Meaning of "Ruby Baby" by Donald Fagen

The lyrics of "Ruby Baby" by Donald Fagen portray the intense infatuation and longing of the narrator for a woman named Ruby. Despite Ruby not returning his affection, the narrator's love for her remains unwavering. The repetition of her name, "Ruby, Ruby, how I want you," emphasizes the strong desire and fixation he has towards Ruby. The line, "Like a ghost I'm gonna haunt you," suggests that the narrator's love for Ruby is haunting and ever-present in his thoughts, even though she may not reciprocate his feelings.

The narrator also expresses his willingness to go to great lengths to win Ruby's heart. He sings, "I'm gonna steal you away from all those guys," implying that he wants to be the one to have her love and attention, despite her being pursued by others. This displays the narrator's jealousy and possessiveness, as he wants Ruby exclusively for himself. He even goes on to say, "I'd give the world just to set her heart aflame," indicating that he is willing to sacrifice anything to make Ruby love him.

Perhaps the most telling line in the song is when the narrator declares, "Got some lovin' money too, gonna give it all to you." This implies that the narrator is offering his love and financial resources to Ruby in hopes of winning her over. It highlights the narrator's desperation and willingness to do anything to make Ruby his. However, the question at the end, "Ruby, Ruby, when will you be mine," shows that the narrator still awaits an answer from Ruby, unsure if she will ever reciprocate his love.

Overall, "Ruby Baby" explores themes of unrequited love, desire, jealousy, possessiveness, and the lengths one is willing to go to win someone's affection. It reflects the narrator's deep longing for Ruby and his inner struggle to come to terms with the possibility that she may never be his.