Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Ike Cole 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” by Ike Cole is a melancholic love song that speaks of the dilemma of a man who is in love with someone who keeps hurting him, but he just can’t let her go. The lyrics evoke a sense of fear and desperation, as the man finds himself torn between two horrible choices - the “devil” or the “deep blue sea”. He doesn’t want to be with her, but he also cannot bear the thought of losing her. He forgives her even though he can’t forget her, and he hates himself for loving someone who keeps causing him pain. The repetition of the phrase “you’ve got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea” highlights the gravity of his situation, as he is caught in a vicious cycle of love and heartbreak.
The phrase “between the devil and the deep blue sea” is an old idiom that means being stuck in a dangerous and difficult situation with no good options. The devil represents the danger and risk of staying with the person he loves, while the deep blue sea symbolizes the uncertainty and fear of letting her go. The man knows that his love is leading him down a path of destruction, but he is unable to resist her charm and keep himself away. The song captures the pain and frustration of a person caught in a toxic relationship, unable to escape from the grip of an all-consuming love.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I have mixed emotions about you. Although I don't want you, I cannot stand the idea of losing you from my life.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
I am trapped in a difficult situation where I have to make a choice between two equally unpleasant options.
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
Even though I cannot forget what you did to me, I am still willing to let it go.
I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life completely.
But when you come a-knocking at my door
But when you show up in front of me again.
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
It seems like destiny is manipulating my emotions.
And I come running back for more
And I end up returning to you, despite my better judgment.
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
I should hold a grudge against you, but I cannot help but feel love towards you.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Once again, I am stuck in a difficult situation where I have to choose between two unpleasant choices.
The devil and the deep blue sea
This phrase is an idiom that refers to a difficult and dangerous situation where one has to choose between two equally unpleasant options.
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