52 Vincent Black Lightning
View chords used in this chart
"52 Vincent Black Lightning" - Robert Earl Keen
From the album Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions
Originally Written by Richard Thompson Album: Rumor and Sigh
Tabbed by: JamesS
Tuning: Standard EADGBE Capo 2nd Fret Key of A
Suggested chords represent form only, and not actual notes in play
Lyrics taken from D K's cover may differ from original version
|capo| G/G5 C/G D Am
G C G
Said Red Molly to James That's a fine motorbike A girl could feel special on any Such Like
G C G
Says James to Red Molly My hat's off to You That's a Vincent Black Lightning 1952
D C G D C G
And I've seen you at the corners and cafes it seems Red hair and black leather my favorite color scheme
Am C G
And he pulled her on behind and down to Boxhill they did ride
G C G
Said James to Red Molly Here's a ring for your right hand But I'll tell you in earnest I'm a dangerous man
G C G
For I've fought with the law since I was seventeen I robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine
D C G D C G
Now I'm 21 years old I might not make 22 Don't mind dying but for the love of you
Am C G
And if fate should break my stride Then I'll give you my Vincent to ride
G C G
Come down come down Red Molly said Sergeant McRae For they've taken young James Adie for armed robbery
G C G
Shotgun blast to the chest left nothing inside Oh come down Red Molly to his dying bedside
D C G D C G
When she got to the hospital there wasn't much left He was running out of road he was running out of breath
Am C G
But he smiled to see her cry Said I'll give you my Vincent to ride
G C G
Said James In my opinion there's nothing in this world Beats a 52 Vincent and a red headed girl
G C G
No Nortons and Indians and Greeves's won't do They don't have a soul like a Vincent 52
D C G D C G
And he reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys Said I've got no further use of these
D C G D C G
I see angels on Ariels in leather and chrome Swooping down from heaven to carry me home
Am C C
And he gave her one last kiss and died
C C G
And he gave her his Vincent to ride
How to play 52 Vincent Black Lightning
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is A. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.