Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town
The Killers 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
The song Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town by The Killers is a cover of the song of the same name by Kenny Rogers. This song is a stark portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran who was wounded and left paralyzed in battle, and his feelings of helplessness and jealousy towards his spouse. The lyrics are poignant, with the singer pleading with his wife Ruby not to go out for the night and to instead stay with him.
The first two lines of the song are symbolic of Ruby attempting to move on from her relationship with the paralyzed veteran. She's painted up her lips and rolled and curled her tinted hair, indicating that she's making an effort to look good for a night out. The veteran pleads with her not to go out, telling her that the shadows on the wall tell him the sun is going down. This might symbolize the end of their relationship if she leaves.
The soldier acknowledges that he's not the man he used to be and that it's hard for Ruby to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed. However, he still needs her company and pleads with her not to take her love to town. The song ends with the sound of the door slamming shut, and the veteran lamenting that he would use his gun to stop Ruby from leaving if he could.
Line by Line Meaning
You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair
You've put on your makeup and styled your hair, Ruby.
Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere?
Are you considering leaving the house, Ruby?
The shadows on the wall tell me the sun is going down
The darkness in the room indicates that the day is ending, Ruby.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please don't cheat on me, Ruby.
It wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war
I didn't initiate the war in Asia, Ruby.
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore
But I was proud to serve my country, Ruby.
And yes, it's true that I'm not the man I used to be
I've changed since the war, Ruby.
Oh Ruby, I still need some company
I still need your love and companionship, Ruby.
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed
It's difficult to love a disabled man like me, Ruby.
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
But I've heard that I won't be alive for much longer, Ruby.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please stay faithful to me, Ruby.
She's leaving now cause I just heard the slamming of the door
You're leaving me, I heard you slam the door, Ruby.
The way I know I heard its slams one hundred times before
I've heard that same sound many times before, Ruby.
And if I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground
If only I could move, I would kill you for leaving me, Ruby.
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please don't leave me for someone else, Ruby.
Oh Ruby, for God's sake, turn around
Please come back to me, Ruby.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MEL TILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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