About the song
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town: A Country Classic by Kenny Rogers
If you’re a fan of classic country music, then you’re undoubtedly familiar with the soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics of Kenny Rogers. One of his most iconic songs, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Released in 1969 as a single by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, this emotional ballad quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Written by Mel Tillis, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” tells the heartbreaking story of a paralyzed war veteran who pleads with his wife to stay with him. The song’s raw emotion and relatable lyrics have made it a country music staple for generations. Rogers’ powerful vocals and the band’s soulful harmonies perfectly capture the song’s melancholic tone.
The song’s success helped to launch Kenny Rogers and The First Edition to stardom and solidified their place in country music history. While it didn’t win any major awards at the time of its release, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” has since been recognized as one of the greatest country songs of all time. It has been covered by numerous artists and remains a popular choice for live performances.
What makes “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” so enduring? Perhaps it’s the song’s universal theme of love, loss, and longing. Or maybe it’s the powerful storytelling that draws listeners in and makes them feel the pain and heartbreak of the protagonist. Whatever the reason, this song continues to be a fan favorite and a testament to Kenny Rogers’ talent as a singer and performer.
If you haven’t heard “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” I encourage you to give it a listen. It’s a powerful and moving song that is sure to stay with you long after the final note fades out.”*
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Lyrics
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 tells 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 the needs of a woman of 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’s sakes turn around