The song "Stick-Up" by Honey Cone tells the story of a woman who has been emotionally and metaphorically robbed by a deceitful and manipulative lover. The lyrics use the metaphor of a stick-up, referring to the act of robbery, to describe how this man stole her love. In the beginning, the woman describes how this man came into her life, seemingly hungry for love and sweetly pursuing her. However, he turned out to be a devil in disguise, fooling her heart and leading her into darkness. The line "hold up!" signifies her shock and realization of his true intentions. The chorus repeats the phrase "Stick-up, highway robbery" to emphasize the severity and impact of this emotional theft. It compares the situation to grand larceny and felony, highlighting the depth of her heartbreak. The lyrics then describe the man as a thief in the night who not only stole her love but also her mind. The singer suggests that breaking hearts should be considered a crime. Despite the pain he caused, she plans to set a trap for him, intending to confront him with the fact that she is carrying his child. The song's chorus is repeated, emphasizing the woman's plea for help and reinforcing the idea that her love was stolen from her. The use of phrases like "boom-boom, shakalaka" adds a catchy and energetic element to the song. Overall, "Stick-Up" tells a story of betrayal and heartbreak. It highlights the pain and deceit experienced in a toxic relationship, while expressing the singer's determination to take control of the situation and seek justice for herself.
