ruby don't take your love to town

you've painted up your lips

and rolled and curled your tinted hair

ruby

are you contemplating

goin' 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 chores

yes

it's true that i'm not the man i used to be

but ruby

i still need some company

it's hard to love a man

whose legs are bent and paralized

and the wants and the needs

of a woman 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 leavin' now 'cause i just heard

the slamming of the door

the way i know i've heard it slam

one hundred times before

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

don't take your love to town.