Reuben James
Reuben James: A Tale of Love, Redemption, and Defying Prejudice
Lyrics
Reuben James in my song you'll live again
Reuben James will live on in my song, his memory preserved.
And the phrases that I rhyme are just the footsteps out of time
The words I use in my song are like echoes of the past.
From the time when I knew you Reuben James
Referencing a time when I knew you, Reuben James.
Hey Reuben James all the folks around Madison Caunty cussed your name
People in Madison County spoke ill of you, Reuben James.
Just a no count of colored man who'd steal anything that he can
Labeling you as a dishonest colored man who steals.
And they always laid the blame on Reuben James
Blaming you for thefts without evidence, Reuben James.
Hey Reuben James you still walk the furrowed fields of my mind
Your memory remains vivid in my thoughts, Reuben James.
The faded shirt the wrinkled brow the calloused hand upon the plow
Describing your worn-out shirt, brow, and calloused hands from working.
I loved you then and I love you now Reuben James
Expressing continued love for you, then and now, Reuben James.
Hey Flora Gray well the gossip of Madison County died with the child
Referring to the end of rumors in Madison County upon a child's death.
And although your skin was black you were the one who didn't turn your back
Despite your black skin, you didn't abandon a needy white child.
On a hungry white child with no name Reuben James
Specifically recalling your kindness to an unnamed hungry child.
Hey Reuben James with your mind on my soul and Bible in your right hand
Reflecting on your spiritual presence, holding a Bible and guiding principles.
You said turn the other cheek there's a better world waitin' for the meek
Recalling your teachings about forgiveness and a promised better world for the humble.
In my head those words remain from Reuben James
Retaining those teachings and words in my thoughts from you, Reuben James.
Hey Reuben James you still walk...
Continuing reference to your enduring presence in thoughts, Reuben James.
Oh Reuben James one cold dark day they brought you from the fields
Describing the day of your passing from the fields to a funeral in a lonely pine box.
And that lonely pinebox came just a preacher me and the rain
Remembering a funeral with only a preacher, rain, and myself singing for you, Reuben James.
To sing one last refrain for Reuben James
A final tribute sung in memory of you, Reuben James.
Oh Reuben James you still walk...
Continuing reference to your enduring presence in thoughts, Reuben James.
Comment