Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
LIVING ROOM - Nina Simone Lyrics
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If sometimes you see that I'm mad
Don't you know that no one alive can always be an angel?
When everything goes wrong, you see some bad
But oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Oh, with a joy that's hard to hide
And then sometimes again it seems that all I have is worry
And then you're bound to see my other side
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
If I seem edgy
I want you to know
I never mean to take it out on you
Life has its problems
And I get more than my share
But that's one thing I never mean to do
'Cause I love you
Oh, baby, I'm just human
Don't you know I have faults like anyone?
Sometimes I find myself alone regretting some little foolish thing
Some simple thing that I've done
'Cause I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Don't let me be misunderstood
I try so hard, so please don't let me be misunderstood
No, no, no
The song "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" by Nina Simone is a plea for understanding and acceptance by a flawed and complex individual. The lyrics acknowledge that the singer's behavior and emotions can be confusing, and that there are times when she may seem angry or distant. However, she implores her partner to look beyond her surface-level reactions and understand that she is not always able to be her best self.
The first verse acknowledges that nobody can be perfect all the time, and that even the most positive and well-intentioned individuals can be prone to occasional lapses in judgment or behavior. The second verse provides a glimpse into the singer's inner world, acknowledging that she sometimes experiences profound joy and happiness but also struggles with anxiety and worry. The final verse is a reminder that the singer is only human and that she will inevitably make mistakes and do things that she regrets.
Overall, the message of the song is that the singer desires to be known and loved for who she truly is, flaws and all. She wants to be understood and accepted on a deep level by her partner, and is asking for patience and empathy as she navigates the ups and downs of human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, you understand me now?
Do you truly comprehend my behavior and emotions?
If sometimes you see that I'm mad
When I display anger or frustration
Don't you know that no one alive can always be an angel?
Even the most well-intentioned people can have negative emotions and reactions
When everything goes wrong, you see some bad
During difficult times, negativity may arise
But oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Despite my negative behaviors, my intentions are always positive
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
I hope that my actions are not misinterpreted as malicious
You know sometimes, baby I'm so carefree
At times, I exude merriment
Oh, with a joy that's hard to hide
My happiness is apparent
And then sometimes again it seems that all I have is worry
However, I also experience anxiety
And then you're bound to see my other side
This can lead to contrasting emotions
If I seem edgy
If I appear uneasy or on edge
I want you to know
I need you to understand
I never mean to take it out on you
I never intend to direct my frustrations towards you
Life has its problems
Difficulties are inherent in life
And I get more than my share
At times, I feel that I am burdened with more than my fair portion of issues
But that's one thing I never mean to do
Despite my struggles, I will never purposefully harm you
'Cause I love you
My affection for you is unwavering
Oh, baby, I'm just human
I am fallible, just as anyone else
Don't you know I have faults like anyone?
I possess shortcomings, as does everyone else
Sometimes I find myself alone regretting some little foolish thing
I ruminate on insignificant errors or missteps when I am by myself
Some simple thing that I've done
An easily correctable mistake that I have made
'Cause I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Regardless of my missteps, my outlook is positive
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
I don't want others to misconstrue my actions as malicious
Don't let me be misunderstood
Please understand my positive intentions
I try so hard, so please don't let me be misunderstood
I put in great effort towards conveying my good intentions
No, no, no
I earnestly hope that I am not misunderstood
Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE
Written by: Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, Sol Marcus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind