Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Count Bassie and his Orchestra featuring Helen Humes Lyrics


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I don't want you, but I'd 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

[Repeat: x2]
I ought to cross you off my list
But when you come a-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





You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
The devil and the deep blue sea

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Count Bassie and his Orchestra featuring Helen Humes's song Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea paint the picture of someone caught in a dilemma - they don't want the person they are with, but they also can't bear to lose them. The metaphor of being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea emphasizes the intensity and urgency of the situation. The singer acknowledges their conflicting feelings towards their partner, stating that they should hate them, but they can't help but love them.


The line "I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you" adds another layer to the complexity of the situation. It suggests that the reason the singer is still with their partner is not because they don't know any better or can't find someone else, but rather because they are drawn back to them despite the hurt they may have caused in the past. The repetition of the phrase "You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea" throughout the song further emphasizes this feeling of being trapped and unable to escape the situation.


Overall, the song highlights the struggle of being caught in a tumultuous and unhealthy relationship. The singer knows that they should let go, but can't help but feel drawn back to their partner time and time again, despite the pain they may cause.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I don't desire you, but the mere thought of losing you is unbearable


You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You've put me in a difficult situation with no good options


I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
I pardoned you, but the memory of you lingers in my mind


I ought to cross you off my list
I should eliminate you from my life


But when you come a-knocking at my door
However, every time you come to my doorstep


Fate seems to give my heart a twist
My destiny appears to cause me inner turmoil


And I come running back for more
And I end up returning to you for further affection


I should hate you, but I guess I love you
I'm supposed to resent you, but I believe I'm fond of you


You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You've put me in a difficult situation with no good options


The devil and the deep blue sea
A reference to the proverbial phrase indicating being caught between two perils with no escape




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, S.A. MUSIC
Written by: HAROLD ARLEN, TED KOEHLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@brians78s94

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA
New York. November 7, 1939

Count Basie - Piano/Leader
Andy Gibson - Arranger
Buck Clayton - Trumpet
Ed Lewis - Trumpet
Shad Collins - Trumpet
Harry Edison - Trumpet
Dicky Wells - Trombone
Benny Morton - Trombone
Dan Minor - Trombone
Earl Warren - Alto Sax
Jack Washington - Alto Sax/Baritone Sax
Buddy Tate - Tenor Sax
Lester Young - Tenor Sax
Freddy Green - Guitar
Walter Page - String Bass
Joe Jones - Drums
Helen Humes - Vocals

@waltergray7722

This is a long time favourite of mine. I love it.
Thank you for sharing.

@AllMy78s

Excellent!

@GramophonicReevolution

Great upload I love her voice 🥰🥰👍

@dinovanjak541

I love it nice find mate

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