His most successful hit… was also when he nearly lost himself.

In 1976, Cliff Richard shocked the world with “Devil Woman” — a sharp turn from his clean-cut image into something darker, mysterious, almost supernatural. The song told the story of a man cursed by a psychic woman, entrapped in spiritual deception. It was seductive. Dangerous. Unlike anything Cliff had ever released before.

But what if the song wasn’t just fiction ?

Behind the scenes, Cliff Richard was going through a spiritual crisis. His fame had plateaued. His personal life was full of questions. And he was increasingly fascinated — and unsettled — by the growing obsession with the occult in pop culture during the 70s.

“Devil Woman” became a metaphor for temptation and manipulation, and perhaps unintentionally, a reflection of Cliff’s own drift into confusion. It’s no coincidence that shortly after the song’s success, Cliff made a radical turn in his life — publicly committing to Christianity and beginning a new chapter of faith.

What few know is that “Devil Woman” was his biggest US hit. And yet, it was the very song that pushed him to reevaluate who he really was.

🔮 The devil in the song may have been imaginary — but the inner battle Cliff fought was deeply real.

Cliff Richard – Devil Woman

Lyrics