Reuben James

(Alex Harvey - Barry Etris)



Reuben James in my song you'll live again

And the phrases that I rhyme are just the footsteps out of time

For 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 he can

And they always put the blame on Reuben James.



Reuben James you still walk the furrowed fields of my mind

The faded shirt, the withered 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 was 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 withered brow

The calloused hand upon the plow

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



Reuben James one dark cloudy 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 withered brow

The calloused hand upon the plow

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