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 Greavses 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 Ariels 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.



Lyrics submitted by ramthar

Track duration: 04:43

"1952 Vincent Black Lightning" as written by Richard Thompson

Lyrics © BUG MUSIC

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1952 Vincent Black Lightning song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:This song has been covered by quite a few artists, so far, I like the version sung by Josh Harty the best.
    Flag RonLeeon May 08, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Such a great song. Also, Molly totally turned him in for the bike.
    Flag m00nmanon December 15, 2010   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation:Notice how James is an outlaw but he has no regrets about getting killed in a robbery attempt, and his vision of heaven is biker angels coming to meet him? Along with being a Thompsonian subversion of a traditional ballad form, it's a commentary on how passion and commitment win out over playing it safe.

    Flag futatoriuson July 07, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This is such a wonderful song

    Amazing guitar and lyrics
    Really love it (:

    Richard Thompson is wonderful! i cant believe they have hardly any of his songs on here! They dont even have Beeswing! which is amazing n.n

    Great song
    x
    Flag ZiggyBamon June 12, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Indeed. A traditional story-song at its best.
    Flag freewneelon May 16, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I am so surprised nobody has commented on this song... Richard Thompson has such an amazing ability to tell sad but beautiful stories through his music... this song is a perfect example of his ability. Artists do not write lyrics like these anymore.
    Flag dukeoveron April 18, 2007   Link

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