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The Sinking Of The Reuben James

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Verse 1
GHave you Gheard of a ship called the Dgood Reuben GJames
GManned by hard fighting men both of Dhonor and Gfame?
GShe flew the Stars and Stripes of this Cland of the Gfree
GBut tonight she's in her grave on the Dbottom of the Gsea. 
(Chorus)
GTell me what was their names, tell me wChat was their namAmes,
DDid you have a friend on that Cgood Reuben GJames?
GWhat was their names, tell me, what wCas their naAmmes?
DDid you have a friend on that Cgood Reuben GJames
Verse 2
GWell, a Ghundred men went down in that Ddark watery Ggrave
GWhen that good ship went down only Dforty-four were Gsaved.
G'Twas the last day of October we sCaved the forty-fGour
GFrom the cold ocean waters and that Dcold icy Gshore. 
(Chorus)
GTell me what was their names, tell me wChat was their namAmes,
DDid you have a friend on that Cgood Reuben GJames?
GWhat was their names, tell me, what wCas their naAmmes?
DDid you have a friend on that Cgood Reuben GJames
Verse 3  
GIt was tGhere in the dark of that Duncertain Gnight
GThat we watched for the U-boats and Dwaited for thGe fight.
GThen a whine and a rock and a gCreat explosion roGared
GAnd they laid the Reuben James on that Dcold ocean Gfloor. 
(Chorus)
GTell me what was their names, tell me wChat was their namAmes,
DDid you have a friend on that Cgood Reuben GJames?
GWhat was their names, tell me, what wCas their naAmmes?
DDid you have a friend on that Cgood Reuben GJames
Verse 4
GNow toniGght there are liDghts in our country so bGright
GIn the farms, in the cities they're tellDing of this figGht.
GNow our mighty battleships will steam Cthe bounding mainG  
GAnd remember the name of that gDood Reuben JaGmes.
((Chorus)
GTell me what was their names, tell me wChat was their namAmes,
DDid you have a friend on that Cgood Reuben GJames?
GWhat was their names, tell me, what wCas their naAmmes?
DDid you have a friend on that Cgood Reuben GJames

All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

This song by Woody Guthrie tells the tragic story of the Reuben James, a ship sunk during wartime. It's a poignant narrative, reflecting Guthrie's focus on themes of anti-fascism and the experiences of ordinary people caught in larger conflicts. As one of the most significant figures in American folk music, Guthrie often used his songs to give voice to such stories, with an enduring impact on many artists. Playing this song is like carrying forward a piece of history, remembering those lost at sea.

AI-written from these sources:Woody Guthrie — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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The Sinking Of The Reuben James

by Woody Guthrie

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Verse 1

G G D G

Have you heard of a ship called the good Reuben James

G D G

Manned by hard fighting men both of honor and fame?

G C G

She flew the Stars and Stripes of this land of the free

G D G

But tonight she's in her grave on the bottom of the sea.

(Chorus)

G C Am

Tell me what was their names, tell me what was their names,

D C G

Did you have a friend on that good Reuben James?

G C Am

What was their names, tell me, what was their names?

D C G

Did you have a friend on that good Reuben James

Verse 2

G G D G

Well, a hundred men went down in that dark watery grave

G D G

When that good ship went down only forty-four were saved.

G C G

'Twas the last day of October we saved the forty-four

G D G

From the cold ocean waters and that cold icy shore.

(Chorus)

G C Am

Tell me what was their names, tell me what was their names,

D C G

Did you have a friend on that good Reuben James?

G C Am

What was their names, tell me, what was their names?

D C G

Did you have a friend on that good Reuben James

Verse 3

G G D G

It was there in the dark of that uncertain night

G D G

That we watched for the U-boats and waited for the fight.

G C G

Then a whine and a rock and a great explosion roared

G D G

And they laid the Reuben James on that cold ocean floor.

(Chorus)

G C Am

Tell me what was their names, tell me what was their names,

D C G

Did you have a friend on that good Reuben James?

G C Am

What was their names, tell me, what was their names?

D C G

Did you have a friend on that good Reuben James

Verse 4

G G D G

Now tonight there are lights in our country so bright

G D G

In the farms, in the cities they're telling of this fight.

G C G

Now our mighty battleships will steam the bounding main

G D G

And remember the name of that good Reuben James.

((Chorus)

G C Am

Tell me what was their names, tell me what was their names,

D C G

Did you have a friend on that good Reuben James?

G C Am

What was their names, tell me, what was their names?

D C G

Did you have a friend on that good Reuben James

About The Sinking Of The Reuben James Chords by Woody Guthrie

Learn how to play The Sinking Of The Reuben James by Woody Guthrie with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Sinking Of The Reuben James chords”, “The Sinking Of The Reuben James guitar chords”, or “Woody Guthrie The Sinking Of The Reuben James chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Sinking Of The Reuben James chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Sinking Of The Reuben James lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, D, C, Am.

FAQ — The Sinking Of The Reuben James by Woody Guthrie

How do I play "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" by Woody Guthrie on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" by Woody Guthrie on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" by Woody Guthrie free?

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Can I transpose "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Sinking Of The Reuben James"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" by Woody Guthrie with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Woody Guthrie below.

What key is "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" in?

The chords for "The Sinking Of The Reuben James" show the original chord names (including G, D, C, Am). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.