tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post1456405809031081992..comments2023-10-29T01:31:40.788-07:00Comments on ZERO STATION: “1952 Vincent Black Lightning”: Lyrics That Tell Us What We’re NotGreg Ippolitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718375055075322071noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-51894199301110447352017-08-23T19:10:34.077-07:002017-08-23T19:10:34.077-07:00So the burning question is: did Molly ensnare and ...So the burning question is: did Molly ensnare and rat out James just to get her hands on his bike? Funny that Sgt. McCrae would call Molly directly about the shotgun blast.Peterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05394720160899778162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-54791234266906152272016-10-10T13:05:48.072-07:002016-10-10T13:05:48.072-07:00The Irish/Celtic sound stems from the alternate tu...The Irish/Celtic sound stems from the alternate tuning Thompson uses on his guitar. It's called DADGAD (differing from standard tuning which is EADGBE). The drone quality of this tuning can be reminiscent of the drone on traditional Irish Uileann pipes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-39298917255064932432016-03-03T19:20:36.159-08:002016-03-03T19:20:36.159-08:00So beautiful and poignant. Thanks.So beautiful and poignant. Thanks.Marji from Penguinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00835792236862925878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-16865669521351004432015-12-02T18:24:23.293-08:002015-12-02T18:24:23.293-08:00My cousin had a Vincent Black Shadow when I was a ...My cousin had a Vincent Black Shadow when I was a kid. I used to sit on it and pretend I was riding it. It was supposed to be the fastest production motorcycle made and was said to be outlawed in several states because the cops didn't have anything fast enough to catch them. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Black Shadow was a step up from the Black Lightning. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-41117797434677390612015-12-02T18:11:53.983-08:002015-12-02T18:11:53.983-08:00I've also heard Richard Thompson sing Beezers ...I've also heard Richard Thompson sing Beezers instead of Greeves. I guess sometimes he feels like changing the lyrics. Either one sounds okay and they are both British bikes. There really isn't a right or wrong. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-48832807000512397912015-12-02T17:40:37.702-08:002015-12-02T17:40:37.702-08:00Kerthialfad The motorcycle mentioned in 1952 Vince...Kerthialfad The motorcycle mentioned in 1952 Vincent Black Lightning was Greeves which is a British bike. It is frequently misspelled in many of the online lyrics you'll find. Some singers have used Beezers which is a nickname for BSA, instead of Greeves as it was officially written by Richard Thompson. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-90109585051746722022015-04-30T21:43:30.501-07:002015-04-30T21:43:30.501-07:00My girl is my james. I am her molly. She is dying ...My girl is my james. I am her molly. She is dying of cancer. No vincents in the stable. We have never riden together. She would have robbed banks for me or been my sidehack monkey if we would have met sooner in life. She is coming home soon before the end. I told her; "make a wish baby". I dont know what she wished for but a ride on a black lightening and robbing a bank are both on her bucket list. Sweet Lorraine, the love of my life for far too short a time! DanaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07564317341014973218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-87559985281700019562013-02-12T00:37:38.049-08:002013-02-12T00:37:38.049-08:00I named my daughter after this song when she showe...I named my daughter after this song when she showed up with ginger hair. She laughs at the song but I know one day probably after I'm gone she will understand a little more about her old dad and smile. <br />Motorcycles touch the soul with the danger and thrill and that set us apart from the bean counters in hi viz vestsYerpalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17755037494014829961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-5974178260079158702012-05-21T14:00:41.551-07:002012-05-21T14:00:41.551-07:00bckground notes for reference :
boxhill is the lar...bckground notes for reference :<br />boxhill is the largest motorcyclists meeting point on the southern outskirts of london , basically where the open roads start . for hard working south london lads in the fifties and sixties , a manx norton , bsa gold star or triumph bonneville was the ultimate aspiration , and an escape to boxill on the bikes the high point of a dull life .vincents were a very expensive bike , beyond the pocket of a working man .james is the classic rebel , living the life that most of us can only dream of ,living fast , dying young . <br /> my take on it is that rt has taken a classic cowboy song of love and loss , with a hill billy picking feel , and dumped a heavy dose of south london right on top of it . pure genius , and reminds me of heading down there on my honda 100 and learner plates , and later a triumph , morini , guzzi , indian , and sunbeam ,armstrong ,bmw .never did rob a bank , so couldnt afford that vin . <br />greeves made high quality handbuilt trials machines .sunbeamtimnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-24163027141319912012-05-06T16:54:01.621-07:002012-05-06T16:54:01.621-07:00Hello all, I just found this while trolling for co...Hello all, I just found this while trolling for covers of Black Lightning. I really enjoyed the post, but on a certain level, you're all full of it. IMO, RT is just a (magic) guy who as a little kid was old enough to see the first bikers - leather and jeans - and also hear Carl Perkins. Seems simple (but we all know it's not).the old man down the roadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17317687697000303229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-27505875466052899082011-12-17T15:23:31.149-08:002011-12-17T15:23:31.149-08:00Good analysis, but for me--and just my take--it...Good analysis, but for me--and just my take--it's two things: Richard Thompson's powerful singing, and the passion of James for the Vincent and Red Molly. James knows he's not going to live long and says as much--and he accepts that. And he dies, much like in Marty Robins' El Paso. The passion for Red Molly and the Vincent are greater than life and he hands her the keys, and gives her the Vincent to ride. Intense feelings amplified by Richard Thompson's voice and guitar. It's as simple as that. I'm not an emotional person, but I tear up during this song.Dr. Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06382145665028257490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-65427728134749375072011-11-09T22:47:08.246-08:002011-11-09T22:47:08.246-08:00too bad this doesn't have a lyrics on it.
