Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Delbert McClinton
Canonical path: /mcclinton-delbert/when-rita-leaves
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
When Rita Leaves
Read When Rita Leaves lyrics by Delbert McClinton on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
When Rita Leaves
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
She left a lipstick letter on the mirror, shattered on the bathroom floor
All I could put back together was, "never see me no more."
Took all her clothes, but one red dress
The one she knows I like the best
All I could do was clean up the mess and wonder where she had gone
I had a sky blue ragtop Mustang, 1964
She drove it off into the night 'til it just wouldn't go no more
She caught a ride on into town
Bought some gas and laid the top down
She burned that pony to the ground on the desert in New Mexico
When Rita leaves, Rita's gone
She gave me every chance a man could want
I've never known a love so strong
Or so crazy when she's been done wrong
When Rita leaves, Rita's gone
I put a call into her Mamasita back in El Paso
She said she got the story from Rita on her way to Mexico
Her Mama knew I was takin' it hard
Said she was sorry about my car
She said you're lucky all she broke was your heart
Better just let her go
When Rita leaves, Rita's gone
She gave me every chance a man could want
I've never known a love so strong
Or so crazy when she's been done wrong
When Rita leaves, Rita's gone
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "When Rita Leaves"?
Delbert McClinton performs "When Rita Leaves", and this lyric page sits inside the Delbert McClinton catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "When Rita Leaves"?
Yes. The related section below points to Big River and Corinna with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Delbert McClinton?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Delbert McClinton's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on When Rita Leaves yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.