 The song has been used to perpetuate the myth of Johnson selling his soul to the Devil for his musical ability . The lyrics do not contain any references to Satan or a Faustian bargain , but they have been interpreted as a description of the singer 's fear of losing his soul to the Devil ( presumably in exchange for his talent ) . Music historian Elijah Wald believes that Johnson 's verses do not support the idea . Delta bluesman Tommy Johnson promoted himself as having made a deal with the Devil and Southern folklore identifies a crossroads or graveyard as the site of such a pact , which Wald identifies as likely sources of the myth . However , musicologist Robert Palmer points out that Johnson was " fascinated with and probably obsessed by supernatural imagery . " His song " <unk> on My Trail " tells of trying to stay ahead of the demon hound which is pursuing him and in " Me and the Devil Blues " he sings , " Early this mornin ' when you knocked upon my door , and I said ' Hello Satan I believe it 's time to go ' " . These songs contribute to the Faustian myth ; how much Johnson promoted the idea is debated , although many agree " the ' devil angle ' made for good marketing " . 