di...too bad this doesn't have a lyrics on it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pulseuniform.com/dickies-scrubs.asp" rel="nofollow">dickies scrubs</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-12088946426833378232011-03-20T07:00:08.426-07:002011-03-20T07:00:08.426-07:00Velocette also made some pretty hairy sports bikes...Velocette also made some pretty hairy sports bikes too - the Thruxton for one - as well as the mild 'Noddy Bike' the Police used.<br /><br />I've heard RT sing "Beezers, Triumphs and Nortons wouldn't do". The Beezer is the BSA, standard British motorbike, more mainstream than the others and definitely not the stuff of legend or romance. Apart from the Gold Star, of course.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743685798068014455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-81647148136426821822011-03-13T05:21:49.371-07:002011-03-13T05:21:49.371-07:00Interesting read. I get the Irishness of the song ...Interesting read. I get the Irishness of the song and it's cinematography. If red haired Molly isn't Irish ...<br />And that line "... on any such like", where is that the vernacular?<br /><br />I also understand where you're coming from with the 'James the hero' idea. He lived his life as he saw fit. The life he wanted. Went ahead and took what he wanted with a charm and a smile. A gentleman rogue if you like. ".. and he pulled her on behind and off to Boxhill ..."<br /><br />I think Sgt. McCrae is the unnoticed hero here, though. The fella who calls Molly to the hospital. He makes the magic possible. The magic is where James, enraptured, sees the Gates of Heaven open, and in the midst of that vision Molly arrives and makes his moment complete. He smiles and he is able to give his most precious possession to the person he loves most in the world, knowing that it will be loved just as much and cherished. He kept his promise as a gentleman (rogue).<br /><br />I agree with JD, too about the Vincent. As a 12 year old boy i knew that the Black Lightning was the epitomy, the Holy Grail of British Bikes (and British Bikes engender sometimes irrational love at the best of times). That was before i heard the story of it breaking the 150 mph landspeed barrier ridden by a man in his swimming trunks (to lessen the drag). Craziness.<br /><br />So the song brings together all these magical forces into one perfect moment. Gets you right here.<br /><br />Btw can we have 'angels on <a href="http://www.arielownersmcc.co.uk/history.html" rel="nofollow">Ariels</a>', please, because they wouldn't need ariels!The DoorKeeperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13901879297324581741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-74284448626185238632010-12-22T07:45:56.235-08:002010-12-22T07:45:56.235-08:00I've never seen a 1952 Vincent Black Lightning...I've never seen a 1952 Vincent Black Lightning firsthand, let alone ridden on one. So I'm in no position to judge.<br /><br />But I've always been partial to Indians. They just carry a retro bad-ass vibe like no other.<br /><br />G.Greg Ippolitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08718375055075322071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-40443062344441260902010-12-16T04:36:14.463-08:002010-12-16T04:36:14.463-08:00Velocette - a small British motorbike manufacturer...Velocette - a small British motorbike manufacturer. They made the classic 'noddy bike' used by the Metropolitan Police in the 1950's. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velocette<br /><br />RT puts in different bikes at different times, depending on his mood: I've heard him sing "Indians, Harleys, Greaveses, Nortons....."Boulter's Canaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07744654003202354011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-86836488402087433082010-12-15T16:55:14.493-08:002010-12-15T16:55:14.493-08:00I think it is a highwayman type song. Before I re...I think it is a highwayman type song. Before I really listened to the lyrics, I thought it was a traditional song about a horse race. It has a very traditional antique, classic feel to it, which is part of it's genius.<br /><br />I want to know the name of the motorcycle brands he mentions: "Now __________ and Triumphs and Nortons wouldn't do, they don;t have the soul of a Vincnet 52". The first one sounds like "Falla-setts", but I've seen it printed as "Greeveses". Any help out there?Kerthialfadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09703165468462056792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-37640317595198023802010-11-13T12:58:21.913-08:002010-11-13T12:58:21.913-08:00I'd dispute your comment about the Irishness o...I'd dispute your comment about the Irishness of 'Vincent' - it is a classic example of an <i>English</i> highwayman ballad, such as the traditional <i>Salisbury Plain</i> - lyrics here: - http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~zierke/lloyd/songs/salisburyplain.html.Boulter's Canaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07744654003202354011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-80284630961129630172010-10-18T22:11:04.209-07:002010-10-18T22:11:04.209-07:00My chin quivers as well.
