In 2007 Peplowski was named jazz advisor of Oregon Festival of American Music and music director of Jazz Party at The Shedd, both in Eugene, Oregon.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Ken Peplowski 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 Ken Peplowski's song "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," the singer finds themselves in a difficult situation. They don't want the person they're involved with, but they can't bear the thought of losing them. The line "You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea" exemplifies this dilemma, likening the situation to being caught between the devil (an unpleasant situation) and the deep blue sea (a difficult, dangerous situation). While the singer forgives the person for their mistakes, they admit they can't forget them, only making their situation more complicated.
The repeated line "I ought to cross you off my list," suggests that the singer recognizes their need to move on from this person, but they struggle to do so. When the person comes back into their life, it's as if fate intervenes, causing the singer's resolve to weaken, and they find themselves in the same predicament once again. In the end, the singer admits that, despite their better judgment, they can't help loving the person, even if it means they remain stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I am not sure if I really want you but I know I would feel terrible if you left me.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You have put me in a difficult position where both the available options are equally challenging to undertake.
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
Even though I remember the mistakes you have made, I cannot simply forget you entirely and therefore, pardoning you seems like the only way to move forward.
I ought to cross you off my list
I know I should forget about you and move on but it's just not that easy.
But when you come a-knocking at my door
Whenever you show up or come back into my life in any way, I just can't help myself from being drawn towards you.
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
It seems like destiny or fate is playing a role here by causing my emotions to twist and turn whenever I encounter you.
And I come running back for more
No matter how much I try, I can't resist coming back to you.
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
Even though there are times when I feel like I should hate you, deep down I know that I still love you.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Once again, you have put me in a difficult position where neither outcome seems ideal, and I am helpless as I struggle to make the right decision.
The devil and the deep blue sea
This phrase is used to describe a situation where a person has to choose between two undesirable options that are equally unappealing.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , S.A. MUSIC , Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAROLD ARLEN, TED KOEHLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind