[2] Los Angeles Times music critic Robert Hilburn explains that although the lyrics are provocative, they are "camouflaged enough" for AM radio, for example by using a cooking metaphor.

[3] "Raised on Robbery" has a strophic structure with a refrain at the end of each verse and a four-line introduction section to describe the setting and characters.

[2] Fellow Allmusic critic Jason Ankeny stated that "Raised on Robbery" " offers an acutely funny look at the predatory environment of the singles bar scene.

"[3] Tallahassee Democrat critic Bud Newman claimed that it was the only song on Court and Spark that "comes right out and grabs you, holding you captive to the lyric and the musical package.

"[8] Record World said that "Joni goes for a boogie-woogie beat, tight '30s harmonies and great instrumental backup on her spectacular new single entry.