Ruby’s first birthday.
One day, I was playing my guitar, and Ruby, who was just learning to walk, suddenly stopped and looked at me.
It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen.
I’d play the chords and say, “Dance, Ruby! dance!” and she’d bounce up and down.
Over the next couple of weeks, whenever I played that particular chord progression, she’d stop in her tracks and start dancing.
Eventually, I started singing, “Dance Ruby, dance…” over the chords I was playing.
After a month, I had a song.
A good song.
It became a place where I could put all my hopes, dreams, and fears for Ruby.
It’s my attempt at a “Forever Young” or “I Hope You Dance.”
I was never sure it would see the light of day.
It was in the running for every album I’ve done since I wrote the song back in 2005.
I wrestled with how to approach it.
Deep down, I knew there were some lyrical nudges needed in the first verse.
Finally, a couple of months ago, I stumbled onto the lyrical idea that completed the song.
As always, it was worth the wait.
“What’s this song about?” you say…
Basically.
In a nutshell.
When in doubt.
Go for it.
Dance Ruby, Dance.
