"Take Back Your Mink" is a song originally performed by Julie London in the Broadway musical "Guys and Dolls" by Frank Loesser. The song is sung by the character named Adelaide, who is a showgirl engaged to a gambler named Nathan Detroit. In the song, Adelaide is expressing her frustration with Nathan, who has been giving her expensive gifts such as mink, pearls, gowns, gloves, and hats. She realizes that these gifts were not gestures of love and appreciation but rather attempts to buy her loyalty and affection. Adelaide refuses to be treated like one of those "girls" who can be bought with material possessions. Adelaide sarcastically tells Nathan to take back his mink, pearls, gown, gloves, and hat, symbolically rejecting his attempts to control her with extravagant gifts. She asserts that although she may be in a difficult situation, she is not willing to compromise her self-respect and independence. The song conveys a message of empowerment and self-worth, as Adelaide decides to stand up for herself and demand more than material things from her relationship. It showcases her determination to break free from the manipulative dynamics in her relationship with Nathan. Overall, "Take Back Your Mink" is a humorous and defiant song that highlights Adelaide's realization of her own value and her refusal to be treated as an object.
