• Published on 1963
• Author: Drapkin
• Track 12 on “With The Beatles“

About “Devil In Her Heart”

“Devil in Her Heart” is a song originally recorded by The Donays in 1962, but The Beatles later covered it for their album With the Beatles in 1963. The track showcases the band’s ability to infuse their own style into covers, transforming the original into something unique.

The song features George Harrison on lead vocals and guitar, and it’s notable for its blend of rock ‘n’ roll and R&B elements. Harrison’s emotive vocal delivery adds depth to the lyrics that describe a woman with a deceptive and captivating nature. The instrumentation, including Harrison’s guitar work, the harmonies, and the driving rhythm section, contributes to the song’s catchy and engaging quality.

The Beatles rushed through this cover needing only three takes plus overdubs to complete it for their second LP, With the Beatles. This haste that John Lennon and Paul McCartney adopted towards recording Harrison and Ringo Starr material would gradually become the norm over time, the exception being Lennon/McCartney compositions written specifically for them.

“Devil in Her Heart” highlights The Beatles’ versatility in interpreting and adapting different musical styles while still infusing their signature sound into the cover. It’s a lesser-known track in their catalog but nonetheless showcases their musical prowess and ability to put their stamp on diverse material.

Meaning of “Devil In Her Heart”

The lyrics of “Devil in Her Heart” convey a message of caution and concern. The author observes that the person the is interested in seems to have a hidden, mischievous side (“the devil in her heart“). He advises caution, suggesting that this hidden aspect might lead to heartbreak.

The song’s theme is one of romantic uncertainty and a warning about the potential complexities of the person’s character. The Beatles’ rendition of this song showcases their ability to bring their distinctive sound and harmonies to existing material.

Overall, “Devil in Her Heart” is a song that expresses a sense of caution and wariness in matters of the heart, highlighting the complexity and mystery that can be inherent in romantic relationships. The Beatles’ version of it adds their own musical flair to this cautionary love song.

Personnel

• George Harrison – double-tracked vocal, lead guitar
• John Lennon – backing vocal, rhythm guitar
• Paul McCartney – backing vocal, bass
• Ringo Starr – drums, maracas
• George Martin – producer
• Norman Smith – engineer

How to play “Devil In Her Heart” on guitar

The guitar tracks in “Devil In Her Heart”, played by John Lennon and George Harrison, add a haunting and melodic quality to the track. The song itself is driven by the interplay between the guitar, vocals, and rhythm section, creating a captivating and memorable sound. Harrison’s guitar playing style in this song showcases his ability to create emotive and evocative melodies that complement the overall feel of the music. It’s a wonderful example of the Beatles’ ability to craft compelling and diverse musical arrangements.

The following video features the guitar tracks with tab of “Devil In Her Heart”:

How to play “Devil In Her Heart” on bass

“Devil in Her Heart” has a fairly straightforward but effective bassline, played by Paul McCartney. The bass in this song follows the chord progression and provides a solid foundation for the melody and vocals. It’s not overly complex, but it’s crucial in driving the song forward and adding depth to the overall sound. McCartney’s bass playing in many Beatles songs, including “Devil in Her Heart,” is known for its melodic quality and ability to enhance the musical structure without overshadowing other elements. In this song, the bassline contributes to the song’s groove and complements the guitar, vocals, and rhythm section.

The following video features the bassline with tab of “Devil In Her Heart”:

“Devil In Her Heart” karaoke

For those who want to try singing “Devil In Her Heart” the following video offers a good karaoke version of the song:

• Lyrics of “Devil In Her Heart”