1952 Vincent Black Lightning Lyrics
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.
However, one could argue just who was 'playing it safe'. At times the one who appears more the rebel is just too scared to live the life he sees others live (and secretly wants). Human behavior (why we do what we do) is never cut and dried or black and white...it's usually pretty darn odd:)
However, one could argue just who was 'playing it safe'. At times the one who appears more the rebel is just too scared to live the life he sees others live (and secretly wants). Human behavior (why we do what we do) is never cut and dried or black and white...it's usually pretty darn odd:)
Yeah, and he'd probably ask to ride on the Wall of Death one more time.
Yeah, and he'd probably ask to ride on the Wall of Death one more time.
Mr. UseSomeoneElse, you are seriously projecting here. It's very clear in the song that the narrator does not secretly want to live life like everyone else.
Mr. UseSomeoneElse, you are seriously projecting here. It's very clear in the song that the narrator does not secretly want to live life like everyone else.
"Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme."
My favorite verse. You can just see that girl, can't you? And fall hard for her.
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.
Indeed. A traditional story-song at its best.
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
I agree wholeheartedly...GREAT song. I love creative lyrics.
I agree wholeheartedly...GREAT song. I love creative lyrics.
This song has been covered by quite a few artists, so far, I like the version sung by Josh Harty the best.
I always thought that this was Thompson's attempt to write his version of Dylan's "Lily, Rosemary, & the Jack of Hearts." He even snarls like Bob in a few places. But the song doesn't suffer for that... in fact, it's a better song than "Lily" and half as long. I'm surprised that Bob only covered it once it concert, as it's so obviously a tribute to him. Thompson adds a few British touches that lends a twist to the traditional outlaw tale. Great stuff.
true love
Such a great song. Also, Molly totally turned him in for the bike.
Perhaps, but I hope not. She didn't really seem that type. However, she did know he would give it to her.
Perhaps, but I hope not. She didn't really seem that type. However, she did know he would give it to her.
How dare you say that about Molly! Huff!
How dare you say that about Molly! Huff!