Between The Devil And The Deep
Gene Harris & The Three Sounds 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 song "Between the Devil and the Deep" by Gene Harris & The Three Sounds is a classic love song that describes a complex and confusing relationship. The lyrics speak to the conflict and tension that exists between two people who may not be well-suited for each other, but who are inexplicably drawn to each other nonetheless. The singer declares that they do not want the other person, but they also cannot bear the thought of losing them. They are caught in a dilemma between the devil and the deep blue sea, with no easy way out. The repetition of the line "You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea" underscores the feeling of being trapped and unable to break free.


Despite the singer's mixed feelings, they are willing to forgive the other person for any transgressions because they cannot forget them. Even though they know they should move on and forget about the other person, they find themselves unable to resist their charms. The line "Fate seems to give my heart a twist and I come running back for more" speaks to the irresistible pull that the other person has over the singer. They keep coming back for more even though they know it is not good for them. Overall, the song captures the complexity and messiness of love and relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I have mixed feelings about you where I don't see a future together, but at the same time, I'm afraid to let you go.


You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You're causing me to be in a difficult situation where I have to choose between two dangerous options.


I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
I choose to forgive you even though the memories of what you did linger in my mind.


I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life or stop considering you as an option.


But when you come a-knocking at my door
But when you show up in my life again unexpectedly,


Fate seems to give my heart a twist
It feels like it's destiny for us to be together, which creates a sense of emotional turmoil within me.


And I come running back for more
And I end up going back to you, even though it may not be the right decision.


I should hate you, but I guess I love you
I know I should resent you for what you've done to me, but I'm afraid I'm still in love with you.


You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You're causing me to be in a difficult situation where I have to choose between two dangerous options.


The devil and the deep blue sea
A phrase used to describe a situation where the choices one has are both difficult, and problematic, with both outcomes potentially dangerous.




Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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