VINCENT BLACK LIGHTNING 1952       Richard Thompson

Said Red Molly to James, 'That's a fine motor bike -
A girl could feel special on any such like.'
Said James to Red Molly, 'My hat's off to you -
That's a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952.
And I've seen you at the cafes and on the corners it seems - 
Red hair and black leather, my favourite colour scheme..'
And he pulled her up behind
And off to Box Hill they did ride.

Said James to Red Molly, 'Here's a ring for your hand -
But I tell you in earnest, I'm a dangerous man.
For I've fought the law since I was 17 - 
I've robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine. 
And I'm 21 now, I might make 22 - 
And I don't mind dying, 'cept for the love of you. 
But if Fate should break my stride, 
I'll give you my Vincent to ride.'

'Come down, come down Red Molly,' says Sgt.McCrae,
'Oh they've taken young James Adie in armed robbery.
Shotgun blast to his chest, left nothing inside -
Ah come down Red Molly, to his dying bedside.'
And when she got 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
And he gave her his Vincent to ride.

Said James, 'In my opinion, there's nothing in this world, 
Beats a '52 Vincent and a red headed girl.  
Oh your Nortons, and your Indians, and your Grieves won't do;
They've not got a soul, like a Vincent '52.'
And he reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys,
Said, 'I've got no further use for these - 
I see angels and 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.