Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
The Arcs & Dr. John Lyrics

The lyrics to The Arcs & Dr. John's song "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" convey a sense of being caught in a difficult situation, with conflicting choices and a feeling of being trapped. The phrase "between the devil and the deep blue sea" is an idiom that expresses being faced with two equally challenging options. The singer suggests that something has a hold on them, possibly referring to a personal struggle or addiction. The line "How many times that you bleed" suggests that they have been through difficult circumstances repeatedly.

The pre-chorus depicts the act of throwing rocks by the riverside, which seems to bring the river to life. It can be interpreted metaphorically as taking actions that the singer believes will bring change or a sense of vitality to their life. The line "Don't know how we survived" hints at the dangers and risks they have faced, further emphasizing the precariousness of their situation.

The chorus reflects a desire to move on and leave their current situation behind. The repetition of "moving on" signifies their determination to escape and find a better path. The line "Stickin' around is a hard way to go" underscores the difficulties they have faced in staying stagnant or remaining in a familiar but challenging environment.

In the second verse, the singer admits that they let the situation get ahead of them, possibly indicating that they made choices that worsened their predicament. The line "Took all the money just to push it away" implies that they have wasted resources or made self-destructive decisions that they now regret. The phrase "I [?]" suggests that there is an unresolved conflict or an incomplete thought, leaving the listener to interpret its meaning.

The outro of the song reflects a sense of resignation. The singer mentions pushing stones and watching them roll downhill repeatedly. This can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles they have faced and the cyclical nature of their circumstances. It suggests a feeling of helplessness and a repetition of mistakes or misfortunes.

Overall, "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" portrays a person caught between difficult choices, facing personal struggles, and seeking to break free from their current circumstances.