High Noon
Laine Frankie Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin'
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, a craven coward
Or lie a coward in my grave

Oh, to be torn 'tweenst love and duty
Supposin' 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, and
I'm not afraid of death, but, oh
What shall 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)

Overall Meaning

The song "High Noon" by Laine Frankie, also known as "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin'", captures the anxiety and fear of a man about to face his enemy at noon. He pleads with his lover not to leave him as he faces the danger ahead. The first verse sets the tone of the song as the man is getting married but is preoccupied with the looming battle. He begs his lover "do not forsake me" on this, their wedding day.

The next verse reveals the source of the man's anxiety: a man who hates him. He is torn between his duty and love for his fair-haired beauty. The chorus emphasizes the urgency of the situation with the image of the big hand moving towards noon. The man has made a vow while in prison, and he knows that it is his life or his enemy's life on the line.

Line by Line Meaning

Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin'
Oh my beloved, do not abandon me

On this, our weddin' day
Today being our wedding day

Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin'
Oh my beloved, do not abandon me

Wait, wait along
Just wait with me

I do not know what fate awaits me
I have no idea what will happen to me

I only know I must be brave
All I know is I must be courageous

And I must face a man who hates me
I must encounter someone who despises me

Or lie a coward, a craven coward
I will be a coward if I don't go through it

Or lie a coward in my grave
Or a coward forever in my death

Oh, to be torn 'tweenst love and duty
It's difficult to choose between love and responsibility

Supposin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
What if I lose my beloved because of my duty

Look at that big hand move along
The time is passing by quickly

Nearin' high noon
It's almost midday

He made a vow while in state prison
While he was imprisoned, he made a promise

Vowed it would be my life or his, and
He swore that either he or I would die

I'm not afraid of death, but, oh
I am not scared of death but

What shall I do if you leave me?
What will I do if you abandon me?

Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin'
Oh my beloved, do not abandon me

You made that promise as a bride
You promised that as a bride

Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin'
Oh my beloved, do not abandon me

Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Even if you're mourning, don't think of leaving

Now that I need you by my side
I need you to be by my side now

Wait along (wait along), wait along
Wait, just wait with me

Wait along (Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
Wait with me (repeated)

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: DIMITRI TIOMKIN, NED WASHINGTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@nichtsschlagteinenastronau7782

4y↑8

One of the best Western movies.
Gary Cooper is fantastic!
Greetings from Germany!

@davidkeay1035

3y↑7

One of the best westerns ever .Frankie Lane singing Do not Forsake Me is Fantastic .👍👍👍

@williamdarling3993

2y↑5

That voice is still among the finest and was the perfect one for this classic movie theme song!

@c.johnson1691

4y↑18

One of the best westerners ever made, along with a fabulous theme song.

@melvynmachin9499

13w

Always played in my house after Sunday dinner it was my brother in law Johns favourite singer he could sing himself often entertaining us we lost him two days ago I can hear him singing Frankie Laine songs as we worked together rest in peace John god bless🙏🙏

@johnerskine18

3y↑1

Probably the most beautiful lady Hollywood ever produced!!!

@GizmetDora

9y↑27

Love this song and the movie with Gary Cooper as well. Songs like these made the western movie genre a favorite of mine as a child!

@mr389alessandro7

@paulteer9464

4y↑2

Gary Cooper Was A Class Actor Nothing In Style TODAY😇

@edpalapuz244

4y↑14

My first win was singing "High Noon" at a singing contest in La Salette High School ( Isabela, Philippines) way back in 1962. I rediscovered this song during this unprecedented time of COVID 19
during self-isolation here in White Rock, BC, Canada. Funny how music from long ago just pops into my head. Now I have to watch the movie to appreciate the meaning of "High Noon".

@edwardulon2115

9y↑70

This song is the song of any police officer in the United States. As a retired Lt with the NYPD. Gary Cooper epitomized what a Police Officer faces every day on the Job. When you need help, just look at yourself in the mirror because that's all you're going to get, unless it comes from another Officer. Love the song and what it means to me.

@44skins

9y↑18

Wow! That's a remarkable statement you make my friend!!
Thank you deeply, ever so deeply for being a officer of the law!
I can't imagine what it must be like on the streets for you men & women but please take heart that every good, kind and solid American is with you all every second of the day!!

@leonpon5983

8y↑10

+Edward Ulon Thank for having the courage to do your job, but I think everyone of us faced situations similar to this at one time or another (maybe not on your or his scale) and we find we usually are not the man we thought we were each time.

