Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Helen Humes & Count Basie Lyrics

I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I have mixed feelings about you. On one hand, I don't really want you but on the other hand, I wouldn't want to lose you completely.

You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You're forcing me to make a difficult choice. A choice between two equally unpleasant or risky options.

I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
I'm willing to let go of the wrongdoing that you've done to me because I just can't seem to erase you from my thoughts.

I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life, my thoughts, my feelings, my plans, but...

But when you come a-knocking at my door
But when you come back to me, asking for another chance, showing me a glimpse of affection or any sort of attention...

Fate seems to give my heart a twist
My emotions get the best of me, and I feel like I can't resist you anymore. As if something beyond my control is tugging my heartstrings.

And I come running back for more
Despite my better judgment, I always end up returning to you, seeking more of the same pattern that I'm fully aware is painful or self-destructive.

I should hate you, but I guess I love you
Although there are many reasons for me to harbor negative feelings towards you, I cannot seem to shake off the strong and conflicting emotion that is love.

You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Once again, you're putting me in a tough spot where I must choose between the lesser of two evils. Caught between my feelings and my logic, my head and my heart.

The devil and the deep blue sea
This is a common idiom to describe a situation that is inescapably between two undesirable extremes. Between a rock and a hard place.