About The Song
Kenny Rogers, one of country music’s most enduring stars, has gifted us with a rich catalog of songs that have touched hearts for generations. Among his most iconic hits is “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town”. Released in 1969, this haunting ballad quickly became a staple of country radio and a testament to Rogers’ ability to convey raw emotion through his music.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” tells the story of a man pleading with his lover not to leave him for the bright lights of the city. The lyrics, penned by the talented songwriting duo of Craig Revel and Mel Tillis, are both poignant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of heartbreak and longing.
Rogers’ soulful vocals and the song’s haunting melody perfectly capture the emotional turmoil of the narrator. His performance is both powerful and vulnerable, drawing listeners in and making them feel the depth of his pain. The song’s arrangement is sparse yet effective, featuring a mournful pedal steel guitar solo that adds to the overall sense of melancholy.
The title itself, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town”, is both evocative and memorable. It suggests a sense of desperation and a fear of being left behind. The phrase “take your love to town” is a metaphor for leaving a small town for the big city, a common theme in country music.
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but it is Rogers’ version that is considered the definitive recording. The song’s timeless appeal is a testament to its universal themes and the power of great songwriting. Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted ballad, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” is sure to resonate with you.
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Lyric
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 downOh, RubyDon’t take your love to townIt 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 beOh, RubyI still need some companyIt’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 aroundOh, RubyDon’t take your love to townShe’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 groundOh, RubyDon’t take your love to townOh, RubyFor God’s sakes turn around