Kenny Rogers – Reuben James chords

Reuben James by Kenny Rogers
Written by Kenny Rogers
From Kenny Rogers and the First Edition 1977
Original Key is E
Tabbed by Kellie G (Autobahn)

Intro E

       E            Reuben James
      B                EIn my song you'll live again
        A              EAnd the phrases that I rhyme
         B               E    Are just footsteps outta time
       A           E         B      EFrom a time when I knew you, Reuben James

       E                                      Reuben James, 
                             B                  E  All the folks around Madison County cussed your name
       A                        E               Just a no account share-cropper coloured man
      B                 EWho'd steal anything he can
         A             E        B      EAnd everybody laid the blame on Reuben James

Chorus
       AReuben James
                                        EYou still walk the fertile fields of my mind
          AThe faded shirt, the weathered brow
              EThe calloused hands upon the plough
          D                   A                  ELoved you then and I love you now, Reuben James
 
       E            Flora Graves,
                      B                EThe gossip of Madison County died with child
      A                    EAnd although your skin was black
             B                        E    You were the one who didn't turn your back
     A                       E        B      EOn a hungry white child with no name, Reuben James

       E            Reuben James,
                                B                   EWith your mind on my soul and a bible in your right hand
             A              EAnd you said turn the other cheek
          B                            E    There's a better world waitin' for the meek
      A                E           B      EIn my mind these words remain from Reuben James

Repeat chorus
       AReuben James
                                        EYou still walk the fertile fields of my mind
          AThe faded shirt, the weathered brow
              EThe calloused hands upon the plough
          D                   A                  ELoved you then and I love you now, Reuben James

Third verse key change F 
(if you can swing it, otherwise keep in key of E)            
      
       FReuben James, 
                         C                    F                                One dark cloudy day they brought you from the field
            Bb              FAnd to your lonely pine box came
       C                   FJust a preacher me and the rain
    Bb           F           C            FTo sing one last refrain for Reuben James

Chorus x 2
       BbReuben James
                                        FYou still walk the fertile fields of my mind
          BbThe faded shirt, the weathered brow
              FThe calloused hands upon the plough
          Eb                  Ab          FLoved you then and I love you now, Reuben James

If you've enjoyed playing this tab for its ease and accuracy, please rate at UG.  Thanks! :)