Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town
Tillis Mel Lyrics
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Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere?
The shadow on the wall tells me the sun is going down
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
It wasn't me that started this whole crazy Asian war
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore
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 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 leaving now 'cause I just heard the slamming of the door
The way I know I've heard it slam 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 sakes turn around
Tillis Mel's song "Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town" is a heart-wrenching ballad about a disabled war veteran who is desperately trying to hold onto his wife, Ruby. The song is essentially a plea from the veteran to his wife not to leave him and to stay with him a little longer. Throughout the song, we hear the veteran's internal struggle with his own physical limitations, shown through lines like "It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed". He understands the challenges he poses to Ruby, given her youth and desires, but he is also afraid of being left alone.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an emotionally charged scene as we can hear the slamming of the door right before the veteran sings, "And if I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground". The song highlights the devastating effects of war not only on the battlefield but also within the homes of the soldiers that return home.
The song was written in 1967 by Mel Tillis and has since been recorded by several artists, but it was Kenny Rogers and the First Edition's recording of the song that made it a hit in 1969.
Line by Line Meaning
You've painted up your lips and rolled, and curled your tinted hair
Ruby, you've put in a lot of effort to get yourself looking good
Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere?
Are you thinking of going out tonight, Ruby?
The shadow on the wall tells me the sun is going down
It's getting late, Ruby, the sun is setting and it's getting dark outside
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please don't leave me, Ruby
It wasn't me that started this whole crazy Asian war
I didn't start the war, Ruby
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore
But I still did my duty for my country
Yes, it's true that I'm not the man I used to be
I'm not the same man I was before I went to war, Ruby
Oh Ruby, I still need some company
I still need you, Ruby, even though I'm not the same man
It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed
I know it's difficult to love someone who can't move their legs, Ruby
And the wants and the needs of a woman your age, Ruby, I realize
I know you have your own desires and needs, Ruby, especially at your age
But it won't be long, I've heard them say until I'm not around
I know I won't be here forever, Ruby
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please don't leave me, Ruby
She's leaving now 'cause I just heard the slamming of the door
I think you're leaving me now, Ruby, I heard the door slam
The way I know I've heard it slam one hundred times before
I've heard that door slam so many times before, Ruby
And if I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground
If I could move, Ruby, I'd shoot you for leaving me
Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town
Please don't leave me, Ruby
Oh Ruby, for God sakes 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
greg diddy
I have always admired Mel Tillis, great singer and songwriter, fine actor, and very comical guy, but I just want to say that this acoustic performance on Porter Wagoner show was absolutely stunning and just plain badass!
Abelardo Ara
Spot on
KY Stars
Mel was a great writer. He wrote RUBY, and as you see, sang it so well. RIP Mel. Where have all the greats in country music gone? Thank God we can still see them here on Youtube.
mark rush
absolutely one of the best songs ever written....rest in peace Mel.
Sarge
Holy shit.
This is 100 times more powerful than Kenny's version.
I had no idea it was a cover, I realised Rogers didn't write it, I'm not sure he wrote anything, but still didn't know this man wrote AND sang it first.
Somehow SO much more evocative and believable with just a guitar and an amazing voice.
This has changed my whole appreciation of a song I've known for 40 years.
Mel Tillis was clearly an unsung talent.
I'll say it again.... this shits all over every performance Kenny Rogers ever did.
Easy E Network
Kenny killed it though. But I would have loved to hear him sing it without the pop influence.
Lee A
My grandfather started a band in Okinawa and Mel joined it. They finally met back up in Branson years later, what a great generation.
Andrew Wagner
In my humble opinion, I think Ruby is one of the greatest songs in country music history, and it doesn't get mentioned like it should. Mel did such a wonderful job on it.
Notta Victim
Beautiful song. Nobody can cover a song like the original songwriter. They tell the story best.
robinbrl
Rest in peace Mel. Thank you for the music.