Story Behind The Song

Susan was impressed with the story of a little girl who had the courage to integrate the New Orleans school system.

Song Description

The story of Ruby Bridges is a story of the courage of children. Her story is also a chapter in the sad history of race relations in the U.S. My daughter Hope and I were fortunate enough to hear Ms. Bridges speak in March 1996 about her childhood. She told of the long months spent alone in a first grade classroom, single-handedly integrating an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960. Thirty five years later, Ms. Bridges? children now attend the same school. For more information on Ruby Bridges, see The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford, 1995 Scholastic Inc.

Lyrics

Ruby B.
By Susan Salidor ©1996
Ruby B., Ruby B.,
You were a little girl just like me
Did they know what you knew
That you?d be big and brave
And maybe frightened too?

Ruby B., Ruby B.
You were a smart girl, just like me
Did they know what you knew
That you did all your school work
Just like you?re suppose to do

Ruby B., Ruby B.
You were a gentle girl, just like me
Did they know what you knew
That you?d behave so well
Just like mama told you to

Ruby B., Ruby B.
You were a sweet girl, just like me
Did they know, what you knew
That you would pray for them
When they shouted at you?

Ruby B., Ruby B.
You are a woman now, that I can see
Did they know what you knew
That color can?t be used to
Separate us two

Ruby B., Ruby B.,
You were a little girl just like me
Did they know what you knew
That you?d be big and brave
And maybe frightened too?

Ruby B., Ruby B.,
You were a little girl just like me
Ruby B., Just like me!
Ruby B., Just like me!...
(fade out)