Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Ralph Sharon 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 Ralph Sharon's "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" speak of a difficult decision that the singer has to make regarding their love interest. The first line, "I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you," suggests that the person is torn between two options - staying with this person they don't want, or losing them altogether. They feel trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea, representing two equally challenging or dangerous options.
As the song progresses, the singer admits that they are forgiving the person they don't want to be with because they cannot forget them. The repetition of the line "you've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea" further emphasizes the singer's feeling of being trapped and unable to make a choice. The following lines express how the singer knows they should let go of this person but is unable to resist when they come knocking.
The final line of the song repeats the theme of feeling stuck between two undesirable options. The devil symbolizes the difficult choice the singer has to make, and the deep blue sea represents the unknown, which is just as daunting. Together, they represent the singer's ongoing struggle to navigate their feelings and make the right decision.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I don't necessarily desire to be with you, but I dread the thought of not having you in my life anymore
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
You're putting me in a precarious and uncomfortable position, where neither option seems favorable
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
I excuse your actions because I still have strong feelings for you that I can't shake off
I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life and move on without you
But when you come a-knocking at my door
But every time you show up, seeking my attention or affection
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
Destiny seems to play with my emotions, making me feel conflicted
And I come running back for more
And I always end up returning to you, even if it's against my better judgment
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
I know I should harbor negative feelings towards you, but I suppose deep down I still care for you
The devil and the deep blue sea
This is an idiom referring to a situation where a person has to choose between two equally challenging and unwanted options.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, S.A. MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind