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...