Reuben James

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
Who would steal anything he can
And everybody laid the blame on Reuben James

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

For a grave, the gossiper of Madison County died with child
And 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, and with your mind on the soul
And a Bible 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, you still walk over fields of my mind
Faded shirt, the weathered brow, the calloused 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
And to your lonely pine box came
And just a preacher, me and the rain
Just to sing one last refrain to Reuben James

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

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