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 this whole crazy Asian war

But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore

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 paralysed

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 leaving now cause I just heard the slamming of the door

The way I know I've heard it slam 100 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 sakes turn around