The single was a major commercial disappointment, with no proper physical release and no music video shot. Similarly to Braxton's two previous singles from Libra, "Take This Ring" was shadowed by lack of promotion from her record company, Blackground Records, causing the single to miss the Billboard Hot 100. Moreover, it debuted at number twenty-three on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles in November 2005 based on radio airplay only, peaking at number twelve three months later, but did not manage to jump to the main chart. The song also reached number seventy-eight on Japanese radio station J-Wave's Tokio Hot 100 airplay chart the week of November 27, 2005.
Take This Ring
Toni Braxton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The moment all there, yeah
My girls waitin outside
High heels, tight dress
Moves that say hi
Don't even say goodbye
I remember once upon a time
Would never ever
Do anything
To hurt you, oh yeah
But tonight I'm gonna
[Chorus:]
I'mma take this ring off
Take this ring off my, my finger
Take this ring off
Take this ring off my, my left hand
Get my thing off
Get my thing all the way off yeah
That's what I'mma do
That's what I'mma do
That's what I'mma do
That's what I'mma do
Don't tell nobody, no
Don't tell nobody, oh no
Don't tell nobody, yeah
Late night, I'm feelin nice
Tryin to make sure we, we can be alone
So I stepped out to party
Headed up to his place
Feels so right
Just cant be wrong
I remember once upon a time
When, when I
Would never ever
Do anything
To hurt you, oh yeah
But tonight I'm gonna
Tonight I'm gonna yeah
[Chorus]
That's what I'mma do (x 20)
Don't tell nobody, oh
Don't tell nobody, yeah
Don't tell nobody, yeah
Don't tell nobody
Don't tell nobody
I remember once upon a time
When, when I
I would never ever
Do anything
To hurt you
Do anything
To hurt you
Do anything
To hurt you
And I'm so sorry baby
But tonight I'm gonna
[Chorus]
That's what I'mma do (x 20)
Don't tell nobody, oh
Don't tell nobody, yeah
Don't tell nobody, yeah
Don't tell nobody
Don't tell nobody
I remember once upon a time
When, when I
I would never ever
Do anything
To hurt you
Do anything
To hurt you
Do anything
To hurt you
And I'm so sorry baby
But tonight I'm gonna
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Toni Braxton's song "Take This Ring" suggest that the singer is considering infidelity. She is getting ready to go out with her girls, dolling up with lipstick and perfume, and putting on a tight dress and high heels. The moment feels right as she heads to his place. She admits that she would never do anything to hurt her partner, but tonight, she is going to take off her wedding ring and get her "thing all the way off." The chorus repeats her decision to remove the ring and do what she wants, while the ending of the song features the same verse, but with an added apology.
The lyrics indicate a complex and emotional situation. The singer is conflicted about her actions, acknowledging that she is about to do something that would harm her partner. Still, she cannot resist the temptation of the moment. The song resonates with anyone who has struggled to restrain themselves from doing something they knew was wrong. It also speaks to the idea that sometimes, our desires can cloud our judgment, and we must navigate our emotions with care.
Line by Line Meaning
Lipstick, perfume
Getting all dolled up to go out on the town
The moment all there, yeah
Feeling confident and ready to make a move
My girls waitin outside
Having backup and support for whatever happens
High heels, tight dress
Dressing to impress and show off some curves
Moves that say hi
Flirting without even saying a word
Don't even say goodbye
Leaving without a second thought
I remember once upon a time
When, when I
Would never ever
Do anything
To hurt you, oh yeah
Recalling a time when the singer would never consider cheating on her partner
But tonight I'm gonna
Breaking that promise and deciding to cheat on her partner
I'mma take this ring off
Take this ring off my, my finger
Take this ring off
Take this ring off my, my left hand
Get my thing off
Get my thing all the way off yeah
Removing her wedding ring and getting ready to sleep with someone else
Don't tell nobody, no
Don't tell nobody, oh no
Don't tell nobody, yeah
Keeping her actions a secret from her partner and others
Late night, I'm feelin nice
Tryin to make sure we, we can be alone
So I stepped out to party
Headed up to his place
Feels so right
Just cant be wrong
Going out late at night to find someone to be with, and feeling confident that it is the right decision
And I'm so sorry baby
Feeling remorseful for what she is about to do
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICH HARRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind