Written by Mel Tillis

(As performed by George Jones) 



You've painted up your lips an 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



It wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war

But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chore

And it's true I'm not the man, Ruby, that I used to be

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 leavin' 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

Ruby, don't take your love to town

For God's sake turn around

Don't take your love to town