Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Jackson Milt 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
In "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," Milt Jackson expresses a dilemma that many people have found themselves in at some point. Although he does not want his lover, he fears the thought of losing them. He feels stuck between the "devils" of wanting to be free from the relationship and the "deep blue sea" of being alone. He knows that he should no longer be with his lover, but he still finds himself drawn to them. He forgives them for hurting him in the past, but he cannot forget them, and this causes him great conflict.
The repeated chorus emphasizes the conflict of the singer, who seemingly cannot make up his mind, and the pain caused by his indecision. He knows he should move on from his lover, but he is torn between that and the fear of being alone. His heart twists every time he thinks of them, and he finds himself coming back for more. He should hate his lover, considering the pain they have caused him, but he still loves them. This internal battle is something that many people can relate to, making the lyrics of the song resonate deeply with its listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I don't have any romantic interest in you, yet I fear losing you as a potential partner.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Your presence in my life has put me in a difficult and uncertain situation.
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
Despite any wrongdoing on your part, I can't help but still have feelings for you.
I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my romantic prospects.
But when you come a-knocking at my door
When you reach out to me, seeking my attention and affection.
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
A mysterious force seems to stir my emotions and compel me to consider giving you another chance.
And I come running back for more
I am drawn back to you despite my previous resolutions to break things off.
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
Despite any reason to dislike you, my feelings of love and affection are stronger.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Your presence in my life has put me in a difficult and uncertain situation.
The devil and the deep blue sea
A catch-22 situation where either choice or decision may have dire consequences.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, S.A. MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, MUSIC.INFO FINLAND OY, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Laurent James
Les bulles de Lucifer.