Singer/keyboardist Booker Newberry III was a m… Read Full Bio ↴Biography by Ed Hogan
Singer/keyboardist Booker Newberry III was a member of mid-'70s soul groups Sweet Thunder ("Baby I Need Your Love Today") and Impact.
Born January 19, 1956, in Youngstown, OH, Newberry began his professional singing career in the group Mystic Nights around 1971. Moving to Philadelphia, PA, he became the lead singer of the band Sweet Thunder, which also included drummer John Aaron, bassist Rudell Alexander, and guitarist Charles Buie. Signing with Philly-based label WMOT Records, the group's single, "Baby I Need Your Love Today" b/w "I Don't Care What You Say," stirred interest and was picked up for distribution by Berkeley, CA-based Fantasy Records. The group recorded three LPs, Above The Clouds (1976), Sweet Thunder (1978), and Horizons (1979, listed the single "I Leave You Stronger," which went to number 63 R&B in late 1979). Newberry joined another WMOT Records group, Impact, who is best known for the dance hits "Give a Broken Heart a Break" and "Rainy Days Stormy Nights." The singer signed with Neil Bogart's Casablanca Records in 1983 and his single "Love Town" was a Top 20 U.K. hit. The Love Town LP was issued the same year. He has also recorded for Malaco Records and Omni Records (the LP Take a Piece of Me).
All Music Booker Newberry III Biography
Love Town
Booker Newberry III Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere
The shadow on the wall tells me the sun is going down
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
It wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore
And yes it's true that I'm not the man I used to be
Oh Ruby, I still need some company
And the wants and the needs of a woman your age Ruby I realize
But it won't be long I've heard them say until I'm not around
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
She's leaving now 'cause I just heard the slamming of the door
The way I know I've heard it slam one hundred times before
And if I could move I get my gun and put her in the ground
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town
Oh Ruby for God's sakes turn around, turn around
Get back in here, you're not single anymore
Where the fuck do you think you're going?
The song "Love Town" by Booker Newberry III is a bittersweet ballad that portrays the story of a man named Ruby who was left disabled after going to war. The singer of the song depicts Ruby's inner thoughts and emotions as he watches his partner get ready for a night out, fearing that she may leave him for good. The lyrics are deep and speak about the singer's past and how he had to go to the war, leaving behind his lover. The chorus "Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town" begs the character to stay with him and not to abandon their love. The phrase "don't take your love to town" is used as a metaphor for leaving or giving up on a relationship.
The lyrics are emotional and bring out the sadness and bleakness of the situation, with lines like "It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed," and "But it won't be long I've heard them say until I'm not around." The song captures the harsh reality of war and how it leaves people damaged physically and emotionally, affecting the lives of those closest to them. The story concludes with the sound of the door slamming, indicating that Ruby has left, and the singer's frustration is visible as he curses Ruby in the last line.
Line by Line Meaning
You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair
You have applied make-up and styled your hair, signs of you getting ready to go out.
Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere
You seem to be considering going out somewhere, Ruby.
The shadow on the wall tells me the sun is going down
The lengthening shadows on the wall remind me that the day is ending.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please don't leave me and find someone else, Ruby.
It wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war
I was not responsible for the war we fought in Asia.
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore
However, I was proud to do my duty as a patriotic citizen.
And yes it's true that I'm not the man I used to be
I acknowledge that I am no longer the same person I once was.
Oh Ruby, I still need some company
Despite my condition, Ruby, I still need someone to be with me.
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed
I understand that loving a man who is unable to move his legs can be challenging.
And the wants and the needs of a woman your age Ruby I realize
I know that someone your age, Ruby, has certain desires and expectations.
But it won't be long I've heard them say until I'm not around
I've heard rumors that I don't have much time left in this world.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Before I go, please promise me you won't leave me for someone else.
She's leaving now 'cause I just heard the slamming of the door
I hear Ruby leaving because I heard a door slam shut.
The way I know I've heard it slam one hundred times before
I recognize the sound because I've heard it many times before.
And if I could move I get my gun and put her in the ground
If I were able to move, I would use my gun to stop Ruby.
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town
Please don't leave me, Ruby.
Oh Ruby for God's sakes turn around, turn around
I plead with you, Ruby, to come back to me and not leave me.
Get back in here, you're not single anymore
You are still married to me, Ruby. Please come back.
Where the fuck do you think you're going?
What's your destination, Ruby? Why are you leaving me?
Contributed by Liliana H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DarthVader-hd3ni
One of the greatest songs I've ever heard. Utterly irresistible from start to finish.
@BaggieT
Do you listen to this whilst in the bacta tank?
@analuciazawitoskialves8381
@@BaggieTvocê chama essa música de isso, com certeza você não entende nada de música,,deve ouvir essas mela cueca por ai sofrência , e fank ,tem tem nenhum bom gosto musical.,vai ver a tradução dessa música depois você fala alguma coisa.
@KINGTUXonline
im today old only discovering this gem of a jam!!
@noraboy5863
So happy that I lived through the 1980s, the music of that decade was the best ever!
@deanrussell1234
i was born in 1983 best era for music
@denisespencer6550
Right on
@paulfrost8895
Along with the 70s.
@paulfrost8895
@dean russell From about 76 to 89 was the greatest period music wise ' disco' punk' new wave ' new romantics ' rock ' heavy metal ' even early house ' or old school rap wasn't so bad.
@paulinekuijf4755
Best music