Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
John Sheridan And His Dream Band 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 And His Dream Band's song "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea" describe a complex emotional state of feeling torn between two contradictory desires. The singer claims that they don't want the person they're addressing, but they would hate to lose them. This sets up the central metaphor of the song, which is being caught "between the devil and the deep blue sea." In this case, the devil represents the unwanted desire, while the deep blue sea represents the fear of losing something valuable.
The singer goes on to say that they forgive the person because they can't forget them, which shows an intense emotional attachment despite their stated lack of desire. The person's presence causes them to feel a "twist" in their heart, indicating a conflicted response. The final lines of the song reveal that the singer hates that they love the person they're addressing, and they feel trapped by their own feelings.
Overall, the lyrics of "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea" explore the idea of being trapped by one's own emotions and desires, unable to break free even when those feelings are not rational or healthy.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I have mixed feelings about our relationship. I do not necessarily want to continue it, but I am afraid of losing you altogether.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You have put me in a difficult position where I have to choose between two equally undesirable options.
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
Even though you may have wronged me in the past, I cannot help but still have feelings for you and am willing to forgive you.
I ought to cross you off my list
I should eliminate you from my life.
But when you come a-knocking at my door
But when you come back into my life unexpectedly...
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
It seems that fate is toying with my emotions when we reunite after time apart.
And I come running back for more
I cannot resist the temptation to come back to you and continue our relationship, even though it may not be the best choice for me.
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
Despite knowing that our relationship may not be good for me, I cannot help but still have feelings of love for you.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You have once again put me in a difficult position where I have to choose between two equally undesirable options.
The devil and the deep blue sea
A phrase used to describe being caught between two dangerous situations, both of which are equally precarious.
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