The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I don't want you
But I hate to lose you
You 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
I want to cross you off my list
But when you come knocking at my door
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
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
Is there anyone around who can not see
It's the well known runaround you're giving me
I suppose you'll tell me I'm all wrong
It's a bitter pill to take coming from you
Though I've made a big mistake
What Can I do?
I don't know what makes me string along
I should hate you
But I guess I love you
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
But I hate to lose you
You 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
I want to cross you off my list
But when you come knocking at my door
Fate seems to give my heart a twist
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
Is there anyone around who can not see
It's the well known runaround you're giving me
I suppose you'll tell me I'm all wrong
It's a bitter pill to take coming from you
Though I've made a big mistake
What Can I do?
I don't know what makes me string along
I should hate you
But I guess I love you
You've got me in between the devil and the deep blue sea
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Lyrics as written by Ted Koehler Harold Arlen
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, S.A. MUSIC, MUSIC.INFO FINLAND OY
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.