Lyr Req: Reuben James (from Kenny Rogers)

Subject: Reubin James Lyrics wanted
From:
Date: 05 Apr 97 - 07:51 AM

There is an old folk song about a little white boy who is taken in by an old black man named Reubin James One of the lines in the song is " Reubin James, You still walk the furrowed fields of my mind" Another lines is "A colered hand upon the plow, I loved you then and I love you now"

Please help - I would really love the lyrics to this song

Subject: RE: Reubin James Lyrics wanted
From: Gene Graham
Date: 05 Apr 97 - 12:59 PM

Kenny Rogers recorded the version I recall...which I have the lyrics to...will post them later today if no one else does.

Subject: Lyr Req: REUBEN JAMES (from Kenny Rogers)
From: Gene Graham
Date: 05 Apr 97 - 09:43 PM

REUBEN JAMES - Recorded by Kenny Rogers - Written by A. Harvey and B. Etris

Reuben James - In my song you'll live again
In the phrases that I write
Are just the footsteps of the times
From the time when I knew you, Reuben James;

Reuben James - All the folks around Madison County cussed your name
Just a no-'count, share-cropper - colored man
Who'd steal anything he can
And ev'rybody laid the blame on Reuben James;

CHORUS: Reuben James - Well, you still walk the furrowed fields of my mind
Faded shirt, weathered brow, calloused hands upon the plow
Loved you then and I love you now, Reuben James;

(*missing) - The gossip of Madison Country died with child
Although your skin was black
You were the one that didn't turn your back
On this hungry white child with no name, Reuben James;

Reuben James - With your mind on the soul and a bottle in your right hand
You said turn the other cheek
Well, there's a better world a-waitin' for the meek
In my mind these words remain from Reuben James; CHORUS

Reuben James - One dark cloudy day they brought you from the fields
And to your lonely pine box casket, just a preacher, me and the rain
Just to sing one last refrain for Reuben James;

CHORUS (2X)

Subject: RE: Reubin James Lyrics wanted
From: belter
Date: 05 Apr 97 - 09:51 PM

Does anyone know the origins of this song? It sound like a song with more history than just another pop hit to me. I think there's a lesson in there some were. I just can't put my finger on it.

Subject: RE: Reubin James Lyrics wanted
From: GENE GRAHAM
Date: 06 Apr 97 - 11:22 PM

There's another song with a similar story line. (I'm In Trouble, Come And Get Me) MR. JONES....by BIG AL DOWNING.