Reuben James

(album: Country Keepsakes - 1973)

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 sharecropping 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 waiting for the meek
In my head these words remain from 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

Reuben James, one dark cloudy day they brought you from the fields
To your lonely pinebox came 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
Faded shirt the wrinkled brow the calloused hand upon the plow
I loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James
...