You have painted up your lips rolled and curled your tinted hair

Ruby are you contemplating going out somewhere

The shadows on the wall tell me the sun is going down

Ruby don't take your love to town



Oh it wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war

But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chores

And yes I know that I am not the man I used to be

Ruby I still need your 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

Ruby don't take your love to town



She's leaving now cause I just heard the slamming of a door

The way I know I've heard it slam a hundred times before

And if I could I get my gun and put her in the ground

(Ruby) don't take your love to town

Ruby for God's sake turn around