Reuben James
View chords used in this chart
Reuben (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) Reuben (D) James
Reuben (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) Reuben (D) James
Reuben (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 Reuben (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) Reuben (D) James
Reuben (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) Reuben (D) James
Reuben (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 Reuben (D) James
Reuben (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) Reuben (E) James
Reuben (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 Reuben (E) James
Repeat Chorus and fade out.
How to play Reuben James
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is D. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.