Originally performing gospel music at local churches, the group billed themselves as The Four Star Quartet, and later The Kingsmen. In 1963, when the song "Louie, Louie" by the garage rock band also called The Kingsmen became famous, the group elected to bill themselves as The Statler Brothers. Despite the name, only two members of the group (Don and Harold Reid) are actual brothers and none have the surname of "Statler". The band, in fact, named themselves after a brand of facial tissue they had noticed in a hotel room (they joked that they could have turned out to be the Kleenex Brothers). Don Reid sang lead. Harold Reid, Don's older brother, sang bass. Phil Balsley sang baritone and Jimmy Fortune sang tenor after replacing original tenor Lew DeWitt in the early 1980s due to the latter's ill health. DeWitt died on August 15, 1990 of heart and kidney disease, stemming from complications of Crohn's disease.
The band's style was closely linked to their gospel roots. "We took gospel harmonies," said Harold Reid, "and put them over in country music."
The group remained closely tied to their gospel roots, with a majority of their records containing at least one gospel song. They produced several albums containing only gospel music and recorded a tribute song to the Blackwood Brothers, who influenced their music. The Statler Brothers also wrote a tribute song to Johnny Cash, who discovered them. The song was called "We Got Paid by Cash", and it reminisces about their time with Cash
Since forming, the Statler Brothers have released over 40 albums. They received Grammy Awards in 1966 and 1973. Two of their best-known songs are their first big hit, Flowers on the Wall, and the socially-conscious Bed of Roses. Late in their career they had a regular variety show on the cable television channel then known as The Nashville Network. Throughout their career, much of their appeal was related to their considerable ability for comedy and parody that they frequently interspersed into their musical act; they were frequently nominated for awards for their comedy as well as their singing. They recorded two comedy albums as Lester Moran and the Cadillac Cowboys, and one-half of one side of the album Country Music Then and Now was also devoted to satirizing small-town radio stations' Saturday morning shows.
The group disbanded and retired after completing a farewell tour on October 26, 2002. Balsley and the Reid brothers continue to reside in Staunton, while Fortune has relocated to Nashville, where he is continuing his music career as a solo artist. He has released three albums as a soloist. The Statlers continue to be the most awarded act in the history of country music.
Since the Statlers' retirement in 2002, Don has pursued a second career as an author. He authored or co-authored three books: Heroes and Outlaws of the Bible, Sunday Morning Memories, and You'll Know It's Christmas When.... He and Harold co-wrote a history of the Statler Brothers titled Random Memories released in February 2008.
The Statler Brothers have been credited as the first country music act to transfer the genre's nostalgia from a rural to a suburban setting. They have also been called "America's Poets" by Kurt Vonnegut.
Ruby
The Statler Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
For it wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chores
And I know Ruby that I'm not the man I used to be
[ harmonica ]
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralized
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
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town
She's leavin' now for I just heard the slamming of the door
The way I know I've heard it slam one hundred times before
If I could move I get my gun and put her in the ground
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town
Don't take your love to town for my sake turn around
The Statler Brothers's song Ruby Don't Take Your love to town is a poignant ballad about a disabled veteran named Ruby and his concerns about his wife, Ruby, straying from their marriage. The opening lyrics suggest that Ruby is getting ready to go out, perhaps to find companionship elsewhere. The shadows on the wall indicate that the day is drawing to a close, which could also suggest a metaphorical end to their relationship. The chorus pleads with her not to leave, using her name twice to show urgency and desperation.
The second verse references the Vietnam War and Ruby's service, implying that he returned home a changed man. He acknowledges that he is no longer the same person he once was, but still needs her by his side. The harmonica solo following the verse adds to the emotional weight of the song, evoking a sense of longing and sadness.
The final verse is the most dramatic, as Ruby angrily contemplates using violence to keep his wife from leaving him. He laments his physical limitations and the fact that he cannot control her actions. The final plea is for her to reconsider and stay with him, for his sake if not for their love.
Line by Line Meaning
You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair
You have applied makeup to your lips and styled your colored hair
Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere
Ruby, are you thinking of leaving and going somewhere else?
The shadows on the wall tell me the sun is going down
I can tell by the shadow projections that the sun is setting
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town
Please don't leave me and go find love elsewhere, Ruby.
For it wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war
I did not begin the former war in Asia that took place
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chores
However, I was pleased to assist with my patriotic tasks
And I know Ruby that I'm not the man I used to be
I am aware that I am not the same person as before, Ruby.
But Ruby I still need your company
Regardless, I still require your presence and companionship, Ruby.
[ harmonica ]
Instrumental break
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralized
It is challenging to be in a relationship with a man whose legs are injured and immobile
And the wants and the needs of a woman your age Ruby I realize
I understand that you, Ruby, have needs appropriate for your age and gender
But it won't be long I've heard them say until I'm not around
However, people have informed me that I will not be present for a while soon
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town
Please don't abandon me for someone else, Ruby.
She's leavin' now for I just heard the slamming of the door
Ruby is departing as I can hear the noise of the door closing
The way I know I've heard it slam one hundred times before
I recognize the sound, as I have heard it countless times in the past when Ruby is leaving.
If I could move I get my gun and put her in the ground
If I were capable of moving I would take my firearm and stop Ruby by force.
Oh Ruby don't take your love to town
Please, I implore you not to leave me, Ruby.
Don't take your love to town for my sake turn around
For my sake, please reconsider and do not abandon our love, Ruby.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MEL TILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind