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Ruby Tuesday – The Rolling Stones

“Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones is a softer, more reflective 1960s hit that showcases the band’s versatility. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is known for its emotional lyrics and melodic arrangement. Its introspective tone helped it stand apart from their harder-edged songs.

Listen to the Song

Story Behind the Song

🌹 A Softer Side of the Stones

“Ruby Tuesday” revealed a completely different side of
The Rolling Stones.

Known for their raw, rebellious rock sound, this song was:

👉 Gentle… reflective… and emotional.

It showed they weren’t just about attitude—

👉 They could be deeply melodic too.


💡 Inspired by a Mysterious Woman

The song was written by:

  • Mick Jagger
  • Keith Richards

It’s widely believed that the inspiration came from a woman in Richards’ life—

👉 someone free-spirited and impossible to hold down.

The lyrics reflect:

  • Letting go
  • Independence
  • The fleeting nature of relationships

👉 “Who could hang a name on you…”


🎼 A Unique and Unusual Sound

“Ruby Tuesday” stands out musically from typical Stones songs.

It features:

  • Recorder (played by Brian Jones)
  • Piano and acoustic elements
  • A baroque-pop influence

👉 It feels almost orchestral and delicate.


🎤 A Thoughtful Vocal Performance

Mick Jagger delivers the song with:

  • Restraint
  • Warmth
  • A reflective tone

👉 It’s less aggressive—and more introspective.


🏆 A #1 Hit

“Ruby Tuesday” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the week of March 4, 1967.

• A double A-side release with “Let’s Spend the Night Together”
• Showed the band’s versatility beyond hard rock

→ View the Top 5 songs for that week


🌎 Why the Song Connected

“Ruby Tuesday” resonated because it captured a universal truth:

  • You can’t hold onto everything
  • Some people aren’t meant to stay
  • Letting go can be bittersweet

👉 It’s emotional without being dramatic.


🎧 Why It Still Matters Today

The song remains a classic because:

  • It highlights a different dimension of the band
  • Its melody is timeless
  • Its message still resonates

👉 It’s one of the most beautiful songs in their catalog.


🎵 A Goodbye Wrapped in Music

With “Ruby Tuesday,” The Rolling Stones created something rare—

👉 A song about letting go… without regret.

Soft.
Melancholic.
Timeless.

👉 A reminder that some people—and some moments—

👉 Are never meant to be held forever.

About the Author

Author: Randy Lyons

I was a kid in the 1960s and I just loved the music back then. The songs on the radio really stuck with me, and as I got older, I wanted to learn more about the bands and the stories behind the music that I grew up with. This is my way of sharing that love of music with others, and looking back at the history of the songs that were such a big part of our lives when we were young. I mean, who didn’t love listening to the radio and hearing all the great songs of the 60s? It was a really special time for music, and I feel lucky to have grown up with it. I’m hoping that by sharing my passion for this music, I can help others remember the good old days and discover some new favorite songs and artists. The 1960s were a time of so much creativity and innovation in music, and I think that’s something that still inspires people today. So, I’m excited to share my knowledge and love of this music with others, and to keep the spirit of the 1960s alive.

Billboard #1 Weeks

Chart Week
POSITION
LINK
March 4, 1967
#1

Song Facts

RIAA Certified • Gold
Artist
Album
Genre
Rock & Roll. Pop

Billboard Top 10 Journey

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 Week 1 - #4 - Feb 11, 1967 W1 Week 2 - #3 - Feb 18, 1967 W2 Week 3 - #3 - Feb 25, 1967 W3 Week 4 - #1 - Mar 4, 1967 W4 Week 5 - #2 - Mar 11, 1967 W5 Week 6 - #5 - Mar 18, 1967 W6 Week 7 - #10 - Mar 25, 1967 W7

Peak: #1

Weeks in Top 10: 7

Entered Top 10 At: #4

First Top 10 Week: February 11, 1967

Last Top 10 Week: March 25, 1967

Best Chart Week: March 4, 1967

Last Top 10 Position: #10

Chart Summary: Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Release Year
1967
Date Reached #1
March 4, 1967
Weeks at #1
1