About the song
“Ruby Tuesday” is a timeless classic by the iconic British rock band, The Rolling Stones. Released in 1967, this song is a poignant and introspective ballad that showcases the band’s ability to craft melodies that are both hauntingly beautiful and emotionally resonant. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song’s lyrics are a poetic exploration of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of relationships.
The song’s origins date back to the tumultuous summer of 1967, a time when the world was undergoing significant social and cultural changes. The Rolling Stones, who had already established themselves as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion, were at the forefront of this revolution. With “Ruby Tuesday,” they created a song that not only reflected the mood of the times but also transcended the boundaries of rock music, incorporating elements of folk, psychedelia, and even classical music.
Musically, “Ruby Tuesday” is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint. The song’s gentle, lilting melody is accompanied by a minimalist arrangement that features a haunting piano riff, a soaring string section, and a subtle, pulsing rhythm section. The result is a sound that is both intimate and expansive, conjuring images of a lazy summer afternoon or a moonlit night.
Lyrically, “Ruby Tuesday” is a nuanced and enigmatic song that defies easy interpretation. Jagger’s lyrics are a series of fragmented images and impressions, evoking a sense of longing and melancholy. The song’s title character, Ruby Tuesday, is a mysterious and elusive figure, a symbol of the transience and fragility of human relationships.
Throughout the song’s history, “Ruby Tuesday” has been interpreted in countless ways, from a tribute to the beauty of a woman to a commentary on the fleeting nature of love and relationships. Regardless of its intended meaning, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness, a bittersweet reminder of the passing of time and the impermanence of human connections.
In the years since its release, “Ruby Tuesday” has become one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved and enduring songs, a testament to the band’s ability to craft music that is both timeless and timely. Its influence can be heard in countless other songs and artists, from the psychedelic rock of the 1960s to the contemporary indie folk of today.
As a cultural artifact, “Ruby Tuesday” is a window into the past, a snapshot of a particular moment in time when the world was changing rapidly and the boundaries of music were being pushed to new and exciting places. Yet, as a work of art, the song remains remarkably relevant, a powerful and poignant exploration of the human experience that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
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Lyrics
She would never say where she came from
Yesterday don’t matter if it’s gone
While the sun is bright
Or in the darkest night
No one knows, she comes and goes
Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang a name on you?
When you change with every new day
Still, I’m gonna miss you
Don’t question why she needs to be so free
She’ll tell you it’s the only way to be
She just can’t be chained
To a life where nothing’s gained
And nothing’s lost, at such a cost
Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang a name on you?
When you change with every new day
Still, I’m gonna miss you
“There’s no time to lose, ” I heard her say
Catch your dreams before they slip away
Dying all the time
Lose your dreams and you will lose your mind
Ain’t life unkind?
Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang a name on you?
When you change with every new day
Still, I’m gonna miss you
Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Who could hang a name on you?
When you change with every new day
Still, I’m gonna miss you