1952 Vincent Black Lightning - Richard Thompson

Said Red Molly to James that’s a fine motorbike

A girl could feel special on any such like

Said James to Red Molly, well 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 did 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 a man to get my Vincent machine

Now I stand 21, I might not make 22

And I don’t mind dying, but for the love of you

And if fate should break my stride

I’ll give you my Vincent to ride

Come down, come down, Red Molly, called Sergeant McRae

For they’ve taken young James for armed robbery

Shotgun blast hit his chest, left nothing inside

Come down, Red Molly to his dying beside

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, 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 red headed girl

No Nortons and Indians and Greeves just won’t do

They ain’t got a soul like a Vincent 52

He reached for her hand and he slip through the keys

He said I have no further use for these

I see angels and ariels in leather and chrome

Swooping down from heaven to carry me home

He gave her one last kiss and died and he gave her the Vincent to ride