting at the Tally-Ho Tavern, where Kristofferson used to bartender. The man is scared to talk to women, but the more he drinks, the more chatty he becomes, and he warns the woman that the “Silver Tongued Devil” is known for seducing women. Over the years, many have wondered if Kristofferson was referring to himself in the lyrics, as he was known to have women lusting over him.
“That silver tongued devil just slipped from the shadows and smilingly stole her away
I said hey, little girl, don’t you know he’s the devil he’s everything that I ain’t
Hidin’ intentions of evil under the smile of a saint
All he’s good for is gettin’ in trouble and shifting his share of the blame
And some people swear he’s my double and some even say we’re the same
But the silver tongued devil’s got nothing to lose I’ll only live till I die…”
In 1981, Kristofferson was asked to perform for an Austin City Limits taping and took this story-like song to the stage. This live performance of “The Silver Tongued Devil And I” is hands down one of the best. There is something about the magic of the Austin City Limits stage that amplifies the performance for any artist who steps on stage.
Socially and vocally, Kristofferson and his band are spot on, but what makes this performance stand out is at the end when Kristofferson pauses the chorus to tell the audience he and his “Silver Tongued Devil” split ways. He doesn’t care where that character is.
“‘We take our own chances and pay our own dues….’
I say we pay our own dues… I quit drinking about five years ago, and he’s turned up missing regularly ever since, so we pay our dues separately a lot. But it don’t matter because I don’t care where that rascal… He’s out with Willie right now, drinking all the tequila in Texas. He’s not having a better time than I’m having right here.
‘The silver tongued devil and I…'”
Kristofferson’s silver tongued devil and he might have parted ways, but their time together led to one of his best tracks.
Rest in peace, Kris Kristofferson. May his legacy live on forever.
