She danced in the dirty streets

Satin shoes tied to her feet

People 'round here said she was a sight



Every night when the sun went down

She'd curtsey and take a bow

To the man in the moon and the dim street lights



We held in high regard

The rose in the mission yard

Singing, "Buffalo Gals won't you come out tonight"



And her name was Ruby Brown

And she came through shanty town

Like a queen without a crown

And her name was Ruby Brown



Long about ten years ago

She disappeared, why no one knows

But some say she was running for her life



'Cause a mean looking man in a limousine

Came down from New Orleans

He said he came here looking for his wife



And her name was Ruby Brown

And she came through shanty town

Like a queen without a crown

And her name was Ruby Brown



Some say he beat her bad

'Til she just went plain mad

But I say she went where he could never go



And her name was Ruby Brown

And she came through shanty town

Like a queen without a crown

And her name was Ruby Brown