Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of profound personal transformation, directly tied to the arrival of someone named Ruby. The opening lines establish her as a radiant, almost elemental force, arriving "like sun through the wind." This imagery suggests an effortless, natural, and illuminating presence that fundamentally alters the narrator's existence, marking the true beginning of their "living."
Before Ruby, the narrator describes a state of being "sadly adrift on the river," with thoughts "out of rhyme." This evokes a sense of aimlessness and mental disarray. Ruby's appearance is presented as a direct antidote to this state; she "banishes the years from my mind," implying a restorative power that erases past troubles and brings clarity.
The song emphasizes Ruby's vibrant engagement with life. She "loves her life away" and "laughs and she loves and she lives in the spring," portraying her as someone fully present and joyful, embodying renewal. This contrasts sharply with the narrator's prior drifting, highlighting the dynamic shift her presence creates. The repeated refrain, "My living started when she became a part of my life," serves as a powerful anchor, reinforcing the central theme of rebirth and purpose found through her influence.
Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they capture the overwhelming, almost miraculous feeling of finding a person who can fundamentally change one's perspective and sense of self. The simple, direct language and recurring affirmation of Ruby's impact create an earnest and heartfelt tribute to her life-altering effect.