Tommy Richman didn’t come to play games with his new single, Devil Is a Lie.
After catapulting into the mainstream with the viral smash Million Dollar Baby, he’s doubling down on his unapologetic, in-your-face style.
This new track pulls no punches lyrically or visually, as Richman gets raw and real.
Just a couple months ago, Tommy Richman was a virtual unknown. But “Million Dollar Baby” changed it all in a big way, rocketing to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks largely to a smart TikTok teaser campaign showcasing the song’s vintage VHS-inspired visual aesthetic.
Suddenly, Richman was a household name, with “Million Dollar Baby” emerging as a ubiquitous song of the summer contender.
The buzz was so overwhelming that when a Twitter troll dismissively labelled him a “one-hit wonder,” Richman coolly responded, “2 for 2.”
Unpacking the Meaning of “Devil Is A Lie” Lyrics & Music Video
The video for Devil Is A Lie keeps the grainy, camcorder vibe rolling, but this time Tommy Richman is all business.
We see him doing a strip club walkthrough, flicking it up on a low-rider photoshoot, as he bluntly sings, “I work too hard; can you fuckin’ pay me?”
It’s a clear double-down on his Don’t Need Your Approval ethos. Funk Flex, who famously criticised “Million Dollar Baby” as “hot garbage,” is gradually changing his mind.
The Hot 97 DJ recently stated that he feels Richman’s new joint, a co-sign that shows the VA rapper’s unique style is making waves.
Breaking Down “Devil Is A Lie” by Tommy Richman
Penned by Tommy Richman himself, with production duties handled by Jonah Roy, Max Vossberg, and Kavi, Devil Is A Lie arrived on June 14th.
Musically, Devil Is A Lie features an orchestral violin melody layered with ethereal synth chords, creating a lush musical backdrop for Richman’s soulful vocals that blend elements of disco and funk.
The beat itself draws inspiration from the early 2000s Neptunes sound that dominated that era.
From the first line, you’re immersed in Richman’s no-filter world.
Richman kicks things off bluntly: “I tell her, ‘Pipe down baby,’ hell nah.” He’s not interested in empty platitudes or putting on airs.
His defiant spirit shines through as he declares, “It’s cause I’m cut from a different cloth.”
The chorus is a direct call-out to those chasing clout and emptiness:
“But you got no confidence, lately
Really wanna run around and chase me
I’m not no Travis, baby, not no Chase B
I work too hard, can you fuckin’ pay me?”
He’s separating himself from the pack of vapid clout-chasers. Tommy Richman is too focused on his grind and getting his dues to be distracted.
The Real Meaning Behind “Devil Is A Lie” by Tommy Richman
In the second verse, Richman shouts out his bedrock supporters, “Since 2019, you’re doin’ this with me, I’ma set it in stone.”
His uncompromising attitude was there from the start, long before “Million Dollar Baby” bloomed.
The chorus hook begs the uncomfortable question, “Can we survive?”
Tommy Richman’s answer is a resounding “The devil is a lie; I wanna be alive.” He’s confronting those internal and external demons head-on.
No One-Hit Wonder: Cementing Tommy Richman’s Authenticity
At its core, Devil Is a Lie is about unvarnished authenticity. Tommy Richman’s straightforward, say-it-like-it-is lyricism is a wake-up call in an age of overly curated personas.
This song is Richman’s truth—he’s grinding on his own terms, not diluting himself for anyone.
Devil Is a Lie is no cap, no frills, just raw, uncut reality, and it certainly changed his status from a one-hit wonder.
Tommy Richman has proved he’s no one-hit wonder. With undeniable talent and an unmistakable voice, he’s clearly just getting started on leaving his uncompromising mark.
Even former naysayers are being forced to respect the hustle.
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Tommy Richman DEVIL IS A LIE Lyrics
Intro
Ah-ah
Oh, no
Ah-ah
Oh, no (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Verse 1
I tell her, “Pipe down, baby,” hell nah (Yeah)
You know my roundabouts, baby, hell nah (Yeah)
It’s where I came from baby, hell nah (Yeah)
It’s ’cause I’m cut from a different cloth (Mm, yeah)
I can take you places you ain’t ever seen before (Mm)
Ah, ah (Woo, woo, mm)
You’re moving so loud, that is not my goal, hell nah (Mm)
Chorus
But you got no confidence, lately (Mm, mm)
Really wanna run around and chase me (Mm, mm)
I’m not no Travis, baby, not no Chase B (Ah, ah, ah)
I work too hard, can you fuckin’ pay me?
Verse 2
I did so much, you did it with me, and I’m not alone (Ah, ah, ah)
Since 2019, you’re doin’ this with me, I’ma set it in stone (Ah, ah, ah)
You come from a sunken place again (Ah, ah, ah)
You know the struggle, baby, can we be friends? (Ah, ah, ah)
From the bottom to the top began
We go hard again, hard again (Hell nah, nah, nah)
Chorus
But you got no confidence, lately (Mm, mm, come on)
Really wanna run around and chase me (Mm, mm, oh, oh)
I’m not no Travis, baby, not no Chase B
I work too hard, can you fuckin’ pay me? (Hell nah)
But you got no confidence, lately (Mm, mm)
Really wanna run around and chase me (Mm, mm, oh, oh)
I’m not no Travis, baby, not no Chase B (Oh, oh)
I work too hard, can you fuckin’ pay me?
Outro
Right now, right now (The devil is a lie)
Right now, right now (I wanna be alive)
Right now, right now (Can we survive?)
Right now, right now (Can we survive?)
Right now, right now (The devil is a lie)
Right now, right now (I wanna be alive)
Right now, right now (Can we survive?)
Right now, right now (Can we survive?)