Not because I relate to y...My chin quivers as well.<br />Not because I relate to your Nietzschian Ubermausch, as much as I have recently restored & ride a Vincent Black Lightening 1952.<br />Thompson didn't choose a Vespa to title or tell his story.<br />Your examination is clever & well thought out, but sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.JDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06729568185756924110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-60892049259218217572010-09-12T09:41:42.297-07:002010-09-12T09:41:42.297-07:00You got me thinking of ballads. Two of my favorite...You got me thinking of ballads. Two of my favorites (geez alert) are Tom Rush's "Wasn't That a Mighty Storm" about the Galveston flood of 1900, and "Joshua Gone Barbados" about a sugar cane cutters' strike on St Vincent. Listen to the way he uses the acoustic guitar on "Flood" to whip up the pain & fear. They're on the same greatest-of CD, which includes a lovely rockin train song, "Panama Limited."Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13814768590437341086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-18316742091949418142010-09-10T06:06:56.706-07:002010-09-10T06:06:56.706-07:00Other than your first two sentences, I agree with ...Other than your first two sentences, I agree with everything you wrote above. <br /><br />Can we really measure the impact of lyrics vs. music/singing on our psyche? It feels like the two often — and certainly in this case — create a synergy that makes a song greater than the sum of its parts. My argument is that certain nuances of this song’s lyrics have likely been overlooked. Like a car that’s breathtakingly quick, for which you always credit the engine’s horsepower, but rarely, if ever, consider the vehicle’s aerodynamic design or light weight or incredible torque, etc. “Vincent” is a spare, lyrical masterpiece masquerading as a quaint and beautifully finger-picked ballad.<br /><br />As for Tangled Up in Blue: “She was married when we first met / soon to be divorced / I helped her out of a jam, I guess, / but I used a little too much force” — those lyrics don’t even need music or urgent phrasing. That’s pure, economic, punch-in-the-gut poetry right there. That Dylan (and later, Thompson) could bring it to another level through song just makes it all the more awe-inspiring.<br /><br />G.Greg Ippolitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08718375055075322071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55329875763143482.post-66680865040060260502010-09-09T04:34:55.046-07:002010-09-09T04:34:55.046-07:00No, you're wrong. The reason we love the song ...No, you're wrong. The reason we love the song is less about the narrative and more about the singing. If you listen to Thompson's phrasing he has that ability Dylan has on 'Blood on the Tracks' that tantalises the end of any particular line with only a hint of poetic or rhythmic resolution. Take the line 'and if fate, should brake my stride then I'll give you my Vincent, to ride' - the 'ride' barely makes it onto the tape and you immediately get drawn into the urgency and drive of the next part of the story. The guitar interludes between the verses only serve to heighten the sense of unease and hint of fear that the song is weaving around you. The line you have quoted - 'I've robbed many a man' etc - the phrasing here is astonishing as Thompson takes you down the scales to the point where you are not sure where the melody could possibly go. So, it's about the resolution. Secondly, like 'Tangled Up In Blue', it's brilliant because your brain films it for you: think of a young Laurence Harvey as James and Sarah Miles as Molly and you've got the greatest British 'B' movie from the 1950s that never got made.Stephen Buckleynoreply@blogger.com