He was born Joseph Goreed in Cordele, Georgia and moved to Chicago as a child. He was raised by his mother and grandmother. He grew on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by jazz, blues, and gospel music. In the 1930s, as a teenager, he was a member of "The Jubilee Boys" and performed in Chicago churches.
He worked as a singer and bouncer in Chicago in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1943, he was hired by the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He toured with Hampton for several years but never achieved breakthrough success.
He rose to national prominence as the singer for Count Basie's Orchestra in 1954. He remained with Basie for several years. "Everyday I have the Blues" is his biggest hit.
After leaving the Basie band, Williams continued to have a successful career working with his own jazz combo. He and Basie remained on good terms and he would regularly appear with the band.
Bill Cosby cast Williams as his father-in-law "Grandpa Al" Hanks in a recurring role on the 1980s sit-com The Cosby Show.
Williams enjoyed a successful career and worked regularly until his death. He died at age 80, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Joe Williams shares a birthday with Frank Sinatra who was also born Dec. 12, three years before Williams
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I 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
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
The lyrics of Joe Williams's song "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" express the complex emotions of being caught between two difficult choices. The singer doesn't want his lover, yet he cannot bear to lose her, resulting in a feeling of being trapped. He forgives her for hurting him because he cannot forget about her. Despite all of this, the singer admits that he should hate her, but he loves her instead, highlighting the conflicting emotions he experiences.
The lyrics express an internal battle within the singer's mind. He knows that he should move on and forget about his lover, but whenever she appears, he cannot resist her. The line "Fate seems to give my heart a twist, and I come running back for more" highlights the singer's lack of control over his emotions, emphasizing the deep-rooted struggle in his heart between his love and his better judgment.
Overall, the song explores the complexities of love and the internal conflicts that individuals face when trapped between difficult choices.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you
I do not desire your affection
But I hate to lose you
However, the thought of losing you brings me pain
You've got me in between
Your actions have left me undecided
The devil and the deep blue sea
I am faced with a difficult situation with no clear outcome
I forgive you
I pardon your past offenses
'Cause I can't forget you
As I am unable to disregard the existence of your memories
I ought to cross you off my list
It would be sensible to remove you from my life
But when you come a-knocking at my door
Although, when you return seeking my company
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
It feels as if destiny manipulates my emotions
And I come running back for more
I am unable to resist your allure, and I embrace you wholeheartedly
I should hate you
It would be reasonable for me to detest you
But I guess I love you
However, I cannot help but acknowledge my fondness towards you
You've got me in between
Your actions have left me undecided
The devil and the deep blue sea
I am faced with a difficult situation with no clear outcome
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, S.A. MUSIC, BMG Rights Management, 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