Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Kenny Rogers
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You've painted up your lips and rolled and curled your tinted hair Ruby, are you contemplating going out somewhere? The shadow 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 Oh Ruby, I still need some company 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
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Written by: MEL TILLIS
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Releases"Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" was written by Mel Tillis. The song was first recorded and released in 1967 by Johnny Darrell, who found success with it in the country music world.
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CoverThe song was later covered by the band Kenny Rogers and The First Edition in 1969. This version of the song became a hit and is often cited as the most popular version.
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GenreIt is considered a crossover hit, with reach extending beyond country music to get onto pop and easy listening charts.
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ChartsKenny Rogers and The First Edition's version peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles in 1969.
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Worldwide SuccessThe cover by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition also achieved international success, scoring top chart positions in the UK, Australia, and Canada among others.
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Origin StoryThe song's narrative is about a disabled veteran of a "crazy Asian war" (supposedly the Vietnam War) begging his wife or girlfriend Ruby not to go out seeking love elsewhere.
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LongevityDespite being over 50 years old, the song continues to be played worldwide and covered by various artists, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
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Live PerformancesDuring Kenny Rogers' live performances, "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" was often included in the setlist, remaining a fan favorite.
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AwardsAlthough the song did not win any awards, the success of "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" greatly contributed to Kenny Rogers' 1977 Best Male Country Vocal Performance Grammy Award.
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Enduring PopularityEven after his death in 2020, the song is still one of Kenny Rogers’ most recognizable and loved songs.
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CoversOver the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, including country legends like Waylon Jennings and George Jones, demonstrating its broad appeal and influence.
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Music VideoThe music video for the Kenny Rogers and The First Edition's version was simple yet impactful, featuring Rogers singing and playing guitar in a dimly lit room.
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Song’s ControversyThe song's lyrics have been interpreted as being either anti-war or anti-women, sparking debate and controversy over the years.
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RelevanceThe song was released during a time of global tension, particularly with the Vietnam War. This may have contributed to its popularity, as many listeners could relate to its message.
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Mel TillisThe song's writer, Mel Tillis, is a country music legend himself. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Citation
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"Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7701306/Kenny+Rogers/Ruby%2C+Don%27t+Take+Your+Love+to+Town>.
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