Reuben James The Kingston Trio
"Reuben James" by The Kingston Trio, released in 1967, is a folk song that tells the story of a poor man named Reuben James who is celebrated for his kindness and sacrifice. Themes of friendship, loss, and social justice are prominent. The song features harmonies and acoustic instrumentation, reflecting the folk genre's storytelling tradition. Its poignant message resonates with listeners, contributing to the Trio's cultural impact in the 1960s folk revival. #Folk
[Verse 1]
Have you heard of the ship called the good Reuben James?
Run by hard fighting men both of honor and of fame
She flew the stars and stripes of the land of the free
But tonight she's in her grave at the bottom of the sea
[Chorus]
Oh, tell me, what were their names?
Tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
Won't you tell me, what were their names?
Tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
[Verse 2]
One hundred men went down to their dark and watery graves
When that good ship went down, only forty-four were saved
'Twas the last day of October, they saved the forty-four
From the dark icy waters of that cold Iceland shore
[Chorus]
Oh, tell me, what were their names?
Tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
Won't you tell me, what were their names?
Tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
Have you heard of the ship called the good Reuben James?
Run by hard fighting men both of honor and of fame
She flew the stars and stripes of the land of the free
But tonight she's in her grave at the bottom of the sea
[Chorus]
Oh, tell me, what were their names?
Tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
Won't you tell me, what were their names?
Tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
[Verse 2]
One hundred men went down to their dark and watery graves
When that good ship went down, only forty-four were saved
'Twas the last day of October, they saved the forty-four
From the dark icy waters of that cold Iceland shore
[Chorus]
Oh, tell me, what were their names?
Tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
Won't you tell me, what were their names?
Tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
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