Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?

Definitions

• express discontent or envy
  Express dissatisfaction with the fact that someone considered bad or evil has something good or desirable

Examples of Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?

• Alice always seemed to have all the luck. She won the lottery twice, got promoted at work ahead of her more qualified colleagues, and even met the man of her dreams on the very first date she went on after a long string of failed relationships. But as she sat sipping her champagne at her third wedding in six months, Alice couldn't help but wonder, "Why should Alice have all the best tunes?"

  The phrase "Why should Alice have all the best tunes?" is an example of the idiom "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?" The idiom means that it's unfair for one person to always enjoy success and good fortune while others struggle. Alice's string of lucky breaks has led her to believe that she deserves to be happy all the time, but the speaker is suggesting that her good luck may not be entirely deserved, and that others who have worked harder or longer for their successes may in fact be entitled to some of the "best tunes" as well.

• My team always seems to struggle in crunch-time situations, as if the other team has all the luck. It's like they say, "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?"

  This idiom is used to express the feeling that success or advantage seems to be unfairly skewed towards others in a frustrating or unfair situation. In this case, the speaker is implying that their team seems to consistently falter in crucial moments, as if luck or favoritism were on the opposing team's side. This can be a source of frustration or disappointment, as the speaker feels that their team is not getting the same breaks as their opponents.

• I worked hard on this project for weeks, stayed up late every night, and followed all the steps carefully. But somehow, my colleague seems to have produced a better outcome with less effort. It's like they say, "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?"

  This example represents a situation where one feels that their efforts have gone largely unrecognized or unappreciated in comparison to others. It communicates the speaker's sense of irritation and resentment, as they feel that their harder work and better results should be recognized and rewarded, but instead seem to be ignored or overshadowed by other, seemingly less deserving or less diligent individuals.

• Every time I go to the gym, it seems like the machines are all taken, the music is blaring, and the air is thick with sweat and grunts. It's like they say, "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?"

  This example uses the idiom to describe a situation where the speaker feels that they are experiencing discomfort or inconvenience while others seem to be enjoying themselves or benefitting. In this case, the speaker is implying that it seems as though others are getting the most out of their gym experience, while they are forced to deal with the less pleasant or less convenient aspects of working out. The speaker may feel that this is unfair or unwarranted, and may express frustration with the situation.

• In my criminal law class, we've been learning about the most complicated and intriguing cases. I thought, why should the law only deal with such difficult scenarios? After all, life is full of difficulties, and we should learn how to tackle them. It's like saying, "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?" We should have the skills and knowledge to handle complex situations, just like how a musician can play challenging music pieces.

  The expression "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?" can be used figuratively to mean, "Why should the most challenging and complicated things be left for others to handle? We should have the chance to learn and overcome them too." In this case, the author is saying that there's no reason for the law to only deal with complex cases. Society should learn and prepare for dealing with such issues as well.

• My friend initially refused to join the community service group because she thought the tasks would be monotonous and boring. But then I said, "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?" She realized that community service could also be fun and rewarding. Helping others could bring satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment, just like how a great piece of music brings joy and pleasure.

  This idiom can also be used to mean, "Why should others have all the fun while we miss out?" Here, the friend was hesitant to join the community service group because she assumed that the tasks would be dull. The author used the expression to encourage her friend to see things differently. The friend then realized that community service could also be enjoyable and fulfilling, just like how music can bring happiness.

• I sometimes feel like giving up on my hobby - playing the guitar - because I'm not as skilled as others. But then I say to myself, "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?" Even if I'm not a professional musician, I can still enjoy playing the guitar and making beautiful music. It's like how a layman can still appreciate and enjoy a beautiful tune.

  This idiom can also mean, "Why should others excel in something while I'm left behind?" Here, the author is fighting against the feeling of inferiority and inadequacy. The author points out that just because others may be better at playing the guitar, it doesn't mean that she can't enjoy it. Just like how anyone can appreciate a good music piece, regardless of their expertise.

• Our computer science class has been dealing with a lot of complex concepts lately. I felt like giving up and dropping the course because I was finding it challenging. But my friend reminded me, "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?" She encouraged me to keep learning and improving, just like how a musician continues to work on their craft.

  The expression can also mean, "Why should I miss out on the benefits of learning something just because it's difficult?" The author was considering dropping the course because of its complexity. The friend reminded the author that learning is a process, and improvement comes with practice. Just like how a musician needs to work hard to create beautiful music.

Conclusion

The idiom "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?" is used to express discontent or envy about a situation where someone considered bad or evil has something good or desirable. It is often used to question why someone or something undesirable seems to have the best of something.

Origin of "Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 19th century, where it was first recorded in the context of a debate about music. The phrase was used to question why music with a lively or appealing melody was often associated with immoral or sinful activities. It reflects a sense of frustration or resentment towards the perceived unfairness of the situation.

The idiom suggests a feeling of injustice or dissatisfaction with the distribution of desirable things in the world, and it continues to be used in contemporary language to express similar sentiments. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, music, and everyday conversation, where it serves as a way to voice discontent about perceived inequalities or injustices.