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

Hey Reuben James all the folks around Madison Caunty cussed your name

Just a no count of colored man who'd steal anything that he can

And they always laid the blame on Reuben James

Hey Reuben James you still walk the furrowed fields of my mind

The faded shirt the wrinkled brow the calloused hand upon the plow

I loved you then and I love you now Reuben James



Hey Flora Gray well the gossip of Madison County died with the 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

Hey 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 those words remain from Reuben James

Hey Reuben James you still walk...



Oh Reuben James one cold dark day they brought you from the fields

And that lonely pinebox came just a preacher me and the rain

To sing one last refrain for Reuben James

Oh Reuben James you still walk...