Listen to the Heartbreaking Story Behind Kenny Rogers’ Classic Hit “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town”

“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” is a classic country ballad by Kenny Rogers that tells the story of a wounded Vietnam War veteran who has returned home to find that his wife has been unfaithful. The song was released in 1969 and quickly became one of Rogers’ most popular hits.

The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of the wounded soldier, who is confined to a wheelchair and unable to satisfy his wife’s needs. He sings, “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.”

The chorus of the song captures the pain and desperation felt by the veteran as he pleads with his wife not to leave him: “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.”

The lyrics are heartbreaking, underscoring the emotional toll that war can take on soldiers and their families. The wounded veteran is struggling with physical and emotional wounds, trying to come to terms with the fact that his life will never be the same.

At its core, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” is a powerful commentary on the impact of war on individuals and society as a whole. It speaks to the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, and the enduring toll that war takes on those who participate in it.

Beyond its message of social commentary, however, the song is also a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength of the human spirit. Despite the pain and suffering depicted in the lyrics, the wounded veteran refuses to give up, fighting to hold on to the love he feels for his wife and the hope that things will get better.

In many ways, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” is a timeless classic that has resonated with fans of country music for decades. Its powerful lyrics speak to the enduring impact of war on individuals and society, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.