You have painted up your lips 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

Oh it wasn't me that started that old crazy Asian war
But I was proud to go and do my patriotic chores
And yes I know that I am not the man I used to be
Ruby I still need your company

It's hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralized
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
Ruby don't take your love to town

She's leaving now cause I just heard the slamming of a door
The way I know I've heard it slam a hundred times before
And if I could I get my gun and put her in the ground
(Ruby) don't take your love to town
Ruby for God's sake turn around