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Raised On Robbery Tab

by Joni Mitchell


raised on robbery: joni mitchell

: 013331
:  032010
:  133211
:  3X0003

he was sittin’ in the lounge of the empire hotel
he was drinkin’ for diversion, he was thinkin’ for himself
a little money ridin’ on the maple leafs
along comes this lady in sleeves

she says

let me sit down, you know,
                     
drinkin’ alone’s a shame,
it’s a shame, it’s a cryin’ shame
                                             
look at those jokers glued to that damn hockey game


hey, honey, you got lots of cash,
bring us ‘round a bottle and we’ll have some laughs
                                           
gin’s what i’m drinkin’; i was raised on robbery

she says,
                                               
i’m a pretty good cook, sittin’ on my groceries
                                               
come up to my kitchen, i’ll show you my best recipes
  
i try and i try, but i can’t save a cent
i’m up after midnight cookin’ tryin’ to make my rent
                                              
i’m rough but I’m pleasin’; i was raised on robbery

----

   
we had a little money once,
                                         
they were pushin’ through a four lane highway
                   
government gave us three thousand dollars,
                            
you shoulda seen it fly away

                  
first he bought a fifty-seven Biscayne, he put it in the ditch
he drunk up all the rest, that son of a bitch
                                           
his blood’s bad whiskey; i was raised on robbery

             
you know you ain’t bad lookin’,
                             
i like the way you hold your drinks
     
come home with me honey,
                                      
i ain’t askin’ for no full-length mink


	hey, where you goin’?
don’t go yet, your glass ain’t empty and we just met
       
you’re mean when you’re loaded;
                    
i was raised on robbery

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