The First Edition signed with Reprise Records and recorded the pop-psychedelic single "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)". Within a year, the group was billed as "Kenny Rogers and the First Edition" and in the summer of 1969, they once again hit the charts with "Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town" (US #6, UK #1).
Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town
The First Edition Lyrics
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Ruby, are you contemplating going out somewhere?
The shadow 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
The First Edition's song "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town" tells the story of a disabled Vietnam War veteran, who is unable to keep up with the needs and desires of his girlfriend, Ruby. The song's lyrics address the complexities of love and loyalty in the context of war and disability. The man's physical limitations have created an emotional distance between him and Ruby, causing her to explore other options. The man is left begging her not to leave him, knowing he cannot give her what she may need in a relationship.
The lyrics convey a sense of bitterness, resentment, and desperation, as the man's love for Ruby is unable to hold her attention. The song paints a picture of a wounded soldier, both physically and emotionally, struggling to come to terms with the reality of his life. It highlights the debilitating effects of war, not only on the battlefield but also on the homefront.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MEL TILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@geminikb
I’m going down a Kenny Rogers rabbit hole… and it’s so fun. I knew all his hits when I was a kid. Knew the words to all but this one. It was over my head as a kid. I think this is the first time I really listened to the verses. What a great but sad song.
I was reading his Wikipedia
page and found he was on TV and In movies. I had no idea. Definitely want to see what I can find on YT regarding that.
I listened to him when I was pretty young. It was my Dad’s music. So yeah I knew the songs, but being and 80’s/90’s kid, I got into my own, much different music from my parents (though Jethro Tull
Is my favorite band—-and I gave my mom such a hard time about her “old fogie” music. Come to think of it, I listen to tons of great music from the 60’s/70’s. Ok. Tangent over.)
Im so glad to have rediscovered KR. Gotta add some of his songs to my favorites playlist.
@swerne01
Whoever that female singer doing harmony is is off the charts. What a wonderful voice.
@d.owczarzak6888
Mary Arnold.
@matthewyost7930
The lady's name is Mary Arnold, who replaced her roommate Thelma Camacho as the female vocal on this album.
@uselessjoe
there's a video of her with the Grass Roots, and her tambourine, performing "Sooner or Later" on youtube too...and she was married to "King of the Road"...aka Roger Miller
@smithchris1955
NICE LEGGS TOO
@susanrichardson6644
I believe Mary Arnold became Mrs. Roger Miller.
@Deejayboy
Country legend Mel Tillis, who died today (11/19/2017), was the writer of this Kenny Rogers classic. R.I.P. Mel
@firewaterbydesign
Great song! M-m-many p-p-people did not know that M-m-mel suffered a lifelong stuttering problem, 😳 but he could sing PERFECTLY without stuttering!! In addition to the many wonderful songs that he was responsible for, he also fathered a musical 🎼 songstress within her own right, Pam Tillis!!
Mel and Kenny were both musical 🎼 wonders that gave this world 🌎 great music 🎶 that will be enjoyed for many generations to come. I can only imagine, the GREAT band and choir of all of the WONDERFUL performers who have left our planet and now sing in the heavens.
@TinkerTailor4303
Did not know that ... thanks...
@doughill3396
Thanks. Was wondering.