Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra Lyrics


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I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
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
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" by Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra speak to a heart that is torn between two choices: giving up on a love that is no longer serving them or holding onto it despite the pain it causes. The singer acknowledges that they don't want the person they are with, but the fear of losing them puts them in a difficult position. They forgive their lover because they cannot forget them, and they find themselves caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.


The chorus repeats this sentiment, emphasizing the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape the situation. The singer knows that they should move on and remove their lover from their life, but every time they come back, fate twists their heart and they can't resist the temptation. The lyrics acknowledge the complexity of love and the difficulty of making rational choices when emotions are involved.


Overall, the song conveys a feeling of helplessness and confusion when it comes to matters of the heart. It speaks to the internal struggle of trying to do what is right for oneself while also being pulled towards someone who is not necessarily good for them.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I love you, but I cannot handle the pain you are putting me through.


You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You are forcing me to choose between two terrible choices.


I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
I keep forgiving you because I can't let go of my love for you.


I ought to cross you off my list
I know that I should forget you and move on.


But when you come a-knocking at my door
But every time you come back into my life,


Fate seems to give my heart a twist
My emotions are uncontrollable and unpredictable.


And I come running back for more
I cannot resist the temptation to be with you again.


I should hate you, but I guess I love you
I know I should hate you for what you've done, but I still love you anyway.


You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You are still making it impossible for me to choose a better path for myself.


The devil and the deep blue sea
I am stuck between two impossible and dangerous choices.




Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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