Ruby
Jackie Gleason and His Orchestra Lyrics


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They say, Ruby you're like a dream
Not always what you seem
And though my heart may break when I awake
Let it be so
I only know, Ruby, it's you

They say, Ruby you're like a song
You don't know right from wrong
And in your eyes I see heart aches for me
But from the start, who stole my heart?
Ruby, it's you
I hear your voice and I must come to you
I have no choice what else can I do?

They say, Ruby you're like a flame
Into my life you came




And though I should beware
Still I don't care you thrill me so

Overall Meaning

The song "Ruby" by Jackie Gleason and Bobby Hackett is a classic love song that is written as a conversation between two people. The singer describes Ruby as like a dream, not always what she seems, but despite the potential for heartache, the singer is drawn to Ruby and can't resist her. The lyrics suggest that Ruby is unpredictable and may not always make the best choices, but that she has a powerful effect on the singer nonetheless. The line "from the start, who stole my heart?" indicates that from the first moment the singer saw Ruby, he was captivated by her and couldn't resist her charm.


Throughout the song, there is a sense of inevitability about the singer's love for Ruby. The repeated refrain of "it's you" reinforces the idea that the singer is powerless to resist Ruby's pull. Despite warning himself to be cautious and stay away from Ruby, he can't help but feel drawn to her. The emotional intensity of the song is heightened by the use of musical elements such as the mournful trumpet solo and the lush, romantic orchestration.


Line by Line Meaning

They say, Ruby you're like a dream
Many people speak of you, Ruby, as if you are a figment of my imagination come to life


Not always what you seem
You aren't always what you appear to be


And though my heart may break when I awake
Although I know that waking up from this wonderful dream may hurt me deeply


Let it be so
It is still worth it to experience this dream and I won't try to change it


I only know, Ruby, it's you
Regardless of anything else, I am sure that you are the one who fills my dreams


They say, Ruby you're like a song
People liken your presence to a melody that they can't help but listen to


You don't know right from wrong
You don't have a clear understanding of the right thing to do versus the wrong thing to do


And in your eyes I see heart aches for me
When I look in your eyes, I sense that you are experiencing pain related to your love for me


But from the start, who stole my heart?
From the beginning of our interactions, you managed to capture my heart without any effort


Ruby, it's you
I am convinced and have no doubt that you are the one for me


I hear your voice and I must come to you
As soon as I hear your voice, it is inevitable that I will seek you out


I have no choice what else can I do?
I am helpless to resist the pull of my love for you and must follow my heart's desire


They say, Ruby you're like a flame
People have described you, Ruby, as a passion that consumes me with an intense burning sensation


Into my life you came
You emerged into my life and changed it inextricably


And though I should beware
While I should certainly be wary of the risks, I cannot help but be consumed by my feelings for you


Still I don't care you thrill me so
Even though there are potential dangers, I am unconcerned because the intense attraction and pleasure that you give me are worth it




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HEINZ ROEMHELD, MITCHELL PARISH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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