Woman Is a Devil

The Doors' song 'Woman Is a Devil' delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of women through the lens of a devilish metaphor. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship where the woman is equated with the devil, suggesting a sense of danger, unpredictability, and moral ambiguity. The repeated lines 'Me and the devil / Walking side by side' and 'The woman is a devil / That's what I've been told' emphasize the narrator's internal struggle and the external influence of this enigmatic woman. This metaphor serves to highlight the darker, more manipulative aspects of human relationships, where trust and betrayal coexist.

The song also touches on themes of materialism and exploitation. Lines like 'She'll take all your money / Then she'll spend all your gold' suggest that the woman, or the devil, is not just a spiritual or emotional threat but also a financial one. This portrayal can be seen as a critique of relationships where one party takes advantage of the other's resources, leading to a sense of loss and disillusionment. The devil-woman metaphor extends to the idea of temptation and the moral consequences of succumbing to it.

Interestingly, the song also hints at the woman's vulnerability despite her devilish persona. The lines 'Well she feel like dying / Only twenty-one' reveal a young woman who, despite her manipulative ways, is struggling with her own existential crises. This adds a layer of complexity to the character, suggesting that even those who seem to embody evil have their own battles and vulnerabilities. The song concludes with a somewhat hopeful note, 'Gonna save the whole world,' indicating a desire for redemption and change, both for the woman and perhaps for the narrator himself.