Master Manipulator
Bourbon Princess Lyrics


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If it makes you feel better
To put the blame on me
Go ahead
Go ahead and do it
After so many times
Trying to defend myself
It was really
It was really no use

You learned from the best
The master manipulator
You′re smooth but obvious
I'll let you believe it but I won′t fall for it

Tell them
Tell everyone
All the reasons I'm a louse
Spread the rumour
Tell the story if it keeps you in the crowd

Well, I'm not sorry that you miserable
′Cuz your misery′s not my fault
Don't wait for explanations
I don′t owe you anything
You owe me
You owe me

Can't look up to you any more
Can′t trust you or the things you say
But I can watch it all unfold
And in the end I'll come out OK

′Cuz you learned from the best
The master manipulator




You're smooth but obvious
I'll let you believe it but I won′t fall for it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bourbon Princess's song "Master Manipulator" reflect a sense of frustration and defiance towards someone who consistently tries to shift blame onto the singer. The opening lines suggest that the accuser finds solace in blaming the singer for various issues, and the singer gives permission to continue doing so if it brings them comfort. However, the repeated attempts to defend oneself have proven futile, emphasizing the unhealthy dynamic that has developed.


The second verse reveals that the accuser has learned from a skilled manipulator, someone who is adept at subtly controlling others. While the manipulator believes their tactics are smooth and cunning, the singer refuses to be ensnared by their actions and sees through their facade. The following section urges the accuser to freely spread rumors and tarnish the singer's reputation if it allows them to conform to societal expectations or maintain their popularity.


In the bridge, the singer asserts that they are not sorry for the accuser's misery, as they are not responsible for it. The accuser may be seeking explanations or apologies, but the singer denies owing them anything. Instead, the accuser owes the singer, suggesting a power shift and highlighting the imbalanced dynamic between the two.


The final lines reiterate that the singer can no longer admire or trust the accuser, nor believe their words. However, they emphasize the ability to observe the situation unfold and come out unaffected in the end. The singer acknowledges that the accuser has learned from a master manipulator but asserts their resilience in not succumbing to their tactics.


Line by Line Meaning

If it makes you feel better
If blaming me brings you satisfaction


To put the blame on me
To hold me responsible


Go ahead
Continue with your actions


Go ahead and do it
Go ahead and blame me


After so many times
After numerous attempts


Trying to defend myself
Trying to protect myself


It was really
It truly was


It was really no use
It was futile


You learned from the best
You learned from someone skilled


The master manipulator
A person adept at manipulating others


You're smooth but obvious
You act convincingly, but it's still apparent


I'll let you believe it but I won′t fall for it
I'll allow you to think you succeeded, but I won't be deceived


Tell them
Inform others


Tell everyone
Inform everyone


All the reasons I'm a louse
All the justifications for me being a despicable person


Spread the rumor
Disseminate the gossip


Tell the story if it keeps you in the crowd
Narrate the tale if it helps you fit in


Well, I'm not sorry that you miserable
I'm not apologetic that you're unhappy


′Cuz your misery's not my fault
Because your suffering isn't my responsibility


Don't wait for explanations
Don't anticipate receiving justifications


I don′t owe you anything
I'm not obligated to provide anything to you


You owe me
You are indebted to me


Can't look up to you anymore
Cannot admire you anymore


Can′t trust you or the things you say
Cannot have faith in you or your words


But I can watch it all unfold
But I can witness everything unravel


And in the end I'll come out OK
Ultimately, I'll be fine


′Cuz you learned from the best
Because you learned from someone skilled


The master manipulator
A person adept at manipulating others


You're smooth but obvious
You act convincingly, but it's still apparent


I'll let you believe it but I won′t fall for it
I'll allow you to think you succeeded, but I won't be deceived




Writer(s): Monique Ortiz

Contributed by Chase A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Monique Ortiz

This is excellent! I’m honored! 🙏🏼

Serge Gabéts

Thank you, Monique, for all your support, i'm really flattered! :)

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