Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Cocker (Joe) Lyrics
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Sometimes I feel a little mad
But, don't you know that no one alive
Can always be an angel
When things go wrong I seem to be bad
I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood.
And sometimes it seems that all I have to do is worry
And then you're bound to see my other side
I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood.
If I seem edgy I want you to know
That I never mean to take it out on you
Life has it's problems and I get my share
And that's one thing I never mean to do
Because I love you.
Oh,oh baby don't you know I'm human
I have thoughts like any other one
Sometime I find myself regretting some foolish thing
Some little simple thing I've done
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
In Joe Cocker's "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," the lyrics describe the feeling of being misunderstood by someone and the fear of being judged unfairly. The opening line, "Baby, do you understand me now," shows the frustration of not being heard or comprehended. The song continues to express that sometimes the singer is happy and carefree, but other times they feel edgy and uneasy. The singer wants their partner to understand that they are not perfect and that they have flaws just like everyone else. The plea to the Lord is a recognition that they are human and are seeking forgiveness for their imperfections.
The song is an emotional plea for acceptance and understanding, as the singer expresses their fear of being misunderstood and judged unfairly. The lyrics make a point that the singer is just a person with good intentions, but life's challenges can shake them to their core, causing them to act irrationally. The lyrics convey the message that no one is perfect and that mistakes happen, but wanting to be accepted regardless is crucial.
The song was first recorded in 1964 by Nina Simone, but it wasn't until Joe Cocker's rendition in 1969 that it became a top ten hit in the US, UK and Canada. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" has been covered by several artists, most notably The Animals, who had a hit version in 1965. The song has also been used in movies and TV shows, including Kill Bill, The Big Lebowski, and Mad Men.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, do you understand me now
Do you truly comprehend my actions and personality?
Sometimes I feel a little mad
Occasionally I sense angst and frustration building.
But, don't you know that no one alive
You realize that no individual has the stamina to maintain perfection.
Can always be an angel
It's impossible to embody angelic attributes indefinitely.
When things go wrong I seem to be bad
During downturns, I may appear flawed.
I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
I'm a human with virtuous motives.
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood.
I request that my actions and character be comprehended correctly, without confusion or misinterpretation.
Baby,sometimes I'm so carefree with a joy that's hard to hide
At times, I'm exceptionally buoyant and find it hard to suppress my glee.
And sometimes it seems that all I have to do is worry
At times, it appears that apprehension is my only option.
And then you're bound to see my other side
At that point, my darker inclinations may reveal themselves.
If I seem edgy I want you to know
If I appear on edge, please understand.
That I never mean to take it out on you
My emotional outbursts are never directed at you specifically.
Life has it's problems and I get my share
Existence is filled with complications, and I encounter my fair share.
And that's one thing I never mean to do
One thing I'll never intentionally do is transfer my grievances to you.
Because I love you.
I cherish you deeply.
Oh,oh baby don't you know I'm human
Sweetheart, don't you understand that I'm imperfect?
I have thoughts like any other one
I require mental processing like everyone else.
Sometime I find myself regretting some foolish thing
Occasionally, I'm wracked with remorse over a silly mistake.
Some little simple thing I've done
Over a minute and straightforward error I've committed.
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Regardless, my intentions are morally righteous.
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Please ensure that I'm comprehended correctly.
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Again, despite my imperfections, my intentions are pure.
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Finally, once more, I plead for my actions to be accurately evaluated without any perplexity.
Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, Sol Marcus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ape2reginaforse504
Baby, you understand me now?
If sometimes you see that I'm mad
Don'tcha know that no one alive can always be an angel?
When everything goes wrong, you see some bad
But oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
You know sometimes, baby I'm so carefree
Oh, with a joy that's hard to hide
And then sometimes again it seems that all I have is worry
And then you're bound to see my other side
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
If I seem edgy
I want you to know
I never mean to take it out on you
Life has its problems
And I get more than my share
But that's me one thing I never mean to do
'Cause I love you
Oh, baby, I'm just human
Don't you know I have faults like anyone?
Sometimes I find myself alone regretting some little foolish thing
Some simple thing that I've done
'Cause I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Don't let me be misunderstood
I try so hard so please don't let me be misunderstood
No, no, no, please
@jasminkajankovic9007
Who listens to this beautiful song in 2020...Great perfomance...💓
@Marlondurran
I did 😊
@lancemckellar
First time ever!
@kimcooper4751
Wife's account We do glad to hear it's still going strong be well
@romanhohaus5867
me Roman from Berlin Neukölln...he's one in a million
@choncord
2021
@LesSmith45
This is an amazing reggae version totally awesome. This man is a great perfomer. Thank you Joe
@javiermendoza2942
I do, Joe Cocker is a magnificent vocalist. I reminds me that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Long live Joes music.
@adam145
Joe is one of the very few people who can cover everything and I won't be mad about it. This is what covering is - using your own vocals and skills, not trying to copy the original.
@maya3412
Joe Cocker not only his voice that touches your soul....his body language even more touches your soul😊❤️❤️❤️