Blues
Bunny Berigan and His Blue Boys Lyrics
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You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
[Repeat: x2]
I ought to cross you off my list
But when you come a-knocking at my door
And I come running back for more
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
The devil and the deep blue sea
The lyrics to Bunny Berigan and His Blue Boys' song "Blues in 2-3" were written by Billie Holiday, who is also known for her interpretation and rendition of the song. The song depicts her love for a man despite the way he treats her. She confesses that she loves him but would be lying if she said she didn't. However, she also says that she would quit him if she said she wouldn't. She then talks about how she has been his slave ever since she's been his babe but would never be his dog. The lyrics become more intense as she sings about how her man wouldn't give her breakfast, dinner or even let her inside her home, and he put her outdoors. She further mentions that she didn't have a lot of things but had a long way to go.
Billie Holiday mentions in the lyrics how she is not good-looking and has uncurled hair. She then talks about how her mother gave her something, which will help her in this world. Some men like her because she is happy, some because she is snappy, and some call her honey. Others think she's got money, and a few call her Billie and say, "baby, you're built for speed." The song implies that she is everything a good man needs.
Overall, the song reflects the hardships of relationships and how love can often overcome even the toughest situations.
Line by Line Meaning
I love my man
I am deeply in love with my man
I'm a liar if I say I don't
It would not be truthful if I said otherwise
But I'll quit my man
I am willing to leave my man
I'm a liar if I say I won't
It would be dishonest to say I would never leave him
I've been your slave, baby
I have devoted myself to you
Ever since I've been your babe
From the very beginning of our relationship
But before I'll be your dog
I would never allow myself to be treated like a servant
I'll see you in your grave
I would rather die than be disrespected by you
My man wouldn't give me no breakfast
My partner would not provide me with food in the morning
Wouldn't give me no dinner
He denied me a meal in the evening
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
He complained about the food I made him, then kicked me out of the house
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
He disrespectfully put a matchbox on top of my belongings
I didn't have so many
I did not have many possessions
But I had a long, long ways to go
I still had many miles to travel on my journey
I ain't good looking
I am not particularly attractive
And my hair ain't curled
My hair is not styled in any particular way
But my mother, she gave me something
My mother provided me with something invaluable
It's going to carry me through this world
That something will help me succeed in life
Some men like me 'cause I'm happy
Some people appreciate my cheerful demeanor
Some 'cause I'm snappy
Others are attracted to my quick wit
Some call me honey
Some people use affectionate names when addressing me
Others think I've got money
Some people wrongly assume that I am wealthy
Some say me Billie
Some people refer to me as Billie
Baby, you're built for speed
You are very good at moving quickly
Now, if you put that all together
When you consider all of these things
Makes me everything a good man needs
I have all the qualities that would make a man happy and satisfied
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, S.A. MUSIC, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, MUSIC.INFO FINLAND OY, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind