After Be-Bop-A-Lula had become a huge hit in 1956 (peaking at #7 and spending 20 weeks in the Billboard Pop Chart), Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps (often mis-named as 'the' Blue Caps) were unable to follow it up with the same level of commercial success, but released critically acclaimed songs like Race With The Devil (#96 in Billboard) and Bluejean Bop (#49).
Following a visit to Europe in 1959, Vincent managed to attract a new huge and discerning audience there, especially in England and France. By that time his career had mostly ended in the US. In 1960, while on tour in Britain, Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley were seriously injured in a high-speed traffic accident. Vincent broke his ribs, collarbone, and added further damage to his already weak leg which he had injured in a motorcycle accident in 1955 and refused to have amputated, and Sheeley suffered a broken pelvis. Both Vincent and Sheeley survived, but the accident killed Vincent's tourmate and Sheeley's fiancé, Eddie Cochran.
Vincent subsequently moved to England in 1963. His stage shows became "must see" events and his bands through those years were to spawn some of the most respected players in the world today. It was during his early tours of Britain that he adopted the trademark leather outfit, at the suggestion of British Rock 'n' Roll impressario, Jack Good.
Now Is the Hour
Gene Vincent Lyrics
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Night o'er the valley is creeping!
Birds cuddle down in their nest,
Soon all the world will be sleeping
And now is the hour when we must say goodbye,
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea,
While you're away, o, then remember me,
True lovers often must part,
Kiss me, then leave me to sorrow!
Here love, I give you my heart,
You will return some glad morrow
But now is the hour when we must say goodbye,
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea,
While you're away, o, then remember me,
When you return, you'll find me waiting here.
The lyrics of Gene Vincent's song "Now Is the Hour" convey a sense of bittersweet farewell as two lovers part ways. The first verse describes the setting with a beautiful sunset, the night spreading out across the land, and the birds settling into their nests. These images evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, yet the impending departure of one of the lovers casts a shadow over the scene. The chorus emphasizes the weight of the moment, acknowledging that it is time to say goodbye and that the separation will be a long one as the other person sails far away. The lyrics ask for a promise to be made - that the departing lover will remember the other while they are apart. The final verse has a sense of resolution, stating that while it's natural for lovers to experience heartbreak when they part, the love that they share will persist. The singer gives their heart as a symbol of this promise and expresses hope for a happy reunion in the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunset glow fades in the west,
The sun is setting over the western horizon and the sky is turning a beautiful orange and purple color.
Night o'er the valley is creeping!
The night sky is starting to slowly take over the valley.
Birds cuddle down in their nest,
The birds are settling in for the night and getting cozy in their nests.
Soon all the world will be sleeping
In a short period, everything around will be in a deep sleep or rest.
And now is the hour when we must say goodbye,
It's time to part ways and say goodbye.
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea,
You will be traveling on a long journey across the sea.
While you're away, o, then remember me,
While you're gone, don't forget about me and hold onto the memory of our love.
When you return, you'll find me waiting here
Once you come back, I'll be waiting for you with open arms.
True lovers often must part,
It's common for lovers to have to separate from one another.
Kiss me, then leave me to sorrow!
Kiss me goodbye, even though leaving me will bring sadness.
Here love, I give you my heart,
I'm giving you my heart, my love and my trust.
You will return some glad morrow
You will come back in the future, and our reunion will be a joyous occasion.
But now is the hour when we must say goodbye,
It's time to say goodbye now.
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea,
You'll be going on a long journey by sea soon.
While you're away, o, then remember me,
Remember me while you're away.
When you return, you'll find me waiting here.
I'll be here waiting for you when you come back.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIMA MAEWA KAIHAU, DOROTHY M.R. STEWART, CECIL SPENCER DARLING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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