You Took Adv. Of Me
Ruby Braff Lyrics

The lyrics to "You Took Advantage of Me" by the Ruby Braff / George Barnes Quartet depict a narrator who finds themselves in a vulnerable position after someone has taken advantage of their affection. The first few lines create a contrast between a girl who possesses a nurturing and caring heart, like that of a mother, and the limitations of who she can love. The singer reveals that they have developed affection for their horse, but horses are unreliable and often exhibit foolish behavior. The horse runs away, leaving the singer alone, which leads them to seek comfort and love elsewhere, ultimately finding solace in the person to whom the song is directed.

The second verse portrays the singer as a sentimental person, unable to resist falling in love. They acknowledge their lack of willpower and vulnerability, stating that the person they are in love with has taken advantage of this weakness. They compare themselves to an apple hanging on a tree branch, ready to be shaken down, indicating that they are easily manipulated. The chorus is repeated to emphasize the point that the singer's vulnerabilities have been exploited and that they are now powerless in the face of love.

The third verse expresses the singer's heightened emotional state whenever the person in question is around. They feel confused and disoriented, not being able to think straight. The suffering they experience intensifies when the person departs, indicating their strong attachment. The line "all my bridges burned" suggests that the singer has burned their metaphorical bridges in pursuit of this love, leaving them vulnerable and dependent. Despite this, the singer pleads for the person to lock the doors and claim them as their own, showing their willingness to submit and continue in this one-sided relationship.

Overall, "You Took Advantage of Me" explores the themes of vulnerability, manipulation, and the consequences of being taken advantage of in a relationship. It portrays a narrator who acknowledges their own weaknesses and inability to resist falling in love, ultimately being left feeling powerless and at the mercy of someone who has exploited their affections.