Richard Thompson – 1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Oh says Red Molly to James “That’s a fine motorbike.
A girl could feel special on any such like”
Says James to Red Molly “My hat’s off to you
It’s a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952.
And I’ve seen you at the corners and cafes it seems
Red hair and black leather, my favourite colour scheme”
And he pulled her on behind and down to Boxhill they did ride
Oh says James to Red Molly “Here’s a ring for your right hand
But I’ll tell you in earnest I’m a dangerous man.
For I’ve fought with the law since I was seventeen,
I robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine.
Now I’m 21 years, I might make 22
And I don’t mind dying, but for the love of you.
And if fate should break my stride
Then I’ll give you my Vincent to ride”
“Come down, come down, Red Molly” called Sergeant McRae
“For they’ve taken young James Adie for armed robbery.
Shotgun blast hit his chest, left nothing inside.
Oh come down, Red Molly to his dying bedside”
When she came to the hospital, there wasn’t much left
He was running out of road, he was running out of breath
But he smiled to see her cry
He said “I’ll give you my Vincent to ride”
Says James “In my opinion, there’s nothing in this world
Beats a 52 Vincent and a red headed girl.
Now Nortons and Indians and Greeves won’t do,
Ah, they don’t have a soul like a Vincent 52”
Oh he reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys
Said “I’ve got no further use for these.
I see angels on Ariels in leather and chrome,
Swooping down from heaven to carry me home”
And he gave her one last kiss and died
And he gave her his Vincent to ride.
source
good stuff
Somebody needs to make a special tribute 52 vincent restoration project for Richard. Pinstriped with the lyrics to the song, dents in the tank from a shotgun.
I'm not a biker person–never could ride a bicycle (hills, my ballance and traffic are just too bad to learn how on these rurral roads) but if I ever saw a red head in leather riding a 52 vincent, I'd just up and start singing this song. Probably wouldn't get the date, but oh well.
unsurpassable.
Grabs me in the gut every time.
This is what art/music is all about.
You know, until i saw the dude in the white hat at 3:36, I didn't think anyone reacted to this song like I do.
It's not just him; my favorite moment comes right after, when the man and the woman in the foreground (father and daughter? we'll call it so out of poetic license) both turn to the side at once, embarrassed at some potential show of emotion.
amazing amazing, unless you have no soul :)
im 41… have heard a lot of music – love blues/rock/metal/some classical/folk/traditional Celtic….. and this is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard
If I added up all of the people in this world who I am truly in awe of it would take less fingers than I have on one hand. That said, I am in awe of Mr. Thompson
I think most any other song writer would have chosen a bike more familiar to most people, but Mr. Thompson is so cool that he chose what is almost the Holy Grail to bikers.
No offense to my deaf friends, but which two of you disliked this?
I have had the pleasuse of riding to Box Hill while stationed in the UK durning the 70. Wish I would of had a Vincent but my HD Sporty did just fine. This song always brings back fine memories of riding all over the UK and Europe.
my favorite colour scheme
I'm always scouring youtube for good performances or good mastering of this song. And so far this is the best. (But always happy to be proved wrong!
Man,he's just magic.
One of my all time favorite songs! Richard you rule! So much feeling and emotion went into that song, and performed exquisitely. I'll never grow tired listening to it.
The Vincent was a mono shock. Way ahead of it's time, a beautiful bit of engineering. No one better than richard to sing it's praises. What a remarkable talent.
I adore this song….screenplay to follow!
I adore this song….screenplay to follow!
RT at his very, most excellent, best.
A complaint, though, if I may: You Tube is an absolute blessing – one of the greatest of the present age – in my humble opinion. Why, then, dear Google, have you introduced all these irritating and time-wasting extra procedures? Can't we just enjoy the resource unimpeded?
Wild picking! Bravo!
Had this song dedicated to me twice but have to disagree that Nortons have no soul. They really do and and I have a '54 Norton 88 Dominator cafe racer… she has so much soul, I don't have my Vincent yet either ;)
The Mary Lou Lord version is still my fav! What a great song!
Bob Dylan covered it once, the recording only recently appeared
Yes, folks, that's right!
Richard only has two hands and five fingers on each!
Richard Thompson is truly and amazing musician. I feel so lucky that I happened across him when I did, now there are still live shows that I want to see, have to see. As for Vincent Black Lightning have you ever seen the photo of a man riding a
1948 Black Vincent Black Lightening breaking the then land speed record for a bike. He's laying out flat on the bike with his hands on the handle bars and his stomach is lying on the seat. Red Molly or should I say Sophie Hawthorne, god I'd love to met ya. Sorry about using this for that last part. Carry on.
I just recently heard this song played by a local country musician and instantly loved it. After seeing this I love it even more. Such great talent.
the very talented Steve sings this in one of my regular folk clubs.
Wow! Just listened to it all the way through! Incredible.
LOVE THIS SONG !!!
Great performance of a great ballad. And it has a special place in the heart of all us romantic motorcycle enthusiasts, irrespective of the marque we actually ride. It is a romantic thing.