One of the most innovative and popular bluegrass groups of the 1960s and 1970s, the band took their music into new directions and gained a large audience. Among their most notable achievements were their pioneering, inventive use of amplification, twin harmony banjos, double-tracked vocals, steel guitars, and drums. They were the first bluegrass group to expand the genre's sonic palette in such a fashion.
In 2005 Sonny Osborne retired, owing to a shoulder injury, and Bobby continued to tour as Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press.
In addition to "Rocky Top," the brothers' hit records include "Making Plans," "Up This Hill and Down," "Midnight Flyer," "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Muddy Bottom," "Tennessee Houndog," "Georgia Pineywoods," "Roll Muddy River," "The Kind of Woman I Got," and "Ruby (Are You Mad At Your Man)."
Ruby Are You Mad
Osborne Brothers Lyrics
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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
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
The Osborne Brothers’ “Ruby Are You Mad” is a lament about a woman who is difficult to understand and who causes the singer both joy and heartache. The song begins with the singer acknowledging that Ruby is an enigma and that he knows he may be hurt by her, but he cannot help his feelings for her. He compares her to a dream, suggesting that she is elusive and difficult to understand. Despite this, he cannot resist her, indicating that there is something compelling about her that draws him to her. As the song goes on, the singer continues to grapple with his feelings for Ruby, comparing her to a song and a flame, but ultimately cannot deny his attraction to her.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of tension between the singer’s desire for Ruby and his fear of getting hurt by her. He acknowledges that Ruby may not be what she seems, and that her actions may cause him pain. Despite this, he cannot help but be drawn to her, and in the end, succumbs to her allure. The song is a complex exploration of desire, attraction, and the risks that come with falling in love.
Line by Line Meaning
They say, Ruby you're like a dream
People talk highly of you, Ruby. They think you are perfect and almost unreal, like a dream.
Not always what you seem
However, they also doubt your sincerity or genuine feelings, implying that you may be hiding your true self and intentions.
And though my heart may break when I awake
Although it would hurt me to find out that the image of perfection portrayed by you is false, and you are not what I expect, I understand it would be better to know the truth.
Let it be so
I have accepted the fact that you may not be perfect, and I am willing to deal with it and still care for you.
I only know, Ruby, it's you
No matter what others say, I believe that you are the one I truly want and love, Ruby.
They say, Ruby you're like a song
People also describe you, Ruby, like a song, with an effortless beauty and an inherent melody that enchant others.
You don't know right from wrong
However, they also caution me that you may not have the best judgment and may not know what is right or wrong.
And in your eyes I see heart aches for me
Despite your flaws, Ruby, I can sense that you have strong emotions for me and that your heart aches for my love and attention.
But from the start, who stole my heart?
Since the beginning, you captured my heart, Ruby, and I have been fascinated and attracted by you.
Ruby, it's you
There is no doubt that you are the reason why I feel this way, Ruby; you are the one who has taken my heart and captured my attention.
I hear your voice and I must come to you
When I hear your voice, Ruby, I feel compelled to go and be with you, to listen and talk to you, and share my feelings with you.
I have no choice what else can I do?
I feel like I have no control over my feelings and actions when it comes to you, Ruby; even though it is risky, I cannot help but love you and give in to my desire for you.
They say, Ruby you're like a flame
Others describe you, Ruby, like a flame, a powerful force that can either give warmth and comfort or burn and destroy everything around it.
Into my life you came
You entered my life, Ruby, unexpectedly, and brought an intense feeling of passion and excitement with you.
And though I should beware
Even if I am aware of the risks and potential consequences of loving you, Ruby, I cannot resist the temptation and thrill of being with you.
Still I don't care you thrill me so
I am recklessly and blindly in love with you, Ruby, and I do not care about anything else as long as I feel the excitement and pleasure of being with you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HEINZ ROEMHELD, MITCHELL PARISH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@markrush5013
my wife's grandmother was named Ruby..she lived a hard life and was tough as nails. she was always sweet to me. rest in peace, Ruby.
@keeponcruisin7876
This is an absolute Gem!! I miss the 70s. Life was so much simpler.
@saltybear6117
Their dad would be so proud of them
@backtothebeatproductions
crankin