1952 Vincent Black Lightning

[low_delta]

Says Red Molly, to James, "Well 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 on the corners and cafes, it seems.
Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme."
And he pulled her on behind,
And down to Boxhill,
They'd Ride.

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've robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine.
And now I'm twenty-one years, I might make twenty-two.
And I don't mind dyin' but for the love of you.
But if fate should break my stride, then I'll give you my Vincent to Ride."

"Come down Red Molly," called Sargent McQuade.
"For they've taken young James Aidee 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 runnin' out of road. He was runnin' out of breath.
But he smiled, to see her cry.
And said, "I'll give you my Vincent.
To Ride."

Said James, "In my opinion, there's nothing in this world
Beats a '52 Vincent and a Redheaded girl.
Now Nortons and Indians and Greaveses won't do.
Oh, they don't have a Soul like a Vincent '52."
Well he reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys.
He said, "I've got no further use... for these.
I see Angels on aerials in leather and chrome,
Swoopin' down from Heaven to carry me home."
And he gave her one last kiss and died.
And he gave her his Vincent
To Ride.

by Richard Thompson
From his album, "Rumor and Sigh"

Comments

[fleur.livejournal.com]

WOW!! Thanks!

I love that song and I have never known where it's from or by whom.

[cynnerth.livejournal.com]

you just made me very happy :)

[vlinker.livejournal.com]

the black lightening, purported to do 150mph stock

[banana.livejournal.com]

I don't know the song or the singer, but I'm guessing he's English. Box Hill is a place where motorcyclists gather by the hundred in the summer. I believe that this has been going on for decades. I tried unsuccessfully to find some pictures, as it can be quite spectacular, so here's a consolation article: http://www.belchamber.org/boxhill.html

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Cool. thanks

Richard Thompson: born in West London, and later, founding member of folk group: Fairport Convention.

[sirreal13.livejournal.com]

Love that song (this time of year)

I have the Fairport Convention video. It's long and it rambles, but it's worth watching.