may

[navi tasan]

I said: "Stand or deliver or the devil he may take ya".

This is a line from the Irish fold song 'Whiskey In The Jar'. The song has many versions. This line figures in the version done by the band Thin Lizzy. The lyrics can doubtlessly be found all over the net.

I wanted to know what 'the devil he may take you' meant in this line.
Does it mean:

1-The devil will be free to take you.
2-I'll give the devil permission to take you.
3-It is possible that the devil might take you.

 

[bhaisahab]

Option #3 is correct - if you don't give me your money, I will probably kill you, and then the devil may take you.

I would say option #2.

 

[Raymott]

I prefer #1.

Note that the phrase is "Stand and deliver [your money to me]"

• (Traditional) Whiskey in the Jar (song)

As I was going over the far famed Kerry mountains
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting.
I first produced my pistol, and then produced my rapier.
Said stand and deliver, or the devil he may take ye.