Shirley Caesar, Satan, You’re A Liar | Music Lifts

In the 42^nd edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by Shirley Caesar performing “Satan, You’re A Liar.”

[nx_dropcap]W[/nx_dropcap]elcome to Music Lifts, featuring songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 42^nd edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “Satan, You’re A Liar” as performed by Shirley Caesar.

[nx_pullquote]“You said I’d never make it / You said I wouldn’t last.”[/nx_pullquote] Who said that, Shirley Caesar (b. 1938)? Why that dastardly, nefarious, no-good Satan! Woo! On “Satan, You’re A Liar”, the pastor and gospel music legend cries foul regarding “the father of every lie.” Without a doubt, Caesar understands how destructive Satan is. “Satan” is the fourth track from Caesar’s 1980 album, Rejoice. Aaron Wilburn (1950 – 2020) penned it.

From the beginning, “Satan, You’re A Liar” is on fire.  Fitting, right? Right!  The guitar accompaniment is striking, setting the tone of. The percussion, alongside the drums, is one of many selling points. The music has an enigmatic vibe, something that makes it stand out.  Something else that makes this uplifting number stand out? It’s set in a minor key! Caesar delivers powerful and nuanced vocals. You buy every word she sings as she refuses to give in to the devil. “I gave my heart to Jesus / You laughed, and I heard you speak,” she sings in the second verse, and adds, “But I’ve walked with the Master / Through the flood and through the fire / And if I learned anything at all / I’ve learned you are a liar.” Lovely strings appear for the first time in the crème de la crème, the dramatic and fierce chorus:

“Satan, you’re a liar, you’re a liar

You should know by now, I know you are a liar

There’s one thing you can’t deny

You’re the father of every lie, you’re a liar.”

Beyond the chorus, there is an intriguing third verse/bridge, where the Pastor keeps the same energy (“I know you’re everything / In this world except my friend”).  If there were ever a doubt, Shirley Caesar makes it crystal clear that “Satan, You’re A Liar”!’