Vincent Black Lightning 1952

Original song written by Richard Thompson. This version and extra lyrics © 2024 by Geoffrey Clarfield.

Original lyrics:

Said Red Molly, to James, "That's a fine motorbike.

A girl could feel special on any such like."

Said James, to Red Molly, "My hat's off to you.

It's a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952.

I've seen you at 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.

Said James, to Red Molly, "Here's a ring for your right hand.

But I'll tell you in earnest I'm a dangerous man;

I've fought with the law since I was seventeen.

I robbed many man to get my Vincent machine.

And now I'm twenty-one years, I might make twenty-two.

I don't mind dyin' 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 Molly," called Sargent McQuade.

"They've taken young James for Armed Robbery.

Shotgun blast hit his chest, nothing left inside.

Oh, come on down, Red Molly, to his dyin' bedside."

She came to the hospital, there wasn't much left.

He was runnin' out of road, he was runnin' out of breath.

But she smiled, and saw him cry.

He said, "I'll give you my Vincent, to ride."

Said James, "In my opinion, there is nothin' in this world

Beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl.

Now Nortons and Indians and Greavses won't do.

They don't have a soul like that Vincent '52."

He reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys.

"I've got no further use... for these.

I see Angels on Ariels in leather and in chrome,

Swoopin' down from Heaven to carry me home."

And he gave her one last kiss and then he died.

He gave her his Vincent

To ride.

Added verses:

She drove up to Glasgow,

She sailed down to France.

She rode on her Black Lightning

Till the stars came out to dance.

She relieved them of their silver

When she started livin' fast.

She had no idea

That this time might be her last.

So, when she strode up to the counter,

The teller raised his gun.

And he filled her full of lead

When she squinted at the sun.

And his boss

When he asked him

What reward would do,

He said I'll take possession

Of that Vincent... 52.