Informative, Music Blog

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby!

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for Song Lyric Sunday –
“Been Done Before”.
This is my response to the challenge.

Image by Me & Leonardo

Welcome to 2026 and the first installment of Jim Adams’ Song Lyric Sunday. It’s good to know some things don’t change! This week, the theme is “Been Done Before”, and our challenge is to write about a song that has the name of a girl or boy in the title, suggested by our friend Ange at Let’s Write. Thanks, Ange!

While thinking about all the songs I know with names in their titles, I decided to take a different approach and feature four different artists and their songs …. all with the same girl’s name in the title. In case you haven’t guessed by the title of my post or the image shown above, the girl’s name I’ve chosen is “Ruby”.

First song up this week is “Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love to Town”), highlighting the harsh realities of homecoming for injured soldiers. Singer/songwriter Mel Tillis wrote this song after meeting a disabled war veteran in Florida who had a war bride named Ruby. While inspired by a post-WWII situation, its 1969 release during the Vietnam War made the “Asian war” reference resonate deeply with a nation experiencing widespread anti-war sentiments. The lyrics narrate the veteran’s despair as he watches his wife prepare to go out, fearing she is seeking a lover elsewhere due to his paralysis, with lines like “It’s hard to love a man whose legs are bent and paralyzed”. The song became a massive hit for Kenny Rogers propelling him to superstardom. “Ruby” remains relevant, touching on themes of disability, strained relationships, and the lasting scars of war, making it a staple in country music and beyond.

This is “Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love To Town)” by Kenny Rogers

The Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday” (1967) is a melancholic ballad primarily written by Keith Richards about his breakup with model Linda Keith, a free-spirited woman who left him for Jimi Hendrix. Released as a B-side, but becoming a huge US hit, the song captures the bittersweet acceptance of Linda’s need for freedom and the pain of watching a lover move on. While sad, this great song also conveys a sense of acceptance, acknowledging her need for independence and the narrator’s inability to hold onto her. The iconic sound includes a distinctive recorder melody played by Brian Jones and a bowed double bass played by Bill Wyman and Keith Richards. Recorded in late 1966 during sessions for Between the Buttons, it was one of the last significant collaborations between Richards and Jones. Radio stations in the US favored “Ruby Tuesday” due  to the controversial lyrics of the A-side’s “Let’ Spend the Night Together”, flipping the single and making “Ruby Tuesday” a #1 hit. In fact, Ed Sullivan strongly disapproved of the lyrics to “Let’s Spend the Night Together”, only agreeing to the song being performed live on his show if The Stones changed the words to “Let’s spend some time together”. Ed would be apoplectic over the lyrics of today’s songs!

This is “Ruby Tuesday” by the Rolling Stones

Born July 4, 1938 in West Virginia, Bill Withers left home at age 17 and joined the Navy where he developed his interest in music and songwriting. After the Navy, he moved to LA where he honed his craft, learning guitar and playing in clubs. In 1971 his debut album Just As I Am featured “Ain’t No Sunshine”, which became a massive hit. Withers’ songs are praised for their emotional depth and relatable storytelling, focusing on themes of love, loss, and humanity, often reflecting his working-class roots and struggles. He won three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and the R&R Hall of Fame in 2015. Frustrated with the music business, he retired from performing in 1985 at the age of 47, stating he didn’t want to be exploited. “Ruby Lee” is a track from the 1974 album +’Justments (pronounced “adjustments”), co-written by Bill Withers and bassist Melvin Dunlap. It is a song about deep longing, loneliness, and discontent, where the singer desperately misses Ruby Lee, his ideal companion who understands him, contrasting her with the strangers and empty affairs he’s currently experiencing, wishing she were there to share life’s ups and downs. It’s a soulful expression of needing real connection amidst superficiality, highlighting themes of isolation, missing home, and yearning for true companionship. Bill Withers’ genius lies in his ability to communicate profound emotion without extravagance. A poet in the purest sense, he takes the everyday and makes it extraordinary, giving voice to love’s quiet yet powerful moments.

This is “Ruby Lee” by Bill Withers

My last “Ruby” song is a little ditty called “Ruby Baby”. It’s a great song and I couldn’t omit it from my lineup. The song was written by the renowned team of Leiber & Stoller and originally recorded by the Drifters in the 1956. It was then covered and released in late 1962 by Dion; his rendition became a major chart success and saw worldwide fame, reaching #2 in February 1963. However, the song I’m featuring this week is a cover of the cover. My choice is the version by Tony Sheridan & The Beat Brothers, released in 1963. I love this next bit of trivia about the band: Tony Sheridan & The Beat Brothers is the stage name for English rocker Sheridan and his backing band, consisting of the young Beatles John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best! During their crucial 1961-62 Hamburg, Germany recording sessions, they produced their first commercial records like “My Bonnie” and “Ain’t She Sweet”, which were crucial in catching Brian Epstein’s attention, leading to the Beatles’ discovery. While recorded earlier, “Ruby Baby” was released as a single in the US in 1963, coinciding with Dion’s popularity and gaining traction as Beatlemania grew. I think we need a photo right about now.

Tony Sheridan & the Beat Brothers
L to R front: Tony Sheridan, George Harrison & Jon Lennon
L to R rear: Paul McCartney & Pete Best
© The Beatles Bible

“Ruby Baby” is a classic R&R/R&B love song about intense infatuation, longing, and a determined desire to win over “Ruby”, expressing deep feelings, promising devotion, and a bit of playful swagger to claim her as his own. It’s a straightforward declaration of overwhelming love, with lyrics about hearts crying, promises to steal her away, and a plea for her to be his. 

This is “Ruby Baby” by Tony Sheridan ft. The Beat Brothers

Now that you’ve heard four different “Ruby” songs, do you have a favorite? Let me know in the comments.

Been Done Before

Big thanks to Jim Adams for hosting another great Song Lyric Sunday this week and every week and to Ange for her suggestion. Be sure to follow the links and check out their sites.

Thanks for stopping by for a look and a listen.

That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2026

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

68 thoughts on “Ruby, Ruby, Ruby!”

  2. I love Ruby Tuesday…that one is great but…to hear Ruby Baby by Sheridan and “The Beat Brothers” is priceless! I love the Hamburg era so much… when I met an ex-Beatle at a bookstore I asked him about that era…ok Nancy…which ex-Beatle did I meet?

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    1. I knew someone else would appreciate that video as much as me! Thanks, Max.

      You met an ex-Beatle? When you put it that way, it sounds like you’re talking about Pete Best because I wouldn’t call any of them “ex” other than him. If it wasn’t Pete then I’m guessing Paul because he’s all over the place. Who was it?

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      1. I love the music they done with Sheridan…
        Yes! Pete Best…he was a real nice guy! I also asked him about Astrid from Germany…your post reminded me of that. I still have his autograph.
        No…I never met the real deal but meeting Pete was kinda cool knowing he was there in Germany and at the Cavern.

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  3. What a way to start 2026 #SLS, Nancy – Terrific! Kenny’s version of Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town always makes me sad. Nice to see the Killers cover in the comments. Less sad somehow. The faster tempo maybe?? Or just my current mood.

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  5. I recognize and love the first two but not the Withers tune. I recognize the 4th song but not this cover by it. Thanks for sharing this one with Beatles as a backup band to Tony Sheridan. All good tunes.

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  8. I knew all the ‘Ruby’ songs except the Tony Sheridan one. Then I dug out an album in my collection called ‘The Beatles First and Tony Sheridan’, it’s a French vinyl release and Ruby Baby was on it!

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    1. Aren’t you clever! Excellent results from your hunting expedition, Glyn. Not everyone has a copy of that album in their collection; somehow, the fact that you do does not surprise me. 😀

      PS – I need more information about your new theme for MMB. You hinted about going with numbers, but I’d like you to be a little more specific. I kind of like to know what I’m talking about when preparing a post! 😆 You can elet me know here or send me an email … whichever you prefer. Thanks, Glyn.

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  9. Nice post, Nancy, and, wow, with four picks, you went all in!

    I’ve always loved “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones. I wouldn’t have thought of “Ruby Lee” by Bill Withers – excellent. Interestingly, the first “Ruby” that came to my mind is this one! 🙂

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  10. Ruby is a great name choice, Nancy, …and the 🎶songs 🎶 are fabulous, …Not least the evocative Ruby,(don’t take your love to town) … I’m not a great fan of The Stones, but the song choice, Ruby Tuesday, defies my logic, … ( not that my mind is logical, just my brother loved them,..so of course I just had to dislike them! 😉) … Hoping your Sundays going well …and warm -ish, …apparently we’re expecting snow, …brrrr, ….💙🤗

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    1. In all honesty, Penn, Ruby was the first name that came to me, I think because of Dion’s song. Isn’t it ironic that in the end I didn’t even use his song but went with another version by Tony Sheridan & the Beat Brothers? If there’s a way to get my beloved Beatles in, I’ll find it!

      Have a wonderful Sunday evening, dear Penn. Keep your socks on! 🤎🧦🧦

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  12. I heard Waylon Jennings sing Ruby (Don’t Take Your Love To Town) when he opened up for the Grateful Dead.  I love that line in Ruby Tuesday, “When you change with every new day / Still I’m gonna miss you.”   I didn’t know the Bill Withers song, but it was very enjoyable.  Your last song was a real treat, Nancy. Thanks for sharing your music again and explaining these songs so well.

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    1. Thanks so much for your very gracious comments, Jim. Once I had my theme in my head, it was just a matter of choosing some videos. I knew from the beginning I wanted to stay within the same era but I also wanted lyric videos to save space on my post. I was very pleased with the results. As you can imagine, I was delighted to include Tony Sheridan & the Beat Brothers. Thanks to you and Ange for a great prompt. Enjoy your Sunday.

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    1. Lois, I came so close to including Dion’s video. As I explained to Fandango, as a huge Beatles fan, I opted to go with Tony Sheridan & the Beat Brothers’ version. However, as a girl from The Bronx and very familiar with Belmont Avenue, I am a big Dion fan and have loved his music since the beginning. Here’s Dion:

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  14. I commented earlier but it isn’t showing – maybe it has gone to spam as I included a video link?

    My preference among these was the Stones, as you might expect. The missing link was to Ruby, by The Kaiser Chiefs.

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    1. Sorry about your comment not showing up, Clive. I will definitely look for it in spam.

      You are correct …. I am not surprised that your preference is for the stones. I was aware of the video by The Kaiser Chiefs, but in all honesty I wanted to keep my write up to four videos and I felt I had a good blend in my lineup with songs from the same era.

      I think we should listen to the Kaiser Chiefs. I hope this video comes through for you.

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      1. It would be the second time for me today – it happened on Christine’s blog too. Thank you for the video, which played fine. When I saw your title I admit to expecting it, with that chorus, but I appreciate the way you made your choices 👍

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  16. Great use of the theme- and what a variety of music! I love the first two- both classics in my opinion- but he second two were both new to me. Yor write ups were very interesting and informative. Who woulda thunk Ruby was such an inspiring name!

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    1. Ruby is the type of name that is brimming with stories, similar to the names you use in your writing. Maybe I’ve given you food for thought; I’d love to read a story about Ruby. I’m not surprised you know the first two and I’m not surprised you don’t know the last two! The one by Tony Sheridan & the Beat Brothers is a real oldie. Thanks for your great comments, Jodi. This was another great theme.

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  17. wow Nancy this is a brilliant post great picks …and great information. Love them all especially Ruby Tuesday…. We used to call our beautiful white Labrador Ruby Tuesday. But they were all great 💜💜💜💜

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    1. Thanks so very much, Willow. I was actually going to go with only the Tony Sheridan cover of “Ruby Baby”, but when I thought about so many other songs with the name Ruby in the title, I knew I had my theme. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. “Ruby Tuesday” is a great name for a dog. Thanks for sharing that information. 💜

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  19. Hi Nancy, I love your post full of Rubys ☺️ Of course the first two were so popular and what’s not to love about them? I must admit I hadn’t heard of Ruby Lee by Bill Withers but I liked it the best. I am a big BW fan having featured him on SLS several times. Thank you for the last one! The photo is magic! They looked so young, didn’t they? Don’t you think Tony Sheridan sounded like Elvis? 🥰

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    1. Christine, a lot of my friends are saying they did not know the Bill Withers song. I was happy to introduce it and so glad to know you are a fan. Isn’t that photo amazing?! I have a copy of the “Beatles Bible” (naturally!) and that picture was in there. There was no way I couldn’t use it. FYI, George was 18, Paul was 19, Pete was 20, and John was 21. Babies. Thanks so much, Christine.

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  20. love what you have done here Nancy – some great ‘Ruby’ tracks my favourite has to be Ruby Tuesday – we see a more melodic side of the Stones (love the recorder played by Brian)♥️ – in the last track I thought the singer very much sounded like Elvis

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    1. Thank you, Ange. I have to admit, it took a while for “Ruby Tuesday” to grow on me when it first came out; I’m a Stone’s fan and love their banging R&R. Of course, in time, I came to love this song. You are absolutely right about Tony Sheridan; he does sound a lot like Elvis. Back then, I’m sure he was every rock ‘n’ roller’s idol. I enjoyed reading your comments, Ange. Thank you. ❤️

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    1. Thank you, Ernie. A number of people are commenting that they did not know that song by Bill Withers. I enjoy his music in general and was happy to introduce a new song. Thanks for giving him your vote. Wasn’t that great stuff about Tony Sheridan & the Beat Brothers?

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  22. I hadn’t heard Bill Withers’ “Ruby Lee” before. I thought it was okay. I liked the other three Ruby songs, but I was only familiar with Dion’s cover, not the one you featured. I understand why you went with that one because of the Beatles connection, but I still prefer Dion’s cover to the one from Tony Sheridan ft. The Beat Brothers.

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    1. Thanks, Fan. I like Bill Withers in general and because his song was so different from the others, I chose to include it. I’m a huge fan of Dion and I was hoping to include his video, but I didn’t for two reasons: first, I was too excited not to include Tony Sheridan & the Beat Brothers; second, I was trying to save space on my post by not typing the lyrics and going with only lyric videos, but I could not find a lyric video for Dion. In hindsight, I was probably too anal about the whole thing; there’s really no reason why I couldn’t include both videos. I greatly appreciate your comments this morning. Thank you, Fan.

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  24. Think I like Ruby Tuesday. Interesting backstory and I’ve always liked that recorder and double-bowed bass. But the Ken Rogers one was also interesting but tragic.

    That backing band for Tony Sheridan… wonder what ever happened to them? Good sound and vocals… they coulda gone places. Oh well 😉

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