The Sinking of the Reuben James Songtext
von Johnny Horton

(Almanac Singers)

What were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James
What were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James?

Have you heard of a ship they called that good Reuben James
Stand by, hard figting men fought for honor and fame
She flew the stars and stripes of the land of the free
But tonight she′s on her grave at the bottom of the sea.

(Now tell me) what were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James
What were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James?

--- Instrumental ---


It was there in the dark of that uncertain night
That we waited for your holds and waited for that fight
Then a whine and a rock and the great explosion roared
And they laid Good Reuben James on that cold ocean floor.

(Now tell me) what were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James
What were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James?

--- Instrumental ---

Now tonight there are lights in our country so bright
On the farms and the cities they're tellin′ of that fight
And now our mighty battle ship will sail the Bangor Maine
And remember the name of that Good Reauben James.

(Now tell me) what were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James
What were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James?

(Now tell me) what were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James
What were their names, tell me what were their names
Did you have a friend on the Good Reuben James?...