Used To Be

Song Meaning

Olu Dara's "Used To Be," featuring Cassandra Wilson, is a wistful meditation on transformation within a relationship, a poignant exploration of how initial infatuation evolves into something deeper and more complex. The song's structure, a call-and-response between Dara and Wilson, emphasizes the shared experience of change while highlighting individual perspectives on its impact. The opening lines, "Used to be foxy, long legs carried my heart to you," immediately establish a sense of longing for a past state, a time when physical attraction and idealized images held sway. But Wilson's interjections hint at a reciprocal journey, a shared exploration of the self within the context of the relationship: "You took me swimmin' in the neverending sea of you." The recurring question, "What happened to my ruby?" serves as a central metaphor for lost preciousness. The ruby, a symbol of passion, beauty, and perhaps even innocence, is juxtaposed with the image of an apple transforming into apple pie. This shift signifies a move away from raw, untamed desire toward something more comforting and familiar. The apple pie represents a domesticated love, warmed and seasoned by shared experiences. It's less about the initial spark and more about the enduring warmth that sustains a long-term connection. However, the most compelling aspect of "Used To Be" lies in its ambiguity. While there's a palpable sense of nostalgia for what was, there's also an acceptance, even an embrace, of the present. The lines "Used to be an apple, now you an apple pie, warmer" suggest that the transformation, while bittersweet, ultimately leads to a deeper, more satisfying love. The ending affirmations—"And now you my baby"—underscore the enduring bond, indicating that while the relationship has undoubtedly changed, it remains a source of profound connection and comfort. The song meaning, therefore, isn't simply about loss, but about the beautiful, often unexpected, ways love adapts and endures over time.