Song Meaning
Melissa Manchester's "Ruby And The Dancer" isn't just a song; it's a poignant character study wrapped in a deceptively simple melody. The dancer, returning home after facing "hard times," immediately sets a tone of alienation. She's not seeking comfort or understanding, but rather preemptively pushing away those who might offer it, warning them, "if you're looking for my love--pass me by." This isn't mere teenage angst; it's a defense mechanism born from perceived failure and the sting of unmet expectations. The lyrics hint at a past filled with promise ("gonna be a dancer--gifted by Gods and kings") that has somehow soured, leaving her guarded and vulnerable. The core song meaning resides in the dancer's struggle to reconcile her former self with her present reality. The references to 'Ruby', a figure of either a lover or a facet of her past, underscores this theme. The lines suggest that Ruby understood the dancer during a more carefree time, but the present is clouded with the judgment of "elders" who "simply stop to stare."
Manchester doesn't paint the dancer as a victim, though. There's a defiant, almost mystical quality to her self-perception. She declares, "I am not bad or crazy / I live here in a forest / I see things thru a rainbow / I am a blossom come alive." These lines suggest an embrace of her unconventional path, a retreat into a world of her own creation where she can exist outside the rigid confines of societal expectations. The forest and rainbow imagery evoke a sense of childlike wonder and a rejection of the mundane, practical world. The song's lyrics delve into the psychological impact of societal pressures and the importance of self-acceptance. The "elders" represent the forces of conformity, those who "have no way with changes" and "cannot see my garden."
Ultimately, "Ruby And The Dancer" transcends a simple narrative of a fallen star. It's a broader commentary on the human need for acceptance and the courage required to defy societal norms. The dancer's longing for a "garden to bloom in" speaks to the universal desire for a safe space where individuality is celebrated, not condemned. The line "For there must always be room enough--For all of us" is a plea for empathy and understanding, a reminder that everyone deserves a place to belong, regardless of their perceived failures or unconventional choices. The song’s deeper meaning lies in its call for societal tolerance and the recognition of the intrinsic value in every individual's unique journey, even those who, like the dancer, choose to dance to the beat of their own drum.
View Artist