Reuben James

Reuben James in my song you'll live again

And the phrases that I rhyme

Are just the footsteps out of time

From the time when I knew you, Reuben James.

Reuben James all the folks

Around Madison Caunty cussed your name

Just a no count sharecroppin' colored man

Who'd steal anything that he can

And they always laid the blame on, Reuben James.

Reuben James you still walk

The furrowed fields of my mind

The faded shirt the wrinkled brow

The calloused hand upon the plow

I loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James.

Flora Gray the gossip of Madison County died with the child

And although your skin was black

You were the one who didn't turn your back

On a hungry white child with no name, Reuben James.

Reuben James with your mind on my soul

And Bible in your right hand

You said turn the other cheek

There's a better world waitin' for the meek

In my mind these words remain from, Reuben James.

Reuben James you still walk

The furrowed fields of my mind

The faded shirt the wrinkled brow

The calloused hand upon the plow

I loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James.

Reuben James one cold dark day

They brought you from the fields

And that lonely pinebox came

Just a preacher me and the rain

To sing one last refrain for, Reuben James.

Reuben James you still walk

The furrowed fields of my mind

The faded shirt the wrinkled brow

The calloused hand upon the plow

I loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James