Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town

Kenny Rodgers, The First Edition, Kenny Rogers

About Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town

"Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" is a song written by Mel Tillis about a paralyzed veteran of a "crazy Asian war" (given the time of its release, widely assumed—but never explicitly stated—to be the Vietnam War) who either lies helplessly in bed or sits helplessly in his wheelchair as his wife "paints [herself] up" to go out for the evening without him; he believes she is going in search of a lover, and as he hears the door slam behind her, he pleads for her to reconsider. The song was made famous by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition in 1969. "Ruby" was originally recorded by Waylon Jennings in 1966. Johnny Darrell scored a number nine country hit with it in 1967. 


Year:
2006
63 
#1

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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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The First Edition

The First Edition (later known as Kenny Rogers and the First Edition) was a country music/rock band. Its stalwart members were Kenny Rogers (lead vocals and bass guitar), Mickey Jones (drums and percussion) and Terry Williams (guitar and vocals). The band formed in 1967, with folk musician Mike Settle (guitar and backing vocals) and the operatically trained Thelma Camacho completing the lineup. more »

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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.
Cover
The 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.
Genre
It is considered a crossover hit, with reach extending beyond country music to get onto pop and easy listening charts.
Charts
Kenny 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.
Worldwide Success
The cover by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition also achieved international success, scoring top chart positions in the UK, Australia, and Canada among others.
Origin Story
The 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.
Longevity
Despite being over 50 years old, the song continues to be played worldwide and covered by various artists, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Live Performances
During Kenny Rogers' live performances, "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" was often included in the setlist, remaining a fan favorite.
Awards
Although 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.
Enduring Popularity
Even after his death in 2020, the song is still one of Kenny Rogers’ most recognizable and loved songs.
Covers
Over 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.
Music Video
The 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.
Song’s Controversy
The song's lyrics have been interpreted as being either anti-war or anti-women, sparking debate and controversy over the years.
Relevance
The 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.
Mel Tillis
The 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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    "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14022191/The+First+Edition/Ruby%2C+Don%27t+Take+Your+Love+to+Town>.

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    Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #6


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