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1952 Vincent Black Lightning

from The Moonshiner's Atlas by Butch Ross

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about

One morning on the way to the studio, I stopped off to buy strings at a Port Townsend music store. They had a McSpadden Ginger dulcimer, a small size instrument that is tuned up to GDG. While waiting for the guy to get off the phone I began to pick at this tune on that instrument. What you
hear is the first take.

lyrics

Says Red Molly, to James,
"Well that's a fine motorbike.
A girl could feel special on any such like."
Says 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'd Ride.

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've robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine.
And now I'm twenty-one years, I might make twenty-two.
And I don't mind dyin' but for the love of you.
But if fate should break my stride,
then I'll give you my Vincent, To Ride."

"Come down Red Molly, " called Sargent McQuade.
"For they've taken young James Aidee 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 runnin' out of road. He was runnin' out of breath.
But he smiled, to see her cry.
And 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 Redheaded girl.
Now Nortons and Indians and Greavses won't do.
Oh, they don't have a Soul like a Vincent '52."
Then he reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys.
He said, "I've got no further use for these.
I see Angels on Arials in leather and chrome,
Swoopin' down from Heaven to carry me home."
And he gave her one last kiss and died.
And he gave her his Vincent.
Yes he gave that Vincent
To Ride.

credits

from The Moonshiner's Atlas, released May 1, 2005

license

all rights reserved

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Butch Ross Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga multi-instrumentalist and mountain dulcimer maestro Butch Ross has tackled everything from Radiohead to Bach and come away with a renewed appreciation for what the humble dulcimer is capable of. His music is born from his respect for its abilities, a respect born from the years he's spent prying apart its pieces and discovering new sounds where none existed before. ... more

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