Reuben James - country song


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

Reuben James, all the folks around
Madison 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
Faded shirt and weathered brow
Callosed hands upon the plow
Loved you then and I loved you now, Ruben James

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

I don't recall Johnny Horton singing it, but didn't either Kristofferson or Kenny Rogers do a version?