Ruby

Ray Charles' song "Ruby" is a poignant exploration of love's complexities, capturing the essence of a relationship that is both enchanting and fraught with emotional turmoil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Ruby, a woman who is as captivating as she is elusive. Described as a dream and a song, Ruby embodies an ideal that is both alluring and unattainable. The narrator acknowledges that Ruby is not always what she seems, hinting at a deeper, perhaps more troubling reality beneath her enchanting exterior. This duality is a common theme in love songs, where the object of affection is both a source of immense joy and inevitable heartache.

The song delves deeper into the emotional impact Ruby has on the narrator. Her presence is likened to a flame, suggesting both warmth and danger. Despite knowing that Ruby may bring heartache, the narrator is irresistibly drawn to her, unable to resist her allure. This internal conflict is beautifully captured in the lines, "I hear your voice and I must come to you / I have no choice, so what else can I do?" The sense of inevitability and helplessness in these lines underscores the powerful hold Ruby has over the narrator, highlighting the often irrational nature of love.

Ray Charles' soulful delivery adds another layer of depth to the song, infusing it with a sense of longing and vulnerability. His voice conveys the emotional weight of the lyrics, making the listener feel the narrator's internal struggle. The repetition of the phrase "Ruby, it's you" serves as a haunting reminder of the narrator's fixation, emphasizing the inescapable nature of his feelings. Through "Ruby," Ray Charles masterfully captures the bittersweet essence of love, where joy and pain are inextricably linked.