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'd get my gun And put her in the ground (Ruby) don't take your love to town.