Lyrics:

Annotations can be found in Kenny Rogers and the First Edition’s original version – here
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 goin' 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 paralyzed
And the wants and the needs of a woman of 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 leavin' now 'cause I just heard the slammin' of the door
The way I know I've heard it slam 100 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 sake's, turn around