High Noon
Chet Atkins Lyrics
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On this, our weddin' day
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Wait, wait along
I do not know what fate awaits me
I only know I must be brave
And I must face a man who hates me
Or lie a coward in my grave
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
Look at that big hand move along
Nearin' high noon
He made a vow while in state prison
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
I'm not afraid of death but oh
What will I do if you leave me?
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
You made that promise as a bride
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Now that I need you by my side
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Wait along, wait along
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
The Chet Atkins song "High Noon" was written for the 1952 Western film of the same name, which starred Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. The lyrics of the song focus on the wedding day of the singer and his love interest, whom he begs not to forsake him as he must face a man who hates him. The singer is torn between his duty and his love for his fair-haired beauty, and he is afraid of losing her. The song expresses the singer's fear of being a coward and his difficulty in deciding whether to be brave or to lie in his grave as a coward.
The lyrics of "High Noon" capture the tension and drama of the Western genre, as well as the emotional struggles of the singer. The repeated plea of "Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'" highlights the desperation and vulnerability of the singer as he faces his challenges. The line "Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty" emphasizes the complexity of the situation and the difficult choices that the singer must make.
Overall, "High Noon" is a powerful and moving song that captures the emotional struggles of the singer and the tension of the film. Its lyrics have become iconic and are often associated with the Western genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Do not abandon me, my beloved
On this, our weddin' day
On the day of our holy matrimony
Wait, wait along
Stay by my side
I do not know what fate awaits me
I am unaware of what destiny awaits for me
I only know I must be brave
I am certain I must be courageous
And I must face a man who hates me
I shall stand against my adversary
Or lie a coward, a craven coward
Or accept shame as a feeble coward
Or lie a coward in my grave
Or die a disgraced coward
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
Oh, to be conflicted between devotion and responsibility
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
What if I lose the one I treasure most
Look at that big hand move along
Observe the pressing hand of time
Nearin' high noon
Approaching midday
He made a vow while in state prison
He swore an oath while incarcerated
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
He promised it was either my life or his
I'm not afraid of death but oh
I do not fear death, but oh
What will I do if you leave me?
What will I do if you depart from me?
You made that promise as a bride
You made that pledge as my spouse
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Despite your sorrow, do not contemplate departing
Now that I need you by my side
At this moment, I require your presence beside me
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Stay by my side, stay by my side
Wait along, wait along
Stay by my side, stay by my side
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
(Stay by my side, stay by my side, stay by my side, stay by my side)
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dimitri Tiomkin, Ned Washington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
phonicwheel
One of Chet's unheard and best numbers. Good of you to post this daffydough so we can all hear it!
Alex Lai
one of the most beautiful version of the title song. it brings back good old memories. many many thanks. francis lai. selangor. malaysia.
chet atkins
As far as i know this was never released on an album so its real good to hear it now
Lloyd deForest
EXCELLENT!
Claude
I'd love to hear Tex Ritter singing along with this music.
Jean Dagba
Beautiful MUSIC ♫♪♫♪♥♥♥♪♫♪♫ Jean DAGBA from AFRICA !!!!
Wyatt Roggenkamp
Where is that picture taken from?