Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Latin Rascals Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh Lord

Baby, do you understand now?
Sometimes I feel a little mad
And don't you know that no one alive can always be an angel?
When things go wrong I seem to be bad

I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Oh Lord

If I seem edgy, I want you to know
That I never mean to take it out on you
Life has its problems and I got my share
That's one thing I never meant to do
Because I love you

Baby, don't you know I'm just human
And I got thoughts like any other man
And sometimes I find myself long regretting
The foolish things, the foolish things I've done

I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood (don't let me be misunderstood)
Oh Lord
(Don't let me be misunderstood)

I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood (don't let me be misunderstood)
(Don't let me be misunderstood)
Oh Lord

Don't let me be misunderstood
Don't let me be misunderstood
No, no, no, no...
(Don't let me be misunderstood)




Oh Lord
Oh Lord

Overall Meaning

The Latin Rascals's "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" is a song that speaks about the complexities of human emotions and how they can often lead to being misunderstood by others. The singer expresses their fear of not being understood by their partner. They ask if their partner can empathise with their emotional outbursts and understand that they are not always in control of their feelings. They admit that they are not perfect and can often be bad when things go wrong. The singer's intention is only to seek compassion and understanding, and they fear being misunderstood and misinterpreted in their actions.


The chorus of the song is particularly significant, as it repeats the phrase, "I'm just a soul whose intentions are good, Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood." The lyrics essentially plead with God not to let the singer's true intentions be misinterpreted by those around them. The singer acknowledges that they are not perfect, but they hope that others can see the good in them and not judge them based on their occasional poor behaviour. Overall, the song is a plea for empathy, understanding, and acceptance.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh Lord
Addressing a higher power for understanding and guidance.


Baby, do you understand now?
Asking if the other person comprehends the singer's current emotional state.


Sometimes I feel a little mad
Admitting to experiencing emotions that might seem irrational to others.


And don't you know that no one alive can always be an angel?
Humans are not perfect beings and will make mistakes or act inappropriately sometimes.


When things go wrong I seem to be bad
The singer acknowledges having a harder time dealing with difficult situations and might react negatively as a result.


I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Contrasting the negative actions or behaviors with the underlying positive intent or motive.


Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Making a plea to avoid being misjudged or wrongly interpreted by others.


If I seem edgy, I want you to know
Explaining that the singer might appear tense, anxious or even hostile, but the other person should not take it personally.


That I never mean to take it out on you
Clarifying that the singer's mood or behavior is not a result of animosity towards the other person.


Life has its problems and I got my share
Acknowledging personal difficulties or challenges that can affect the singer's attitude or mood.


That's one thing I never meant to do
Not intending to burden or hurt the other person with their problems.


Because I love you
Affirming the positive feeling towards the other person, despite the difficulties.


Baby, don't you know I'm just human
Reiterating the point that humans are inherently flawed and susceptible to emotional outbursts or lapses in judgment.


And I got thoughts like any other man
Admitting to having inner dialogue or mental struggles, which is a common experience for people.


And sometimes I find myself long regretting
Reflecting on past mistakes or actions that bring feelings of shame or guilt.


The foolish things, the foolish things I've done
Admitting to making choices that were not wise in hindsight or caused unnecessary problems.


Don't let me be misunderstood
Repeating the main request, to avoid being misinterpreted or judged harshly.


No, no, no, no...
Emphasizing the importance of the message and the fear of being misunderstood.




Contributed by Elizabeth N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Steve C

This song is da bomb!!  I got this on 12" Vinyl, too. I will most certainly be breaking this one out and dustin' it off to jam to this weekend.  I love this mix.  tks for posting.

Mini Ramos

❤️ this version right here, this is da shit no better jam than this

Hector Busa

Yeah, and you are accurate. Thanks! Glad you enjoy it!!

Chris Imperial

Thank you for posting this version. It's my favorite and quite hard to find. Much appreciated! :)

Hector Busa

That is accurate Chris, this is also my favorite version which is a rare one to find. Glad you enjoyed it.

Calicaszep15 -15

Great reminds with friends from youth club during 1990 working and hanging around the city.....very grateful with this version and have a great Christmas 2017....

Hector Busa

Awesome!! That is my favorite version of that song...thanks for your comments!!

DanielDeSousa95

I Love This Version! I Have The Same 12"!!!!!

d jones

yeah this is the best version .. luckily I have it on a rare dj cd I got a few years back .. this sounds kickass in the car

JPerez9011

+d jones Hell yeah it does. I was turning heads today going to school. I rode by Newport Center in Jersey City at around 5 pm with the sunroof open. This song still kicks ass.

More Comments

More Versions