Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Nina Simone Lyrics

Baby, you understand me now?
Do you truly comprehend my intentions and understand me?

If sometimes you see that I'm mad
If you observe me displaying negative emotions.

Don'tcha know that no one alive can always be an angel?
No individual is always perfect, and everyone may display negative qualities at times.

When everything goes wrong, you see some bad
When situations are negative or complex, you may witness unfavorable qualities in others.

But oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Despite any negative display, my intentions are positive and well-meaning.

Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
A plea to avoid being misconstrued, despite any adverse behavior displayed.

You know sometimes, baby I'm so carefree
At certain times, I may be lighthearted and joyful.

Oh, with a joy that's hard to hide
My joy may be so profound that it's difficult to conceal.

And then sometimes again it seems that all I have is worry
In contrast, there are instances when I am consumed with constant unease.

And then you're bound to see my other side
This may cause you to observe my darker qualities.

If I seem edgy
If I appear tense or agitated.

I want you to know
I seek to make myself clear.

I never mean to take it out on you
I don't intend to let my distress affect our relationship negatively.

Life has its problems
Life is inherently difficult.

And I get more than my share
I may feel like I am dealt a challenging hand more often than not.

But that's me one thing I never mean to do
Yet, I never intend to let these hardships impact others wrongly.

'Cause I love you
My affection for you motivates me to overcome adversity in a way that is beneficial for us both.

Oh, baby, I'm just human
I am not perfect, I'm a human being.

Don't you know I have faults like anyone?
Just like everyone, I possess shortcomings.

Sometimes I find myself alone regretting some little foolish thing
I experience moments of regret and self-examination after making a minor mistake.

Some simple thing that I've done
A small error that I've committed.

'Cause I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Regardless of my faults, my goals are positive and well-meant.

Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
A plea to be understood accurately, despite displaying negative qualities.

Don't let me be misunderstood
A repetition of the earlier plea, to avoid being viewed negatively.

I try so hard so please don't let me be misunderstood
I strive diligently to overcome my imperfections so that others won't misinterpret me.

No, no, no, please
A repeated, emphatic plea to avoid being viewed negatively or misconstrued.