Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Willie „The Lion“ Smith 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 song "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" by Willie "The Lion" Smith is a classic example of a love/hate relationship. The lyrics tell a story of a person who is torn between wanting to let go of someone who has hurt them, but finding it impossible to actually do so. The line "I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you" perfectly captures the feeling of being caught in between two extremes. The person knows that they should move on, but the thought of losing their lover is too much to bear.
The lyrics continue to describe the inner turmoil of this person, stating that they forgive their lover despite not being able to forget them. The repetition of the line "You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea" emphasizes the sense of being trapped, unable to escape the conflicting emotions. The person knows they should hate this lover who has caused them so much pain, but they cannot help but still love them. Despite wanting to cross this lover off their list, they find themselves running back for more.
Overall, the song "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" paints a vivid picture of the difficulties of letting go of a toxic relationship. It captures the raw emotions and indecision that often accompanies the desire to move on.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want you, but I'd hate to lose you
I don't desire you, but I don't want to part ways with you either.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
I am stuck in a difficult situation where there are two equally undesirable outcomes.
I forgive you, 'cause I can't forget you
I pardon you for your mistake, but I cannot erase you from my memory.
[Repeat: x2]
The below lines are repeated twice in the song.
I ought to cross you off my list
I should remove you from my life.
But when you come a-knocking at my door
But whenever you reach out to me.
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
It feels like destiny has a hold on my emotions and causes me to feel conflicted.
And I come running back for more
And I end up returning to you for another chance.
I should hate you, but I guess I love you
I should despise you, but I suppose I care for you.
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
I am trapped in a predicament where either choice leads to an unfavorable outcome.
The devil and the deep blue sea
A challenging situation with two tough alternatives.
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