Ruben James

Reuben James in my song you live again
In the phrases that I rhyme are just footsteps out of time
From the time when I knew you Reuben James

Reuben James all the folks around Madison County cursed your name
Just a no count share croppin' black
Man who'd steal anything that he can
And everybody would lay the blame on Reuben James

Reuben James you still walk the furrowed fields of my mind
Faded shirt weathered brow callused hands 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 the hungry white child with no name Reuben James

Reuben James with your mind on my soul and a Bible in your right hand
You said turn the other cheek there's a better world waitin' for me
In my mind these words remain from Reuben James

Reuben James you still walk the furrowed fields of my mind
Faded shirt weathered brow callused hands 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 field
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 the furrowed fields of my mind
Faded shirt weathered brow callused hands upon the plow
I loved you then and I love you now Reuben James

Reuben James you still walk the furrowed fields of my mind
Faded shirt weathered brow callused hands upon the plow
I loved you then and I love you now Reuben James