Calloway was a master of energetic scat singing and led one of the United States' most popular African American big bands from the start of the 1930s through the late 1940s. Calloway's Orchestra featured performers that included trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie and Adolphus "Doc" Cheatham, saxophonists Ben Webster and Leon "Chu" Berry, New Orleans guitar ace Danny Barker, and bassist Milt Hinton. Calloway continued to perform until his death in 1994 at the age of 86.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Cab Calloway and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I hate to lose you
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
But when you come knocking at my door
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
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
The devil and the deep blue sea
The devil and the deep blue sea
The devil and the deep blue sea
(Yeah!)
(Ah, yeah)
The song "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" by Cab Calloway and His Orchestra is a classic example of the metaphorical expression used in the lyrics to express conflicting or opposing situations. The singer is torn between two extremes - the devil and the deep blue sea. The devil refers to something negative or evil, while the deep blue sea represents the unknown or the uncertainty in decision-making. The lyrics express the feeling of being caught in between these two extremes, where the singer neither wants to lose their partner nor wants to be with them. The singer is in a complicated situation where they have to make a choice between staying with their partner and accepting their flaws or walking away and facing the unknown. Despite the conflicts and confusion, the singer finds themselves forgiving their partner and coming back to them, even though they know it's not the right choice.
Overall, the song explores the themes of love, pain, and confusion. The lyrics are a perfect representation of the complex emotions one goes through when they find themselves stuck in a dilemma. The singer's voice and the orchestra's rhythm make the song catchy and memorable, making it a classic of its time.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you
I am not really interested in you.
But I hate to lose you
However, I do not want to lose you.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Despite my mixed feelings about you, I feel trapped and cornered in my current situation.
I forgive you
I am willing to pardon your wrongdoings.
'Cause I can't forget you
I am unable to get you out of my thoughts
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Despite my mixed feelings about you, I feel trapped and cornered in my current situation.
I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life.
But when you come knocking at my door
However, when you attempt to come back to my life
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
I feel conflicted about what to do, and my emotions become confused.
And I come running back for more
Thus, I end up returning to you, even though I know it is not wise.
I should hate you
I ought to dislike or even despise you.
But I guess I love you
Yet, I suspect that I still have strong feelings of affection for you.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Despite my mixed feelings about you, I feel trapped and cornered in my current situation.
The devil and the deep blue sea
I feel stuck between two very difficult and unpleasant choices.
The devil and the deep blue sea
I feel stuck between two very difficult and unpleasant choices.
The devil and the deep blue sea
I feel stuck between two very difficult and unpleasant choices.
(Yeah!)
(Ah, yeah)
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CapAnson12345
It's a shame many people only know Calloway from Minnie the Moocher and the Blues Brothers.. his vocal talent was truly astounding.
@oliverbender3764
Well, I heard him playing on the radio and shortly thereafter saw a short video from him when he appeared on CBC. I never heard about “Minnie the Moocher” or knew that he played with the Blues Brothers.
@donkeykongisbetterthanmari7495
and BioShock
@kfl611
I like to watch him dance too ! He always seems so full of energy.
@musicformonsters
An astounding singer .. and entertainer in general - love the arrangements too- wish they had the video for this one
@zooweemama3835
@@donkeykongisbetterthanmari7495Bioshock introduced me to old music. Now I have long Playlists of old music and jazz. Jazz has become my second favorite genre after space rock and psychedelic music.
@MegaSean45
This song sounds like something you would hear, like if you're sneaking somewhere, not trying to get attention, but you accidentally hit the record player while sneaking, and then this song comes on, and the guard's like, "HEY, YOU!"
@michaelinelegant1289
Haha random but accurate 😆
@TheJackster-tl8oi
What a very specific situation, but I guess I understand 😂
@garland522
Wonderful song, wonderful man, total talent. Thank you for this