The old devils are at it again

Who knows what they'll do?

And it's true right now, like it was back then

The old devils are at it again

From behind these bars, the view don't change

Desperation, death, and despair

From what little I hear of the outside world

Well, it's not too different out there

And they tell me there's a war without no end

The old devils are at it again

They died by the millions, children, women, and men

The old devils are at it again, mm

When I say devils, you know who I mean?

These animals in the dark

Malicious politicians with nefarious schemes

Charlatans and crooked cops

Well, moonshine still gets you five to ten

The old devils are at it again

Stripes on your back and a ball and chain

The old devils are at it again, mm

Two men stare out of prison bars

Wondering what got 'em here

One saw mud but the other saw stars

Praying that the end is near

Well, the billboard outside says, "Confess your sin"

The old devils are at it again

I guess I will confess that I've been suffering

The old devils are at it again

I said the old devils are at it again

Who knows what they'll do?

And it's true right now, like it was back then

The old devils are at it again

I said the old devils are at it again, oh, oh