The Devil Don’t Preach, But I Listened

Never wore a collar, never wore no crown But his voice was smooth as burnin’ down Didn’t shout, didn’t wave no book Just raised a brow, and I damn sure looked

He said, “They’ll lie and call it light But you know what’s real when it comes at night” So I poured my drink and clenched my jaw He never judged, just named the flaw

The devil don’t preach, but I listened He don’t save, but he don’t lie Said the truth ain’t found in churches — It’s in the dirt where good men die He never promised me forgiveness Just the strength to bear the flame The devil don’t preach, but I listened… And I walked out feelin’ no shame

He told me, “Boy, they’ll twist the tale They’ll sell you hope and dress it pale” But when your hands are red and worn Only fire’ll keep you warm

So I quit beggin’ for a cure Started livin’ raw and pure Ain’t no robe gonna hide my fight I learned more in smoke than light

The devil don’t preach, but I listened He don’t kneel, but he’ll stand by Taught me how to hold my sorrow — Not to fear what makes me cry He never offered me salvation Just a mirror and a name The devil don’t preach, but I listened… And I’d do it all the same

The devil don’t preach, but I listened Didn’t blink, didn’t turn He said, “Every sin you’ve carried Was a lesson that you earned” So if heaven wants a statement They can write it in my flame The devil don’t preach, but I listened… And I never spoke his name

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