Raised On Robbery
Joni Mitchell · Court and Spark [2004]
He was drinking for diversion
He was thinking for himself
A little money riding on the Maple Leafs
Along comes a lady in lacy sleeves
She says...
"Let me sit down you know
Drinking alone's a shame
It's a shame, it's a crying shame
Look at those jokers
Glued to that damn hockey game
Hey honey - you've got lots of cash
Bring us down a bottle
And we'll have some laughs
Gin's what I'm drinking
I was raised on robbery
I'm a pretty good cook
I'm sitting on my groceries
Come up to my kitchen
I'll show you my best recipe
I try and I try but I can't save a cent
I'm up half the night cooking
Trying to make my rent
I'm rough but I'm pleasin'
I was raised on robbery
We had a little money once
They were pushing through a four lane highway
Government gave us three thousand dollars
You should have seen it fly away
First he bought a '57 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 looking
I like the way you hold your drinks
Come home with me honey
I ain't asking for no full-length mink
Hey, where you going...
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"
Raised On Robbery
Joni Mitchell's "Raised On Robbery" appears on her 2004 reissue of Court and Spark, a collection of previously unreleased material recorded during her 1970s sessions. The track exemplifies Mitchell's signature style, blending intricate fingerpicking with introspective lyrics that explore themes of resilience and the complexities of life's challenges. Recorded in the folk-rock genre, the song reflects her deep engagement with personal narrative and social observation, characteristic of her work from that era. As part of her extensive discography, this recording demonstrates her continued evolution as a songwriter and performer, offering listeners a rare glimpse into her creative process and the depth of her artistic vision.