You And Me And The Devil Makes Three

Ye Banished Privateers' song "You And Me And The Devil Makes Three" is a haunting maritime ballad that intertwines themes of love, fate, and the treacherous life at sea. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a pirate's life, filled with romance and peril, set against the backdrop of the southern Caribbean. The recurring line, "You and me, and the devil makes three," suggests a trio of intertwined destinies, where the devil symbolizes the ever-present danger and inevitable doom that accompanies a pirate's existence.

The song's narrative follows the protagonist's passionate love affair with a fellow pirate, referred to as "Donny" and "Bonnie" interchangeably. This duality could represent different aspects of the same person or different lovers encountered during the protagonist's voyages. The lyrics describe their intense connection and the shared experiences of navigating the perilous seas, facing battles, and ultimately meeting their fate together. The imagery of the "cold and billowing sea" serves as a constant reminder of the harsh and unforgiving nature of their world.

Cultural references to the Dutch slave trade and the treacherous Caribbean waters add historical depth to the song, highlighting the brutal realities of the time. The mention of "Fiddler's Green," a mythical afterlife for sailors, and "the locker," referring to Davy Jones' Locker, further enrich the song's narrative, blending folklore with the harsh truths of maritime life. The song's conclusion, where the lovers find themselves together for eternity at the bottom of the sea, encapsulates the tragic yet romantic essence of their story, emphasizing the inescapable bond between love and fate in the life of a pirate.