He will leave behind all of his clothes
He wore when he was with her
All he needs are his railroad boots
And his leather jacketAs he says goodbye to Ruby's arms
Although his heart is breaking
He will steal away out through her blinds
For soon she will be wakingMorning light has washed her face
And everything is turning blue now
She holds on to her pillow case
There's nothing he can do nowAs he says goodbye to Ruby's arms
He says, she'll find another soldier
And he swears to God by Christmastime
There'll be someone else to hold herThe only thing he is taking is
The scarf off of her clothesline
He'll hurry past her chest of drawers
And her broken wind chimesAs he says goodbye, he says goodbye
Goodbye to Ruby's armsHe will feel his way down her darkened hall
And out into the morning
The hobos in the freight yards
Have kept their fires burningAnd Jesus Christ, this cold hard rain
Won't someone put him on his train
He'll never kiss her lips again
Or break her heartAs he says goodbye, he says goodbye
Say goodbye to Ruby's arms