About the song
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” is one of the most poignant and powerful songs ever recorded by Kenny Rogers & The First Edition. Released in 1969, this song quickly became one of the group’s most iconic hits, showcasing their unique blend of country, rock, and pop. Written by country songwriter Mel Tillis, the song tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran who is paralyzed and confined to his home, begging his wife Ruby not to leave him for another man. The song’s narrative is a heart-wrenching portrayal of love, loss, and despair, capturing the emotional turmoil of a man who feels helpless as his world crumbles around him.
The First Edition, led by Kenny Rogers, brought a distinctive sound to the song. Rogers’ deep, soulful voice perfectly conveys the desperation and sorrow of the lyrics, making the listener feel the pain of the protagonist. The arrangement of the song, with its steady rhythm and haunting melody, adds to the emotional impact, creating an atmosphere of quiet despair. It’s a song that doesn’t rely on flashy instrumentation or complex arrangements, but rather on the raw emotion that Rogers and his band bring to the performance.
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” was a significant hit for Kenny Rogers & The First Edition, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying their place in music history. The song also resonated deeply with audiences during the Vietnam War era, as it reflected the harsh realities faced by many soldiers returning home, only to find their lives irreparably changed. While the song was written with a specific context in mind, its themes of love, betrayal, and heartache are universal, allowing it to remain relevant and powerful even decades later.
Over the years, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” has been covered by numerous artists, but it is the version by Kenny Rogers & The First Edition that remains the definitive recording. The song stands as a testament to Rogers’ ability to convey deep emotion through his music, making it a standout track in his extensive career. Even today, it continues to be one of the most recognized and respected songs in the country and pop music canon, a timeless piece that speaks to the human condition with sincerity and depth.
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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