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 that old 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 paralyzed And the wants and the needs of a woman your age, Ruby, I realize But it wont be long, Ive heard them say until I'm not around Oh Ruby, dont take your love to town Shes leaving now 'cause I just heard the slamming of the door The way I know Ive heard it slam a hundred times before And if I could move, Id get my gun and put her in the ground Oh Ruby, dont take your love to town Oh Ruby, for Gods sake turn around