[Verse 1] You've painted up your lips and 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 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 I know Ruby, that I'm not the man I used to be But Ruby, I still need your company It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed And the wants and the needs of a woman your age, Ruby, I realize But I've heard them say it won't be long until I'm not around Oh Ruby, don't take your love to town She's leaving now for I just heard the slamming of the door The way I know I've heard it slam a 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