Reuben James lyrics

Reuben James, in my song you live again

And the phrases that I rhyme

Are just a footstep out of time

From the time when I knew you, Reuben James

Reuben James, all the folks around Madison County cussed your name

You're just a no-count, sharecropping colored man

You'd steal anything you can

And everybody laid the blame on Reuben James

Reuben James, for you still walk over fields of my mind

The faded shirt, weathered brow,

The calloused hands upon the plow

Loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James

Flora Gray, the gossip of Madison County died with child

Although your skin was black

You were the one that didn't turn your back

On the hungry white child with no name, Reuben James

Reuben James, with your mind on the soul

And a bottle in your right hand you said "Turn the other cheek

For there's a better world awaiting for the meek"

In my mind, these words remain from Reuben James

Reuben James, for you still walk over fields of my mind

The faded shirt, weathered brow,

The calloused hands upon the plow

Loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James

Reuben James, one dark cloudy day

They brought you from the field

And to your lonely pine box came

Just a preacher, me and the rain

Just to sing one last refrain to Reuben James

Reuben James, for you still walk over fields of my mind

The faded shirt, weathered brow,

The calloused hands upon the plow

Loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James

Reuben James, for you still walk over fields of my mind

The faded shirt, weathered brow,

The calloused hands upon the plow

Loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James

• Artist:Kenny Rogers
• Album:Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town 1969