Flatt and Scruggs met as members of Bill Monroe's band, the Blue Grass Boys in 1946. They both left that band early in 1948, and within a few months had formed their own group, the Foggy Mountain Boys. Scruggs' banjo style and Flatt's vocals gave them a distinctive sound that won them many fans. In 1955 they became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Many of the songs on their albums are credited to "Certain and Stacey". These were in fact written by Flatt and Scruggs and various other members of the Foggy Mountain Boys. Certain and Stacey are the maiden names of the wives of Flatt and Scruggs. Louise Certain, wife of Earl Scruggs and Gladys Stacey, wife of Lester Flatt.
Scruggs, who had always shown progressive tendencies, experimented on duets with saxophonist King Curtis and added songs by the likes of Bob Dylan to the group's repertoire. Flatt, a traditionalist, did not like these changes, and the group broke up in 1969. Following the breakup, Lester Flatt founded the Nashville Grass and Scruggs lead the Earl Scruggs Revue. Flatt died in 1979, while Scruggs continued to perform until his death in March 2012. Flatt and Scruggs were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985
Flatt & Scruggs may be best known however as the performers of "The Ballad of Jed Clampit" the theme song from the sixties television show "The Beverly Hillbillies". Flatt & Scruggs made cameo appearances on the "The Beverly Hillbillies" as well.
Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs 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
Ruby don't take your love to town
It wasn't me who started that old crazy Asian war
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chores
Yes it's true I'm not the man I used to be but Ruby I still need your company
[ banjo - dobro ]
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
Ruby don't take your love to town
She's leaving now cause I've 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
Ruby don't take your love to town
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town for God sakes turn around
The song "Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town" by Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of a disabled veteran pleading with his girlfriend to stay with him. The song is told from the perspective of the veteran who can no longer physically satisfy his partner's needs. He observes her getting ready to go out, paints her lips, and rolls her hair. He begs her not to leave him but she doesn't listen, leaving with the door slamming shut behind her. The veteran's frustration and anger build, as he imagines shooting her with his gun.
The song is a commentary on the long-term effects of the Vietnam War on American soldiers and their families. The veteran's physical disability is a metaphor for the psychological trauma and emotional scars that countless soldiers returned home with. The song has resonated with audiences worldwide, as it speaks to the universal themes of love, loneliness, and the human cost of war.
The song was written by Mel Tillis and was originally recorded by Johnny Darrell in 1967. However, it was Flatt and Scruggs' version that became a hit and has endured over time. The duo's signature bluegrass sound, complete with the twangy dobro and banjo, adds to the emotional resonance of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair
You've made an effort to appear attractive and desirable by putting on make-up and styling your hair.
Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere
Ruby, are you considering leaving or going out for the evening?
The shadow on the wall tells me the sun is going down
I can sense the time of day is changing by the movement of the shadow on the wall indicating the sun is setting.
Ruby don't take your love to town
Please don't cheat on me or leave me for someone else, Ruby.
It wasn't me who started that old crazy Asian war
I didn't start the war in Asia, which I consider to be unreasonable and insane.
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chores
Despite not agreeing with the war, I felt a sense of duty to serve my country and do my part as a citizen.
Yes it's true I'm not the man I used to be but Ruby I still need your company
I may not be as capable or physically strong as I once was, but I still love and rely on you for companionship and support, Ruby.
[ banjo - dobro ]
Instrumental break in the song incorporating the picking and strumming of the banjo and dobro.
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralized
It can be difficult to love someone who is physically disabled, with legs that are bent and paralyzed.
And the wants and the needs of a woman your age Ruby I realize
I understand that your needs and desires as a woman of your age may be different from mine and possibly harder to fulfill due to my physical condition.
But it won't be long I've heard them say until I'm not around
I've heard people say it won't be long before I pass away due to my condition or other factors, potentially leaving you alone, Ruby.
Ruby don't take your love to town
I'm pleading with you once again not to leave me, Ruby.
She's leaving now cause I've just heard the slamming of the door
I can tell that you're leaving right now because I've heard the sound of the door slamming shut behind you.
The way I know I've heard it slam one hundred times before
The sound of the slamming door is familiar to me, as I've heard it many times in the past when you've left before, Ruby.
And if I could move I get my gun and put her in the ground
If I were physically able to, I would use my gun to kill you for leaving me, Ruby.
Ruby don't take your love to town
Once again, I implore you not to cheat on me or leave me for someone else, Ruby.
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town for God sakes turn around
Please, Ruby, turn around and come back to me. Don't leave me alone and heartbroken.
Contributed by Emma L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.