Standard (EADGBE)

 Rueben / James all the folks around Madison / County cussed your / name.

 Just a / no account share-cropper / colored man,

 Who'd / steal anything he / can, and

Everybody laid the / blame on / Rueben James.

 Rueben / James you still walk the fertile fields of my / mind,

 Faded / shirt weathered brow,

 Calloused / hands upon the plow'

 Loved you / then and I love you now Rueben / James.

 Flora / Graves the gossip of Madison / County died with / child, and

 Al / though your skin was / black,

 You were the / one who didnt turn your / back,

 On a / hungry white child with / no name / Rueben James.

 Rueben / James with your mind on my soul and a / bible in your right, / and

 You said / turn the other / cheek,

 Theres a / better world waitin for the / meek,

 In my / mind these words re - / main from / Rueben James.

 Rueben / James you still walk the fertile fields of my / mind,

 Faded / shirt weathered brow,

 Calloused / hands upon the plow'

 Loved you / then and I love you now Rueben / James.

 Rueben / James one dark cloudy day they / brought you from the / field,and

 To your / lonely pine box / came,

 Just a / preacher me and the / rain,

 To / sing one last re - / frain for / Rueben James.

 Rueben / James you still walk the fertile fields of my / mind,

 Faded / shirt weathered brow,

 Calloused / hands upon the plow'

 Loved you / then and I love you now Rueben / James.

Repeat Chorus and fade out.