Reuben James, in my song you'll live again
In the phrases that I write
In the footsteps out of sight
For the time that I knew you, Reuben James

Ruben James, all the folks around
Midson County cursed your name
Just a no count share cropping colored man
Steal anything he can
Everybody layed the blame on Rueben James

Rueben James, use to walk the furred fields of my mind
Raded shirt and weathered brow
Callosed hands upon the plow
Loved yuo then and I loved you now, Ruben James

Reuben James, with your mind on the soul
And the Bible in your right hand
So trun the other cheek, there's a better
World waiting fot the meek
In my mind these words remain from Rueben James

* Refrain

Reuben James, one dark cloudy day they
Brought you from the field
Until your lonely pine box came
Just the preacher me and the rain
Just to sing one last refrain for Reuben James

* Refrain