Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
The Latin Rascals Lyrics


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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 song "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" is a plea for understanding and acceptance. The lyrics speak of the struggles that come with being human and the difficult emotions that can sometimes arise. The singer asks their partner to realize that they are not perfect and are prone to mistakes, but their intentions are good. The chorus repeats the title phrase, "Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood," emphasizing this plea for understanding and love.


The first verse acknowledges the singer's imperfections and how they may sometimes come across as "bad" when things go wrong. The second verse highlights the fact that the singer is just human and has thoughts like any other person. They express regret for the mistakes they've made but want their partner to understand that they are coming from a place of love.


The song's message is universal and relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with being misunderstood or judged unfairly. It encourages empathy and understanding in relationships and the importance of seeing each other for who we truly are.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh Lord
Expression of plea for understanding and guidance from a higher power.


Baby, do you understand now?
Asking the listener if they can comprehend the singer's situation.


Sometimes I feel a little mad
Acknowledging that the singer can become emotionally overwhelmed at times.


And don't you know that no one alive can always be an angel?
Stating that no person can always act perfectly in every situation.


When things go wrong I seem to be bad
Acknowledging that the artist may not always react well to challenging circumstances.


I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Declaring that the singer has positive motives, despite any misunderstandings.


Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Requesting that the higher power protects the singer from being wrongly judged.


If I seem edgy, I want you to know
Informing the listener that the artist may appear tense or irritable.


That I never mean to take it out on you
Assuring the listener that the artist is not intentionally directing negative energy towards them.


Life has its problems and I got my share
Acknowledging that the artist has experienced their fair share of challenges in life.


That's one thing I never meant to do
Asserting that the singer never intended to harm the listener.


Because I love you
Expressing the artist's affection for the listener.


Baby, don't you know I'm just human
Reminding the listener that the singer is a fallible human being.


And I got thoughts like any other man
Asserting that the singer's thoughts are not unique, but rather a common element of humanity.


And sometimes I find myself long regretting
Admitting that the singer has regrets over past mistakes.


The foolish things, the foolish things I've done
Identifying the artist's past actions as imprudent and unwise.


Don't let me be misunderstood
Repeating the chorus to reiterate the artist's request for understanding and compassion.


No, no, no, no...
Repeating a negative response to emphasize that the singer does not want to be judged wrongly.




Contributed by Elizabeth N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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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.

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