Ruby's Shoes

Album: Paper Wings And Halo (2000)
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  • Ruby's shoes would take her
    A mile or so to school every day
    Where the white people hated her
    They'd scream and hold signs and tell her to go away

    But Ruby's will was stronger
    Than the bigots with the signs could ever know
    She stopped every morning on the corner
    And prayed that someday the pain would go

    And she'd stop and she'd pray
    That all the hatred would go away
    She was only six years old but she knew
    Walk a mile in Ruby's shoes

    Ruby sat alone in the classroom
    She never dreamed the other children wouldn't come
    They hated her for the color of her skin
    Well color is such an amazing illusion

    She'd stop and she'd pray
    That all the hatred would go away
    She was only six years old but she knew
    Walk a mile in Ruby's shoes

    Now Ruby knew about Dorothy
    And the ruby shoes that she wore
    She wondered about Oz sometimes
    Well, well no other child ever walked her shoes before

    And she'd stop and she'd pray
    That all the hatred would go away
    She was only six years old but she knew
    Walk a mile in Ruby's shoes

    Ruby, if birds can always fly
    Why oh why can't you and I?

    Ruby's shoes would take her
    A mile or so to school every day
    Where the white people hated her
    They'd scream and hold signs and tell her to go away

    And she'd stop and she'd pray
    That all the hatred would go away
    She'd stop and she'd pray
    That no other children would be raised this way
    Ruby's shoes

    If birds can fly
    Then why oh why
    If birds can fly then why oh why can't I Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Th3r43ltruth from New YorkThis song is very powerful and beautiful.
  • Kim from Gainesville, FlI am a teacher and have taught Ruby's story for the past several years. I would love to use this in my classroom.
  • Shirley from National City, CaDear lori,

    I am preparing a presentation about Ruby Bridges for a Black History banquet at my church.I came across your song "RUBY'S SHOES". I loved the lyrics, music,and guitar. I loved why you wrote the song. I will be listening to your music.
    Thank You
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