The Devil (Banks song)

Last updated

"The Devil"
Banks - The Devil.png
Single by Banks
from the album Serpentina
ReleasedJune 16, 2021 (2021-06-16)
Length2:48
Label
  • AWAL
  • Her Name Is Banks
Songwriters
Producers
  • Banks
  • Jeff Gitelman
  • Al Shux
Banks singles chronology
"Contaminated"
(2019)		"The Devil"
(2021)		"Skinnydipped"
(2021)
Music video
"The Devil" on YouTube

"The Devil" is a song by American singer-songwriter Banks, released on June 16, 2021 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Serpentina (2022). It marked her first release as an independent artist following her departure from a major label.

Contents

"The Devil" centers on themes of transformation, self-empowerment, and overcoming personal struggles, with Banks framing the titular figure as a symbol of strength and control. Musically, it is built around a dark, low-register bass line and subdued vocals. An accompanying music video, co-directed by Banks and Jenna Marsh, presents a stylized, draws inspiration from the 1992 films Dracula and Death Becomes Her .

Release and theme

Following her third studio album III (2019) and an EP Live and Stripped (2020), [1] Banks debuted "The Devil" as the lead single from her next album. [2] It marked her first single to be released as an independent artist. [3] According to Banks, it reflects a shift in perspective, with the "titular" figure representing "her newfound sense of control". She explained that "in order to overcome those demons, you have to be stronger than a demon", adding, "What's stronger than a demon? A devil." She further stated: "I couldn't be some kind, sweet, polite person to get over the certain things that I needed to get over. You have to be a devil." [4] In the single's press release, the song was informed by a "traumatic break-up and [mind-and-body wake-up calls"; Flood magazine's Margaret Farrell found that it signals "both a new personal and musical chapter" for Banks. [5]

Composition

"The Devil" is built around a dark, low-register bass line, opening with the line "Someone write my new name down". [6] Banks described the song as a form of release, stating, "It's nice to expel your demons, cleanse the palate before a new chapter starts", and adding that it is about "overcoming your demons and being stronger than them". According to her, the track reflects this theme in lyrics such as "Pullin' back all the opinions / I ain't really bothered and it tastes so good". [7] Lyrically, it centers on themes of metamorphosis and finds a "slinky power in embracing the darkness within", as she sings, "Way down I go / Got a one-way ticket and the Devil waiting / Call from down low / Naive, I know". [6]

Music video

A music video for "The Devil" was co-directed by Banks and Jenna Marsh, [2] and was inspired by 1992 films, Dracula and Death Becomes Her . [8] [9] Banks described the video as representing the "twisted, surreal, and playful world" she inhabits as the devil. She stated that in this setting "no demon can touch me", and explained that the concept depicts her hypnotizing and confining demons while she "dance[s], fly[ies], and play[s] with [her] devil sisters". [10] [11]

Personnel

Credits were adapted from Tidal. [12]

Release history

List of release dates and formats
RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
VariousJune 16, 2021
  • AWAL
  • Her Name Is Banks
 [13]

References

  1. ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (June 17, 2021). "Banks releases new single "The Devil" with Dracula-inspired video". The Line of Best Fit . Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Vacca, Bria (June 16, 2021). "Banks drops new song "The Devil" alongside new music video". Melodic Magazine. Archived from the original on July 11, 2025. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  3. ↑ Matasci, Matt (June 16, 2021). "Banks Is Dancing with "The Devil" in Dark New Pop Video". MXDWN. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  4. ↑ Hess, Liam (June 16, 2021). "Banks Finds Her Way Back From the Darkness". Vogue . Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  5. ↑ Farrell, Margaret (June 16, 2021). "Banks Is Embracing the Devil That's Been Inside Her All Along". Flood. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  6. 1 2 Graves, Wren (June 16, 2021). "Banks Unleashes New Single "The Devil": Stream". Consequence . Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  7. ↑ Izquierdo, Michael (August 27, 2021). "Banks Is Embracing the Devil That's Been Inside Her All Along". Flood. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  8. ↑ Shaffer, Claire (June 17, 2021). "Banks Shares Hellish Music Video for 'The Devil'" . Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on June 17, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  9. ↑ Richards, Will (June 16, 2021). "Banks returns with new single 'The Devil' from upcoming project". NME . Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Banks Returns with 'The Devil'". DIY . June 17, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  11. ↑ Curto, Justin (June 16, 2021). "Allow Banks to Escort You Straight to Hell" . Vulture . Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  12. ↑ "The Devil". Tidal. June 16, 2021. Credits. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  13. ↑ "The Devil - Single". Apple Music. June 16, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
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