About the song
By the early 1960s, **Elvis Presley** had already cemented his place in American musical history. The raw, rebellious energy of his early rockabilly years had given way to a more polished, versatile performer—one who could shift easily between gospel, ballads, and up-tempo pop hits. Yet even as he matured artistically and professionally, Elvis retained a certain mystique, a magnetism that made every new release a subject of intense interest. One such song, **“Devil in Disguise,”** released in 1963, is a perfect encapsulation of this duality—both in its lyrical theme and in the image of the artist himself.
**“Devil in Disguise”** plays with the classic motif of appearance versus reality, warning of a lover who seems angelic but hides a darker, more manipulative side. It’s a narrative as old as time, but in Elvis’s hands, it feels immediate and visceral. The contrast between the sweet, lilting verses and the sudden punch of the chorus creates a dramatic tension that mirrors the emotional disorientation described in the lyrics. When Elvis croons, “You look like an angel / Walk like an angel / Talk like an angel / But I got wise,” there’s both tenderness and betrayal in his delivery—a subtle but potent performance.
The song also marks a stylistic midpoint in **Presley’s** career. While it retains the catchy, radio-friendly structure of early rock and roll, it also hints at the pop sophistication that would define much of his work throughout the decade. Produced by Bill Porter and recorded in RCA Studio B in Nashville, the track benefits from clean production, tight instrumentation, and a backing vocal arrangement that complements rather than overshadows Elvis’s lead.
Commercially, **“Devil in Disguise”** was a success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 in the UK—a testament to Presley’s enduring international appeal. But beyond the charts, the song resonates because of its emotional clarity and timeless subject matter. Deceptive love, the pain of awakening to a hidden truth—these are universal themes, and **Elvis Presley** delivers them with a depth that belies the song’s deceptively simple structure.
In many ways, **“Devil in Disguise”** is emblematic of what made **Elvis Presley** such a compelling figure: the ability to embody innocence and danger, sweetness and swagger, all in the space of a three-minute song. For longtime listeners, it’s a familiar favorite. For newer ones, it’s a reminder of just how much depth the so-called King of Rock and Roll could bring to even the most radio-friendly hit.
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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
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
Oh, yes, you are, devil in disguise
Oh, yes, you are, devil in disguise
Oh, yes, you are, devil in disguise
