Kenny Rogers & The First Edition - Ruby "Don't Take Your Love To Town"

[ross121670]

Though this song is older then me (1969, I was born 1970) I remember listening Kenny Rogers with my Grandparents on 8-track in there car, house, or even out camping with their portable 8-track stereo. Ruby was one of the first song I ever remembered really young 4-5 and by about 8-9 I knew what the song was all about and the meaning behind it all. Guess I kinda grew up early with lyrical understanding of songs with Meaning to it, and not Fluff / Teenie Bop / bubble gum Pop /etc. lyrics.

[JakobVirgil]

the chick is Mrs. Roger Miller.

[welloiledmachinesaz]

'all seen "Sling Blade"? Remember when Doyle calls his buddys over to jam on the back porch? The drummer in the movie is this drummer Mickey Jones. Also played on "Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Was In" and played for Trini Lopez. Good drummer and usually used Rogers.

[Friedtoenails]

And the wants and the needs of a  woman your age; Ruby I realize.

haha!

[Friedtoenails]

Could be the best song ever.

[aknowneemus]

I believe that's roger miller's wife "mary" at 1:22? They were introduced by kenny in the mid 70s.

[eyesblueyes]

Wow didnt now this side of him exsisted this early. Never saw him this young and Im 42

[jeddyhi]

boom chukka boom chukka boom chukka boom...........awesome beat, awesome song. Written by the great Mel Tillis!

[MisterHalimaw]

If this song doesn't tear your heart out, then you don't have one!

[WillyBlythe]

it makes me think of the working girls in S.E. Asia ..

[merseynational]

Reminds me of my dad who sang this when his best jockey ruby walsh won on the horses.

[adoptoid62]

he looks like Will Sasso

[walesfan1]

I always thought he was born with a grey beard. Ace tune though.

[oldredun]

. . . . hey guys, here's a game we all can play . . . . be really straight with yourself, if you dig this tune, which I sure as shit do, doesn't this gumby little song every now and again bring a tear to the old eyeball area . . . . I turn fifty this year and this was likely the first song that made me cry back in the year of it's release, much to my macho side's annoyance, it still does now !!!! For all the drivel Kenny did later, this gets him a permanent place in musical history, a great song

[dermotwalker]

@oldredun If I could get my gun I'd put you in the ground...

[oldredun]

@dermotwalker . . . same to you Derwood

[dermotwalker]

@oldredun dermotwalker's the name of the first cowboy that ever made me cry! don't you dare make jokes about his name.

[oldredun]

@dermotwalker . . . hey Derwood, I dare ! Now don't get all teary on us darlin. XX

[dermotwalker]

@oldredun don't get all teary?? think that was my point retard.

[oldredun]

@dermotwalker Dang Dexter, now I'm just plum mixed up, not to mention retarded. Take care pardner.

[dermotwalker]

@oldredun yes you are sweetie, yes you are.

[1949man]

@oldredun 62 this year..and yeah!!!!!!!!!!! Viet vet.& Marine besides..

[classiclistener01]

@oldredun - What has always made me cry about this song is the cheating, pig of whom he's singing about, who's walking-out on a disabled veteran!

It's a great song that I like, but, the subject of the song is disturbing to anyone who respects veterans as much as they detest the cheating wives of veterans! "Ruby" is typical of many sleazy military wives, and, I saw this while in the US Navy, and, it "KILLS" the spirit of a husband/boyfriend! I'm just happy that I was single while in the navy.

[oldredun]

@classiclistener01 . . . . agree entirely man, being the son of a 35 years of service Naval officer, who joined as an Ordinary Seaman in 1940, I appreciate your comment absolutely. I once did some acting work in an Army commissioned film to try and lower the incidence of divorce and relationship breakdown in areas where troops were serving overseas . . . . that key element of this great song has never been lost on me. Peace and respect to you.

[varigdc10]

@oldredun That means you were 8 when you heard this song first time. 1969 was the best year of my life, I was 20, remember like it was yesterday. Driving down Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, with my girlfriend next to me in my 66 Pontiac GTO 389 , 325 Ponies, listening to WLS radio to 'RUBY", Lake Michigan to my left, cruising about 60 MPH in a 45 zone, my girlfriend looking out for cops, ( that was her job ), wish I was there NOW !!!!

[oldredun]

@varigdc10 . . . there or thereabouts man, musical photographic memory and nearly everything in my life's timeline is punctuated by memories of specific tunes, the next tearjerker for me was the Cat's 'Father and Son' . . . sounds like you had a great time back in the day, how could you not in a Power Goat and a cute gal on point duty, take care buddy, peace.

[varigdc10]

@oldredun I'm like you songs are my diary, my tearjerker was Bobby Goldsboro " Honey ", cry like a baby everytime I hear, Rainy Day Women and Lay Lady Lay makes me smell the weed in my high school parking lot, Dean Martin smooth melodies puts me to sleep, a lot of good memories, the best to you and peace as well to you bud, be good !

[looey24]

Ruby, I still need some company (you slag).

[johnny10301968]

Did,nt Kenny Rogers re-record this song as a solo artist?

[TBrlas]

This is actually from Upbeat a locally produced show in Cleveland. It had all the up and coming greats.

[MrAlanjames1]

This song reminds me of someone very dear to me .....IF you have truly listen to this song, I can tell you first hand, it happens,.My Grandfather was paralized in WWII at the age of 44. My grandmother was 41 at the time. She STAYED with him till the day he died at 68. Not a lot of people would stick by their spouse when something like that happens.

[bigrider2806]

@MrAlanjames1 they do when they really love them . your gran was one such special lady .

[iagmule]

if i could get my gun id put her in the ground best line ever

[1949man]

Mike--I'm sorry--1971-72??? I was just back from S.E.Asia,I think.......English 'Bandstand'?? Not sure...

[CyberAthletethefirst]

@1949man It's NZ bandstand I think.

[MikeEder]

Does anyone know what show this is from?

[1949man]

@MikeEder Who cares???One of the GREATEST ever!!!!!!!!!! An awesome singer..

[shmuli9]

@MikeEder It's from the Smothers Brothers...