From “Annie Get Your Gun”, 1946
Words and music by Irving Berlin
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
I’ve had my way with so many girls
And it was lots of fun
My system was to know many girls
‘Twould keep me safe from one
I find it can’t be done
Refrain
My defenses are down
She’s broken my resistance
And I don’t know where I am
I went into the fight like a lion
But I came out like a lamb
My defenses are down
She’s got me where she wants me
And I can’t escape no how
I could speak to my heart when it weakened
But my heart won’t listen now
Like a toothless, clawless tiger
Like an organ grinder’s bear
Like a knight without his armor
Like Samson without his hair
My defenses are down
I might as well surrender
For the battle can’t be won
But I must confess that I like it
So there’s nothing to be done
Yes, I must confess that I like it
Being mis’rable is gonna be fun
Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: