Tickle Tickle Ego Stroke

Erykah Badu “Turn Me Away (Get Munny)”

On the surface, “Turn Me Away (Get Munny)” sounds light and affectionate, flirty and uncomplicated. This is the image the character in the song wants to project as she attempts to insinuate herself into a rich man’s life, doing anything necessary to stake a claim to his economic stability. Badu’s words aren’t flattering or particularly empathetic — it’s more of a caricature than a character study — so the emphasis is mainly on this woman’s calculation and desperation. It’s a cynical song about a cynical person, but the bitterness is cut by the wicked humor in Badu’s lyrics and the sweetness of its melodies. It’s a musical honey trap.

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