Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
John Sheridan 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 lyrics of John Sheridan's "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" speaks about the inner conflict a person goes through when they know they are in a toxic relationship. They don't want to be with that person anymore, but they can't bear the thought of losing them either. The line "You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea" perfectly describes the feeling of being stuck in a difficult situation. The singer forgives the person even though they can't forget the pain they have caused.
The repetition of the chorus adds emphasis to the fact that the singer is truly caught between a rock and a hard place. They know they should cut off ties with this person, but they can't help but fall for their charms, always running back to them for more. The last line is the perfect metaphor for the singer's feeling of being stuck. The deep blue sea represents an unknown future or the uncertainty that comes with leaving a known situation. The devil represents the negative aspects of the relationship or the pain that comes with letting go.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I don't have feelings for you, but the thought of losing you troubles me.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
I'm caught in a difficult situation, having to choose between two unfavorable options.
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
Even though you've done something wrong, I can't forget about you and feel compelled to forgive you.
I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life.
But when you come a-knocking at my door
But when you come back into my life.
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
It seems like fate is interfering with my emotions.
And I come running back for more
I can't resist the thought of being with you again.
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
I should feel hatred towards you, but I realize I still have feelings of love towards you.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Once again, I'm caught in a difficult situation where there are no good options.
The devil and the deep blue sea
A metaphor for being in a difficult and dangerous situation, where both options are unpleasant.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, S.A. MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind