Conway Twitty, born Harold Jenkins in 1933, has long been a towering figure in country music. With a career spanning decades, Twitty’s artistry earned him an impressive collection of awards, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. His distinct baritone voice and masterful talent for storytelling through lyrics solidified his status as a beloved artist in American music history.
Among his many popular songs, “Play, Ruby, Play” stands out as a poignant exploration of love and longing, further enriching his legacy in the genre.
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A Deep Dive into “Play, Ruby, Play”
Released in 1976 as part of the album “Conway,” “Play, Ruby, Play” showcases Twitty’s signature style, blending traditional country sounds with a more contemporary approach. The song revolves around a narrative that draws listeners into a world infused with emotion, temptation, and heartache.
Musically, the track embodies a quintessential country instrumentation that combines steel guitars, gentle rhythms, and soft melodies, allowing Twitty’s smooth vocals to shine through. The song’s lyrical content tells the story of a man urging Ruby—presumably a lover or a muse—to play an instrumental piece that evokes powerful emotions. The metaphor of music as a means of expressing deep feelings beautifully highlights how art and emotion are inextricably linked.
The choice of the name “Ruby” is particularly compelling. It evokes imagery of preciousness and rarity, suggesting that the song’s subject is someone deeply cherished by the narrator. This introduces a layer of depth, as beautiful music often serves as a backdrop to powerful moments of life, whether joyous or sorrowful.
Twitty’s ability to convey such complex emotions resonates with an audience that appreciates not only the sounds but also the stories behind the songs.
Timeless Appeal
Over the years, “Play, Ruby, Play” has retained its charm and relevance, reminding listeners of the universal experiences of love and regret. Twitty’s storytelling prowess draws listeners from various generations, allowing them to connect with the emotions conveyed through the lyrics.
As a testament to the song’s impact, it remains a staple in Twitty’s discography and continues to be celebrated by fans of country music around the world.
In conclusion, “Play, Ruby, Play” exemplifies why Conway Twitty holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers. With soulful melodies and profound storytelling, the song offers a journey into the complexities of human relationships, urging listeners to heed the call of their passions.
Twitty’s artistry invites all who hear to revel in the beauty of music and the stories we all carry within us, making this track an enduring classic in the annals of country music.
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Lyrics
Well, Ruby, she was a redneck beauty
She loved Little Richard and sang ‘Tootie Fruitie’
And wanted her name in lights and wore her dresses tight
Yeah, Ruby was a victim of circumstance
‘Cause she liked to wiggle and boogie dance
Out in the country she hardly ever got the chance
She had a local band, played the local bars
Had the local boys breathin’ hard
She had hillbilly eyes that could shine in the dark
She had a country soul and a rock ‘n’ roll heart
And her whole body shook when she stood up and played the piano
And the boys say, “Play, Ruby, play, we really like the way you do it
Play, Ruby, play, we love the way you get into it”
She made the young men scream and the old men moan
Rock on, rock on, rock on
Sometimes at night with the full moon beamin’
She would run around the mountain kickin’ and screamin’
Sayin’, ?If I don’t get out on the road I’m gonna explode?
Last time I saw her she was down in the city
Shakin’ and shoutin’, making plenty
Yeah, Ruby was a sight to behold, she was on a roll
She had a local band, played the local bars
Had the local boys breathin’ hard
She had hillbilly eyes that could shine in the dark
She had a country soul and a rock ‘n’ roll heart
