Heavily influenced by American rock & roll, Mitchell (who went solo in 1963) has often recorded outside France, at first in London, but later in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee. Guitarist Jimmy Page and drummer Bob Graham were among the British session musicians who regularly supported him in London.
au pays bleu
Eddy Mitchell Lyrics
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Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere?
The shadows on the wall tell 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
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed
And the wants and needs of a woman your age really 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 heard its slams one hundred times before
And if I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Oh Ruby, for God's sake, turn around
Eddy Mitchell's song "Au Pays Bleu" tells the story of a disabled war veteran named Ruby and his wife. Ruby is unable to walk and has to rely on crutches to move around. As the song starts, Ruby's wife is getting ready to go out, and he feels left behind. He wants her to stay with him, as he feels he needs someone by his side. However, she ultimately chooses to leave and go out without him, and he becomes resentful.
Throughout the song, it is clear that there is tension between Ruby and his wife. He knows that it is hard for her to be with a man who cannot walk, and he can sense that she wants to leave him. Ruby, in turn, is worried that she will leave and he will end up alone. He expresses his fear that he will not be around for much longer, alluding to his condition. Ruby's desperation to keep his wife close and his fear of abandonment are at the heart of the song.
Mitchell's song is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the challenges that come with disability. Ruby's story is one that rings true for many disabled veterans, who often struggle with the physical and emotional fallout of war. The song is a reminder that love can be complicated, and that sometimes even the strongest relationships can struggle to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair
You have put on lipstick, and styled your hair.
Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere?
Ruby, are you thinking of leaving the house?
The shadows on the wall tell me the sun is going down
The shadows indicate that the sun is setting.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please do not go out tonight, Ruby.
It wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war
I did not start the war in Asia.
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore
I was happy to serve my country in the war.
And yes, it's true that I'm not the man I used to be
I am no longer the person I once was.
Oh Ruby, I still need some company
Ruby, I still want you to stay with me.
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed
It is difficult to love someone who is crippled.
And the wants and needs of a woman your age really I realize
I understand that you have desires and needs, Ruby.
But it won't be long, I've heard them say, until I'm not around
I have heard that I will not be alive for much longer.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please stay with me tonight, Ruby.
She's leaving now cause I just heard the slamming of the door
I hear the door slamming, indicating that she is leaving.
The way I know I heard its slams one hundred times before
I have heard this sound many times before.
And if I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground
If I could, I would shoot her.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please do not leave me, Ruby.
Oh Ruby, for God's sake, turn around
Please come back to me, Ruby, I beg of you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MEL TILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind