RUEBEN JAMES
Performed by Kenny Rogers
Rueben (D) James in my (A7) song youll live a (D) gain
And the (G) phrases that I (D) rhyme
Are just the (A7) footsteps out-a (D) time
From a (G) time when I (D) knew (A7) Rueben (D) James
Rueben (D) James all the folks around Madison (A7) County cussed your (D) name
Just a (G) no account share-croppin (D) colored man
Who (A7) steal anything he (D) can
And (G) everybody laid the (D) blame on (A7) Rueben (D) James
Rueben (G) James you still walk the fertile fields of my (D) mind
Faded (G) shirt weathered brow
Callused (D) hands upon the plow
I loved you (C) then and I love you now Rueben (D) James
Flora (D) Graves the gossip of Madison (A7) County died with (D) child
And al (G) though your skin was (D) black
You were the (A7) one who didnt turn your (D) back
On a (G) hungry white child with (D) no name (A7) Rueben (D) James
Rueben (D) James with your mind on my soul and a (A7) bible in your right (D)
hand
You said (G) turn the other (D) cheek
Theres a (A7) better world waitin for the (D) meek
In my (G) mind these words re (D) main from (A7) Rueben (D) James
Rueben (G) James you still walk the fertile fields of my (D) mind
Faded (G) shirt weathered brow
Callused (D) hands upon the plow
I loved you (C) then and I love you now Rueben (D) James
Rueben (E) James one dark cloudy day they (B7) brought you from the (E) field
And to your (A) lonely pine box (E) came
Just a (B7) preacher me and the (E) rain
To (A) sing one last re (E) frain for (B7) Rueben (E) James
Rueben (A) James you still walk the fertile fields of my (E) mind
Faded (A) shirt weathered brow
Callused (E) hands upon the plow
I loved you (D) then and I love you now Rueben (E) James
Repeat Chorus and fade out.
Disclaimer: As usual, not sure of the correct key or if all chords are
perfect, but its a
start.
Have fun.
H. Lee Rankin
