About the song
By the early 1960s, Elvis Presley had already cemented his status as a cultural icon — a groundbreaking force who had reshaped the American musical landscape. But in 1963, with the release of “(You’re The) Devil in Disguise,” Elvis showed he wasn’t just a trendsetter of the past — he was still capable of surprising and evolving. This clever, genre-blending hit demonstrated his ongoing ability to balance charm, vocal power, and a touch of playful rebellion.
Elvis Presley – (You’re The) Devil in Disguise is a song that dances along the line between catchy pop and smooth rock ‘n’ roll, while also slipping in elements of doo-wop and soul. From the opening acoustic guitar riff and background harmonies to the sudden drop into a deeper, darker vocal register, the arrangement feels both polished and surprising. It starts off with an almost sweet sincerity before pivoting into something darker and more dramatic — mirroring the emotional shift in the lyrics themselves.
Lyrically, it’s a story of romantic betrayal, told through a deceptively upbeat melody. The contrast between the music and the subject matter is key: Elvis sings of a woman who appears angelic on the outside, but hides a much more dangerous nature. “You look like an angel… walk like an angel… talk like an angel,” he croons — only to drop the hammer with “But I got wise… you’re the devil in disguise.” That shift is more than lyrical; Elvis’s vocal tone shifts too — from light to growling, from adoring to accusing — making the emotional punch hit even harder.
The song became a Top 10 hit in both the U.S. and the U.K., reminding the world that Elvis wasn’t fading — he was adapting. It’s not just a song about heartbreak or deception; it’s a perfect example of Presley’s gift for theatrical storytelling. He delivers the song not just as a vocalist, but as a performer — injecting it with energy, nuance, and character.
Today, “(You’re The) Devil in Disguise” stands as one of Elvis’s most enjoyable and layered recordings — catchy enough for casual listeners, but clever enough to reward those who appreciate the finer details. It’s The King at his playful, polished best — still in full control, still ahead of the game.
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Lyrics
You look like an angel (look like an angel)
Walk like an angel (walk like an angel)
Talk like an angel
But I got wise
You’re the devil in disguise
Oh yes you are
Devil in disguise
You fooled me with your kisses
You cheated and you schemed
Heaven knows how you lied to me
You’re not the way you seemed
You look like an angel (look like an angel)
Walk like an angel (walk like an angel)
Talk like an angel
But I got wise
You’re the devil in disguise
Oh yes you are
Devil in disguise, mhm
I thought that I was in heaven
But I was sure surprised
Heaven help me, I didn’t see
The devil in your eyes
You look like an angel (look like an angel)
Walk like an angel (walk like an angel)
Talk like an angel
But I got wise
You’re the devil in disguise
Oh yes you are
Devil in disguise
You’re the devil in disguise
Oh yes you are
Devil in disguise
Mhm (oh yes you are)
Devil in disguise
Oh yes you are
Devil in disguise
Oh yes you are
Devil in disguise
Oh yes you are
