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.

• Category

  Music

[FENNYMAN]

I haven't looked for a while but the last time I did I couldn't find it on an album. Any developments?

[Cleapatr]

It's on "Rumor and Sigh" or the "Action Packed" compilation

[fivethumbsfrank]

My Dad was called James, He road triumphs in the 50's and 60's He always talked about Vincent bikes and how He always wanted one. He rode around the cafe's in the area this song mentions, He died a few years back on a track day and brands hatch on his incoming lap, He didn't crash the bike slowed down His heart stopped the bike came to a stop lay down on its side and He was gone. He would not have wanted it any other way. Richard Thomson wrote a masterpiece that for me is about my Dad.

[niklnikl1]

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.

[flanguy71]

Man,he's just magic.

[kathyscafe]

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!

[Kevin Williams]

my favorite colour scheme

[TheBollixchops]

Great song played brilliantly.

[robanthi1]

Great song! Great performance!

[DriftIAm]

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.

[Patrick Hall]

No offense to my deaf friends, but which two of you disliked this?