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 County cussed your name

Just a no count sharecroppin' black man who'd steal anything that he can

And everybody laid the blame on Reuben James

Reuben James you still walk the furrowed fields of my mind

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 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 head these words remain from Reuben James

Reuben James you still walk...

Reuben James one dark cloudy day they brought you from the fields

To your lonely pine box came a preacher me and the rain

To sing one last refrain for Reuben James

Reuben James you still walk...

Reuben James you still walk...