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 share croppin' 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