1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Composer(s): Richard Thompson
Performer(s): Richard Thompson



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