You 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
And 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 paralised
And the wants and 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 leaving now cuz I've just heard the slammming of the door
The way I know I've heard it slam a hundred times before
And if I could move I'd get my gun and put her in the ground
Oh, Ruby, don't take your love to town
Oh, Ruby, for God's sakes turn around

(Get back in here!)