Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Simone (Nina) Lyrics


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Baby, you understand me now?
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
You know sometimes, baby I'm so carefree
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

Overall Meaning

In "Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", Nina Simone speaks about the difficulties of communicating one's intentions and emotions effectively, and the fear of being misunderstood. She acknowledges that she has different sides and moods, and that she can sometimes come across as edgy or angry, but it is never her intention to lash out or hurt those around her. She believes that everyone has faults and regrets, but her soul is pure, and her intentions are good. She pleads with God to help her not be misunderstood.


The lyrics show that despite one's best intentions, communication can be difficult, and sometimes people can be misinterpreted or judged unfairly. Simone is asking her loved ones to understand her complexity and accept her flaws. She recognizes that she is human, and that she has both joy and worry in her life. The song has a religious undertone as she asks for God's help not to be misunderstood, indicating her belief in a higher power who can guide her through life's challenges.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby, you understand me now?
Do you truly understand who I am?


If sometimes you see that I'm mad
If I ever seem angry or upset


Don't you know that no one alive can always be an angel?
No one is perfect all the time


When everything goes wrong, you see some bad
When things get tough, sometimes I might not act my best


But oh, I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
I have good intentions even if my actions don't always show it


Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
I hope you can see past my mistakes and understand me for who I truly am


You know sometimes, baby I'm so carefree
There are times when I feel happy and carefree


Oh, with a joy that's hard to hide
I can't help but feel really happy


And then sometimes again it seems that all I have is worry
But then there are other times when I feel anxious and worried


And then you're bound to see my other side
You might see a different side of me


If I seem edgy
If I seem nervous or anxious


I want you to know
I want you to understand


I never mean to take it out on you
I never intend to direct my frustration towards you


Life has its problems
Life is tough sometimes


And I get more than my share
I feel like I deal with more than my fair share of problems


But that's one thing I never mean to do
But I never mean to take it out on you


'Cause I love you
Because I care about you deeply


Oh, baby, I'm just human
I'm only human, I have my flaws


Don't you know I have faults like anyone?
Like everyone else, I have weaknesses


Sometimes I find myself alone regretting some little foolish thing
Sometimes I think back on small mistakes and feel bad about them


Some simple thing that I've done
Something minor that I did


'Cause I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Despite my flaws, I still have good intentions


Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
I hope you can see past my imperfections and understand me for who I truly am


Don't let me be misunderstood
Please don't judge me too harshly


I try so hard, so please don't let me be misunderstood
I put a lot of effort into being my best self, so I hope you can see that


No, no, no
I really mean it, please don't misunderstand me




Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE
Written by: Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, Sol Marcus

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@parisjonet

Baby, you understand me now
If sometimes you see that I'm mad
Don't you know no one alive can always be an angel?
When everything goes wrong, you see some bad

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

[Verse 2]
You know: sometimes, baby, I'm so carefree
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

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

[Bridge]
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


[Verse 3]
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

[Chorus]
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



@rogerrrubin

Baby you understand me now
If sometimes you see that I'm mad
Doncha know no one alive can always be an angel?
When everything goes wrong, you see some bad
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Ya know sometimes baby I'm so carefree
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



All comments from YouTube:

@fadoone

Came here to listen again the song after seeing the film, "Nobody," and this a wonderful song to hear!!

@amroahmed7991

same! great movie

@diarichards1853

Same here!

@ellam4415

SAME

@tarunagrawal8331

Same

@houssemmebarki8048

Same😅👌

515 More Replies...

@EarthWindandFirepower0990

WHO JUST HERE TO SIMPLY JUST HEAR MS.NINA SIMONE SING?

@walterburns6430

Since 63

@bigbadwolf5870

Is there another reason?

@madeenahqayyum9135

I luv her music & attitude! Nina inspires me, she sings from her soul.

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