Songfacts®:

• "Devil Is A Lie" is a gritty exploration of self-worth, the need for validation, and overcoming adversity.
• A hypnotic chant opens the track, setting the stage for raw honesty. Richman confronts a partner, highlighting a clash of their worlds. The lyrics expose frustration and a hunger for recognition: "I work too hard, can you f---n' pay me?" This plea for validation is layered with his partner's insecurity, adding complexity to their dynamic.
  
  "The devil is a lie" chant on the outro is a powerful metaphor for Richman's inner battles. It's a rejection of negativity and a desperate plea for survival. His question, "Can we survive?" underscores the uncertainty Richman faces, both personally and in his relationship.
• Richman reteams with his production crew of Jonah Roy, Max Vossberg, and Kavi (three of the five producers behind his breakthrough hit "Million Dollar Baby"). They craft a dark and pulsating soundscape with an orchestral violin melody weaving through layers of ethereal synths. The beat pays homage to the early 2000s Neptunes sound, all driving percussion and heavy basslines. It contrasts to the hip-hop/alt rock/R&B vibes of "Million Dollar Baby."
• "Devil Is A Lie" premiered as a TikTok tease on May 27, 2024, before its official release on June 14th. While "Million Dollar Baby" is a catchy song about making it big, "Devil Is A Lie" is a raw and unflinching anthem of self-belief and overcoming inner demons.
• The song's music video maintains the grainy, camcorder aesthetic of "Million Dollar Baby," but this time there's a newfound intensity in Richman's eyes. We see him navigate the gritty underbelly of the city, from a strip club walkthrough to a low-rider photo shoot featuring a gleaming blue pinstriped 1984 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. It's a visual world that complements the song's message of struggle and resilience.
• Tommy Richman left off both "Devil Is a Lie" and "Million Dollar Baby" off his debut album, Coyote. The decision was a deliberate artistic choice, as he wanted Coyote to stand on its own merits rather than relying on previously released viral hits.
  
  "I've been building up my discography for years," Richman said. "I'm not a one-hit wonder."
  
  Richman aimed to prove himself as a serious artist beyond social media success. "When songs blow up on TikTok, there's a stigma that comes with it, like your song is a ringtone," he maintained. "That's not who I am. I'm trying to make living, breathing albums - works of art."