Thanks Bob for the corrections. Here's another early version by Emry Arthur in 1930. I think the words are right.


LYR ADD: Reuben Oh Reuben
Emry Arthur 1930

Guitar Intro

Reub-a-Rueb, oh Reub, it's Reub-a-Rueb, oh Reub,
Reuben where you been so long.

I've been to the east, I've been to the west
I've been all around this ol' world.

I've been to the river and I've been baptized
I'm ready for my hole in the ground.

(Guitar break)

Oh Reuben had a wreck, he broke his foreman's neck
He can't get no letter from his home.

(Guitar break)

Reub-a-Rueb, oh Reub, it's Reub-a-Rueb, oh Reub,
Reuben where you been so long.

I've been to the east, I've been to the west
I've been all around this ol' world.

I've been to the river and I've been baptized
I'm ready for my hole in the ground.

(Guitar break)

Honey if you just say so I'll railroad no more
I'll side track my engine and come home.

The longest day, I've ever seen,
Was the day that I left home.

My mama told me, and my papa too
That I must never roam.

---Richie