Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Charlie Byrd / Chuck Redd / John Goldsby / Scott Hamilton 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 song "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" sung by the Charlie Byrd Trio featuring Scott Hamilton revolves around an individual who is caught in a predicament - being in a relationship with someone they do not want to be with but also not wanting to lose them. The lyrics express the emotional turmoil the person is going through, caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. The phrase "between the devil and the deep blue sea" is an idiom that refers to being caught in a difficult situation with no easy way out.
The singer conveys their mixed feelings towards their partner, admitting that they should hate them, but they can't stop loving them. They're aware that they ought to move on, but their heart always brings them back. The use of phrases such as "Fate seems to give my heart a twist," signifies the notion that the singer doesn't feel in control and are at the mercy of fate. The song's tone is melancholic and resigned, communicating the hopelessness of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I can't decide if I want to keep you in my life or not, because the thought of losing you bothers me.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You've put me in a difficult and risky situation where neither choice is desirable.
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
I can't let go of the past, so I choose to forgive you instead of dwelling on the hurt you caused me.
I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life and move on.
But when you come a-knocking at my door
But when you show up unexpectedly in my life again.
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
Unexpected events or circumstances make me feel conflicted about my feelings for you.
And I come running back for more
I can't resist the temptation to be with you, despite the risks and potential hurt.
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
It would be easier for me to hate you, but I still have feelings for you that I can't shake.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You continue to hold power over my heart and my decisions, even though I know it's not necessarily good for me.
The devil and the deep blue sea
An idiom referring to a situation where either choice is dangerous or difficult.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, S.A. MUSIC
Written by: HAROLD ARLEN, TED KOEHLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind