The Sinking of Reuben James - Johnny Horton

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…