Bucket List Feature
Norm Macdonald – The Devil and Billy Markham
Audio Reading · Aired Unknown
Why this bit hits
This isn't a joke; it's a performance. Norm Macdonald's reading of Shel Silverstein's epic poem "The Devil and Billy Markham" is a masterclass in storytelling. The poem itself is a sprawling, profane, and brilliant tale of a down-on-his-luck Nashville songwriter who enters a rhyming duel with the Devil for his soul. It's a dark, gritty story reminiscent of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," but with Silverstein's signature linguistic flair.
What makes Norm's rendition so captivating is his complete commitment. He sheds the deadpan comedian persona and becomes a true bard, his voice filled with gravel, rhythm, and menace. He gives distinct character to the narrator, to Billy, and to the Devil himself, delivering the complex rhymes with a cadence that is both mesmerizing and relentless. It showcases a side of Norm that many fans might not know: a deep respect for language and the raw power of a well-told story.
This piece works because it's so unexpected. It's not about subverting a punchline; it's about honoring the source material with a powerful, theatrical reading. You can hear Norm's appreciation for the grit and wit of Silverstein's writing in every line. It's a long, intense journey, but it's a testament to Norm's incredible versatility as a performer beyond the talk show desk.
"The Devil is a gentleman, and the Devil is a slob. The Devil is a poet, and the Devil is a snob..."
Transcript (excerpt)
In the corner of the bar, in the shadow of the stair,
Sits a man with a face of stone and long, grey, dirty hair.
He's been watchin' all the ladies, he's been watchin' all the men,
And the words he has been thinkin' are best not spoken again.
And Billy Markham, he's a-lookin' for a song,
He's been lookin' in the gutter all night long...
And he sees the stony stranger and says, "Friend, how do you do?"
The stranger says, "I'm the Devil, man, and I've come here for you."