Ruben James


     Ruben James, in my song you live again
     And the phrases that I rhyme
     Are just the footsteps out of time
     From the time when I knew you Ruben James

     Ruben James all the folks around Madison County cussed your name
     just a no count share croppin colored man 
     Who would steal anything he can 
     And they always laid the blame on Ruben James

     [ Ruben James, you still walk furrowed fields on my mind ]
     [ The faded shirt, the weathered brow                    ]
     [ The calloused hand upon the plow                       ]
     [ I loved you then and I love you now Ruben James        ]

     Flora Gray, the gossip of Madison County died with child
     And although your skin was black 
     It was you that wouldn't turn your back 
     On a hungry white child with no name, Ruben James

     Ruben James, with your mind on my soul, and the bible in your right hand 
     You said turn the other cheek 
     A better world is a waiting for the meek 
     In my head those words remain from Ruben James

     Ruben James one dark cloudy day they brought you from the fields
     And to your lonely pine box came
     Just a preacher, me, and the rain 
     To sing one last refrain for Ruben James