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 Caunty cussed your name Just a no count sharecroppin' colored man Who'd steal anything that he can And they always laid the blame on, Reuben James. 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. Flora Gray 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. 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 mind these words remain from, Reuben James. 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. 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. 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