Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

Nina Simone

About Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" is a song written by Bennie Benjamin, Horace Ott and Sol Marcus for the singer and pianist Nina Simone, who first recorded it in 1964. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" has been covered by many artists, most notably by The Animals, whose blues rock version of the song became a transatlantic hit in 1965. A 1977 four-on-the-floor disco rearrangement by disco group Santa Esmeralda was also a hit.


Year:
2006
2:44
51 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Baby, you understand me now?
If sometimes you see that I'm mad
Don'tcha 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 me 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, please

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Nina Simone

Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), better known by her stage name Nina Simone /ˈniːnə sɨˈmoʊn/, was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist widely associated with jazz music. Simone aspired to become a classical pianist while working in a broad range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop. more »

4 fans

Written by: Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, Sol Marcus

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, CHRIS-N-JEN MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" was written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, and Sol Marcus specifically for the iconic African-American singer, Nina Simone in 1964.
Nina Simone Version
Simone's original version was arranged in a slow, moody style that highlighted her rich, deep voice and serious message. It was included as the last track of her album "Broadway-Blues-Ballads".
Simone's Song Context
Nina Simone, known for her involvement in civil rights activism, has claimed the song to be a protest anthem. Its meaning can be interpreted as a plea for understanding and tolerance.
The Animals Version
A year after Simone's version, the British rock band The Animals covered the song. Their faster, rock-style version became a transatlantic hit in 1965, reaching the top three in the UK Singles Chart and top 15 in the United States Billboard Hot 100.
Animals' Influence
The Animals' rendition of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" greatly influenced many rock artists and inspired a number of covers. Fascinatingly, Bob Dylan, a legend in his own right, has frequently performed the song in his concerts.
Santa Esmeralda Version
In 1977, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" took on yet another persona when it was covered by the disco group Santa Esmeralda. The group's version combined elements of disco, funk, and Latin music, turning it into a dance favorite.
Santa Esmeralda's Hit
Santa Esmeralda's version is among the most famous renditions of the song globally, hitting No. 1 on the U.S. Disco chart, No. 15 on Billboard Hot 100, and No. 1 in several countries. This version is over 10 minutes long.
Cinema Popularity
The Santa Esmeralda version has been specifically chosen for several movie soundtracks due to its intense, dramatic vibe, including films like "Kill Bill: Volume 1" and "Blow".
Song Versatility
The track "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" has been rearranged in many styles over the years, proving its versatility and timeless appeal. It has been performed in jazz, soul, rock, and disco genres.
Cover Abundance
Apart from the three major interpretations, the song has been covered by many other notable artists, including Elvis Costello, Joe Cocker, and Cyndi Lauper, further establishing its enduring appeal in the industry.

Discuss the Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27139428/Nina+Simone/Don%27t+Let+Me+Be+Misunderstood>.

    Missing lyrics by Nina Simone?

    Know any other songs by Nina Simone? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

    183
    8     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Dennis DeYoung is more known as a member of which band?
    A Styx
    B Stryper
    C The Hollies
    D Air Supply

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Nina Simone tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

    »