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:
2000
4:21
#1

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Sit there and count your fingers
What can you do
Old girl you're through
Sit there, count your little fingers
Unhappy little girl blue.

Sit there and count the raindrops
Falling on you
It's time you knew
All you can ever count on
Are the raindrops
That fall on little girl blue

Won't you just sit there
Count the little raindrops
Falling on you
Cause it's time you knew
All you can ever count on
Are the raindrops
That fall on little girl blue

No use old girl
You might as well surrender
Cause your hopes are getting slender and slender
Why won't somebody send a tender blue boy
To cheer up little girl blue

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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: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS

Lyrics © DistroKid, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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.

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