Song Details
- Album Release Date: 1958-01-01
- Album Name: Lover Man
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “That Ole Devil Called Love” by Billie Holiday
“That Ole Devil Called Love” is a classic blues song that Billie Holiday released in 1958. On the surface, the song is about the struggle between a woman’s heart and head when it comes to matters of love. The woman in the song is desperately trying to fight off the temptation of love, saying over and over again that it’s “that ole devil called love” that’s coming after her. However, it’s clear that, no matter how hard she tries, the temptation of love is too great and she will eventually give in.
The song is also a larger commentary on the human experience of love. Through the song, Holiday speaks of the mixed feelings of love that are ever-present in our lives. On the one hand, there is the temptation and allure of love that is hard to resist. On the other, the fear mixed in with the allure of the unknown associated with love often leads to hesitation in taking the plunge. Through her playful voice and use of vivid imagery, Holiday portrays this struggle in a powerful way.
At its core, “That Ole Devil Called Love” is about the mysterious and sometimes scary allure of love. The song captures the tension and uncertainty that accompanies this emotion, while reassuring us that, in the end, love tends to prevail.