Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Soulful Struggles: Yusuf's Plea for Understanding
Lyrics
People, do you understand me now,
Expressing a desire for understanding from others.
If sometimes I feel a little mad
Acknowledging occasional feelings of anger or frustration.
Don't you know no one alive can
Asserting that nobody is perfect and flawless.
Always be an angel
Highlighting the imperfection of always being an angel.
When things go wrong I seem a little sad
Admitting to appearing sad when things go wrong.
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Stating good intentions despite external appearances.
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Pleading with the Lord not to be misunderstood.
You know sometimes, I'm so carefree
Sharing moments of carefree joy.
With a joy that's hard to hide
Expressing difficulty hiding genuine happiness.
Sometimes seems that all I have is worry
Acknowledging worries that sometimes overshadow joy.
And then you're bound to see my other side
Expecting others to see a different, worrisome side.
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Reiterating good intentions despite worries.
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Pleading for understanding from the Lord.
If I seem edgy, I want you to know
Explaining edginess without intending harm.
That I never mean to take it out on you
Clarifying that frustration is not directed at others.
Life has its problems and I get more
Recognizing life's problems and acknowledging a share of them.
Than my share
Admitting to receiving more than a fair share of problems.
But that's one thing I never mean to do
Ensuring that causing harm is not intentional.
I don't mean it
Reiterating the lack of intentional harm.
People, don't you know I'm only human
Asserting humanity with inherent faults.
Don't you know I have faults like any one
Acknowledging personal imperfections common to everyone.
But sometimes I find myself alone regretting
Expressing regret for small, foolish actions.
Some little thing; some foolish thing
Reflecting on specific regrettable moments.
That I have done,
Conveying a sense of solitude in regret.
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Reiterating good intentions despite regrets.
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Seeking understanding and mercy from the Lord.
Don't let me be misunderstood
Repeating the plea not to be misunderstood.
I'm just someone whose intentions are good
Affirming good intentions in general.
Don't let me be misunderstood,
Reiterating the plea not to be misunderstood.
Don't let me be misunderstood
Final plea not to be misunderstood.
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