The first known public appearance of the Osborne Brothers was in 1951. They joined the cast at WCYB Bristol, Virginia, to perform on a program called "Farm and Fun Time", along with other Bluegrass bands, such as, The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Carl Story and his Rambling Mountainers. Other members of "Farm and Fun Time" included, Jim & Jesse, Little Robert Van Winkle, Curly King and the Tennessee Hilltoppers, and country recording artist Red Kirk. The live program aired five days a week, Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on WCYB Radio, and covered five states.
Upon their breakout into the bluegrass scene, the Osborne Brothers quickly became noted for their virtuosic instrumentation and tight, melodic vocal harmonies. Their first country chart appearance was "Once More", a 1958 trio with Red Allen, with a then-novel inverted stacked harmony: Bobby singing the lead line highest, then Sonny singing baritone, and finally the third singer (in this case Red Allen) singing the tenor as the lowest part. This placed Bobby's distinctive voice as the lead, and made the third voice a somewhat interchangeable part. As a result, the brothers could hire a series of guitarist/singers without changing their overall sound. This "high lead" vocal trio became their signature sound, used to great effect in the country market, with songs like "Blame Me", "Sweethearts Again", and a remake of the Carter Family's "Fair and Tender Ladies".
During their breakout period of the mid 1950s, Sonny's banjo and Bobby's mandolin styles became distinctive and easily-identifiable with their overall sound. The band was inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry on August 8, 1964.
The Osborne Brothers have the distinction of having recorded two songs that would go on to be officially voted as "state songs." The first, "Rocky Top," was named a Tennessee state song in 1982. The other, "Kentucky," was named a state song for the brothers' home state of Kentucky.
In 1994, The Osborne Brothers were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor. The induction is considered bluegrass music's highest honor.
Ruby Are You Mad?
The Osborne Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?
I'm sittin' in the shade
With a shovel and a spade
I'm diggin' in the ground's cold mine
Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?
--- Instrumental ---
I've done all I can do
Tryin' to get along with you
Still you're not satisfied
Oh Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?
--- Instrumental ---
If you don't believe I'm right
Just call on me tonight
I'll take you to your shady so cold
Oh Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?
The Osborne Brothers song, "Ruby Are You Mad?" is a classic bluegrass tune that is performed with a strong and driving rhythm. The song is sung by Cousin Emmy and is a conversation between a man and his angry lover, Ruby. The opening line, "Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?" sets the tone for the rest of the song.
The man is sitting in the shade, digging in the cold ground with a shovel and a spade, trying to get along with Ruby, but nothing seems to satisfy her. He tells her that he has done all he can do to make her happy, but she remains angry. The song uses repetition and a call and response structure that is common in bluegrass music.
If Ruby doesn't believe him, the man offers to call on her that night and take her to her shady, cold place. The song ends with the man asking Ruby once again if she is mad at him, to which she responds with silence.
Line by Line Meaning
Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?
Asking if Ruby is upset with her partner
I'm sittin' in the shade
With a shovel and a spade
I'm diggin' in the ground's cold mine
Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?
Describing the singer's mundane activity, still curious about Ruby's emotional state
--- Instrumental ---
No lyrics
I've done all I can do
Tryin' to get along with you
Still you're not satisfied
Oh Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?
Stating that the artist has already made efforts to please Ruby, but she remains unhappy
--- Instrumental ---
No lyrics
If you don't believe I'm right
Just call on me tonight
I'll take you to your shady so cold
Oh Ruby, Ruby honey, are you mad at your man?
Offering to prove the singer's good intentions, and reminding Ruby of their shared past and intimacy
Contributed by Ava L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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