Behind the Song: Kenny Rogers, "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" -  American Songwriter

About the song

Background of “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town”

  • The song was written by Mel Tillis and first recorded by Waylon Jennings in 1966.
  • Kenny Rogers and The First Edition released their version in 1969, which became a major hit, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart.
  • There was some initial confusion about the war referenced in the lyrics. While the line “crazy Asian war” led some to believe it was about Vietnam, songwriter Tillis clarified it was about a World War II veteran.

Themes in “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town”

  • The Cost of War: The song explores the physical and emotional toll war takes on soldiers. The paralyzed narrator feels his service has left him unwanted by his wife, Ruby.
  • Loneliness and Isolation: The narrator is confined to his bed, creating a sense of isolation. He desperately craves Ruby’s companionship.
  • Jealousy and Insecurity: The narrator suspects Ruby is seeking attention elsewhere, fueling his anger and despair.
  • The Fragility of Relationships: The song portrays the strain war can place on a marriage, raising questions about commitment and changing needs.
  • Masculinity and Vulnerability: The song challenges traditional notions of masculinity by showing a man who is physically and emotionally vulnerable.

Video

Lyrics

You’ve painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hairRuby, are you contemplating going out somewhere?The shadow on the wall tells me the sun is going down
Oh, RubyDon’t take your love to town
It wasn’t me that started that old crazy Asian warBut I was proud to go and do my patriotic choreAnd yes, it’s true that I’m not the man I used to be
Oh, RubyI still need some company
It’s hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzedAnd the wants and the needs of a woman of your age, Ruby, I realizeBut it won’t be long I’ve heard them say until I’m not around
Oh, RubyDon’t take your love to town
She’s leaving now ’cause I just heard the slamming of the doorThe way I know I’ve heard it slam one hundred times beforeAnd if I could move I’d get my gun and put her in the ground
Oh, RubyDon’t take your love to town
Oh, RubyFor God’s sakes turn around

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