Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
- Animals Lyrics


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Baby, can you understand me now?
Sometimes I get a little mad
Don't you know, no one alive can always be an angel
When things go wrong, I seem to go bad

I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Yeah, baby, sometimes I'm so carefree
With a joy that's hard to hide
Yeah, and other times it seems that
All I ever have is worry
And then you're bound to see my other side

Oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

Well If I get edgy, I want you to know
I never mean to take it out on you
Life has its problems, I get more than my share
But there's one thing that I would never do

Oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

Well If I get edgy, I want you to know
I never mean to take it out on you
Life has its problems, I get more than my share
But there's one thing that I would never do
'Cause I love you
Oh

Oh, now don't you know I'm human
I got my faults just like anyone
And sometimes I lie awake, alone, regretting
Some foolish thing, some sinful thing I've done

I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
I said, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood




Oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" by The Animals is an anthem of self-reflection and vulnerability. The lyrics describe the struggle of being perceived accurately by others, especially those who matter most, and the desire to be understood in spite of our flaws and mistakes.


The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer acknowledging that they can get angry and frustrated like anyone else. The second verse describes the various moods and emotions the singer experiences, from carefree joy to worry and stress. In both cases, the singer is asking for understanding and acceptance.


The third verse is perhaps the most powerful, as the singer directly addresses their loved one and reassures them that any negative feelings they express are not directed at them. Finally, the last verse is a poignant admission of human fallibility, with the singer acknowledging their mistakes and asking for forgiveness.


Overall, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" is a song that speaks to the universal human need to be seen and heard for who we truly are, flaws and all. It is a powerful reminder that we all make mistakes and struggle with our emotions, and that love and acceptance are the keys to overcoming these struggles.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby, can you understand me now?
I'm hoping to communicate clearly with you.


Sometimes I get a little mad
Occasionally, I get angry for no specific reason.


Don't you know, no one alive can always be an angel
It's impossible for anyone to always be perfect.


When things go wrong, I seem to go bad
When circumstances are unfavorable, my behavior changes.


I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Despite my flaws, I have good intentions.


Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
May others understand my true intentions.


Yeah, baby, sometimes I'm so carefree
There are times when I feel happy-go-lucky.


With a joy that's hard to hide
I'm so happy that it would be challenging to conceal my joy.


And other times it seems that All I ever have is worry
However, other times I experience only anxiety.


And then you're bound to see my other side
During those periods, you'll witness my negative demeanor.


Well if I get edgy, I want you to know
If I become moody or tense, I don't want it to be misinterpreted as anything personal.


I never mean to take it out on you
I would never knowingly direct my frustration toward you.


Life has its problems, I get more than my share
I've been confronted with life's difficulties more than most people.


But there's one thing that I would never do 'cause I love you
Regardless of the circumstances, I'll always love you and never act out of malice.


Oh, now don't you know I'm human
I'm reminding you that I'm flawed and make mistakes.


I got my faults just like anyone
I have personal weaknesses that I must deal with, as does anyone.


And sometimes I lie awake, alone, regretting
There are moments when I'm lying in bed, alone, and regretful.


Some foolish thing, some sinful thing I've done
I'm recalling mistakes or immoral acts that I've committed.


I said, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
I'm reiterating that despite my imperfections, my heart is in the right place.


Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
I'm appealing to a higher power to ensure that I'm not mistakenly judged by others.


Oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
One last time, I'm emphasizing that, at my core, I'm a good person.


Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
May those around me understand my genuine intentions.




Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, Sol Marcus

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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