Lyr Add: Ruby (from Ray Charles)

Subject: Lyr Add: RUBY (M. Parish and H. Roemheld)
From: Gary T
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 08:53 PM

Ray Charles recorded this song, written by M. Parish and H. Roemheld, titled "Ruby". I thought it was a poignant love song until I was told that Ruby was a metaphor for heroin. That concept is consistent with the lyrics. Does anyone have any additional or corroborating information on this?

  They say, Ruby you're like a dream,
  Not always what you seem

  And though my heart may break
  When I awake
  Let it be so, I only know,
  Ruby it's you
  
  They say, Ruby you're like a song,
  You just don't know right from wrong
  And in your eyes I see
  Heartache for me
  Right from the start, who stole my heart
  Ruby it's you
  
  I hear your voice, and I must come to you
  I have no choice, what else can I do?
  
  They say, Ruby you're like a flame,
  Into my life you came
  And though I should beware
  Still I don't care
  You thrill me so, I only know,
  Ruby it's you

Thanks, Gary

Subject: RE: Background info--'Ruby'
From: rangeroger
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 10:16 PM

I had never heard heroin referred to as Ruby, but Ray Charles was a heroin addict for a very long time. At one point his addiction was so physically powerful,that to withdraw from it would have killed him.
There were stories told that he was legally prescribed heroin to keep him alive.
I've always wondered what happened to that addiction, as it suddenly disappeared from the news,and I haven't heard about any rehabilitation programs in his life.
rr

Subject: RE: Background info--'Ruby'
From: Gary T
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 11:27 PM

Thanks, rr. Specifically, I was told that Ray was singing about heroin with this song, but when I saw he didn't write it I wondered if that was what the songwriters intended or what Ray read into it (or neither). And to clarify, I was only thinking of Ruby standing for H in this song, not in general usage.

I also optimistically thought it might not be too rough to work up some chords for this one, but it's not coming easily. Can anyone help on that?