@joshjamison4787

7y↑5

I dont think that is entirely true my brother closed lined a guy running from a police officer when he was 18 years old. and one night down the street an officer was arresting an individual even though handcuffed could not get him in the car, I walked over and put a grip on him and made him bend and got him in the car the officer was to wore out. In this day an age police dont want the public to even have guns. but in those days everyone had them. And there was not near the violence then as there is now. Hollywood and dime novels have over played the American west. The truth is in rural cities and country life an officer or sheriff can rely on others but probably not in NYC. High noon was a great show but unrealistic considering most western towns had inhabitants that knew how to defend themselves from indians and thieves. alot of them were veterans of the civil war while most people did not have holstered guns they did have them close by. The James gang was nearly wiped out by the towns people in Northfield Minnisota, and the same for the Daltons in Coffeeville Kansas. I have read alot of history talked to people who's ancestors were around some of the most famous characters. There was only one instance in history of a traditional Hollywood in the street highnoon shootout and that was with Bill Hickock and another man whos name I forget who fought over a pocket watch.

@mauricekirby4448

@quaker57

7y↑3

I agree, Cooper was a giant in this movie, never seen a portrayal of fear and desperation acted better anywhere, you could feel in nearly every scene in this movie that the Marshall's hardest fight was against his own urge just to run away but because death was more acceptable to being thought a coward, he stayed and fought it out...marvelous performance.

5 More Replies...

@MrHempenhomespun

12y↑31

Gary Cooper was the epitome of courage under fire in that film!

@larrytasker7043

2y↑5

Fabulous voice. You can just imagine the scene.

@vintagebrew1057

6y↑13

My Dad admired Frankie. We had an LP and I remember hearing his songs in the 60's when I was a kid. Another favourite was Jezebel and we had a 78" of The girl in the wood which I loved because its a magical story to a kid. Lovely memories Thanks.

@rinalore

I'm watching🏆the🎥movie🇮🇪"Belfast" and this song just played.
🎶".., or lie a coward in my grave,.."🎶 just played and I had to look it up.♥️'Tis a great ol'🇺🇸USA🤠cowboy song,👍🏻I'll give it that.🕊My late Dad loved the🇺🇸man in black.
💔It's too bad the🎥movies📀soundtrack isn't filled with great🇬🇧Britishy tunes by ones like Roy Harper and Rory Gallagher.
🌹Thanks for sharing.
🇨🇦✌🏻🎶🎥♥️✨🌎💫

@CharlieSteelAuthor

8y↑157

Who can't help but like the singing of Frankie Laine! WHAT A VOICE!

@thomasstrobl3570

Charlie Steel MB b FF

@RogerCG1

6y↑1

Frankie does a fine version, but, the original from the actual movie, High Noon, is far superior as done by Tex Ritter.

@JanRuddom

4y↑2

You just can’t beat Frankie Laine.. What a voice!!

@lorenzonotarianni1667

7y↑2

When I was a small boy I never understood what exactly what it was that my father liked about western films....now Im a 51 year old man, have gone through some shit in life...now I too know how western films depict how life can be tough and force you to make choices and take a stance like a man .... Love this film now, love this song.

@6stringkat

6y↑21

That's a real man's voice!!And High Noon my most favorite Western with Cooper and kelly!

@mr389alessandro7

3y↑1

Unforgettable !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@akiselskam

10y↑2

Θεέ μου,πόσες υπέροχες αναμνήσεις μου φέρνει πίσω αυτή η υπέροχη φωνή!!
Με την ευκαιρία ευχές σε όλους για υγεία και ελπίδα στο νέο χρόνο 2014..

My God, how many wonderful memories bring me back to this wonderful voice!
By the way wishes to everyone for health and hope in the new year 2014..

@weronikabejman6700

8y↑12

I listen to this song for the very first time, but still it seems like I've known it forever. Majestic voice of Mister Laine.

@sunwarrior88

4y↑8

IMHO...Lanie's version of THE best of the three I've heard! The man had obe helluva a voice and this is second only to Jezebel on my favorites.

@1matthiasmnich

Greetings from Berlin (Germany), Great Performance Frankie Laine👍

@patriciacurcio9455

2y↑1

I love ❤️ Frankie lane a beautiful voice

@JamesS001

Hello Patricia, how is everything going with you?

@lintym

6y↑4

Great voice. I don't remember when I first heard him, I'm 73 but he's been around all my life.

@ritaroberts1265

Whatever he sang was wonderful which is why it's difficult to choose a favourite Jezebel,High Noon you name it he could sing it .I am now 85 yrs old and still play his records .Love him to bits. Thanks for uploading these all time greats of Frankie Laine

@patrickcorey8124

Everything about this song is excellent and lovely. I love listening to this song every night before going to bed. How is the pandemic going over there? I'm delighted to meet you here. Where originally are you watching from? I'm Patrick Corey from NY USA

@pankajshah3422

One of finest Western movie of all time along with Shane, The Searchers n Unforgiven. Gary Cooper n Grace Kelly are superb. Must watch movie. Super hit.

@johnhierons1691

5y↑1

Frankie Lane What a singer! Still my favourite singer. Brings back the 50th everytime I hear him

@mr389alessandro7

Indimenticabile...Frankie Laine !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@45oldbear

11y↑1

This movie and music created such a powerful link to the world of our pioneer days. I remember as a boy the almost religious sentiments I experienced. Frankie Lane does a great job holding back his usual powerful dynamics in the spirit of the movie.

@shirleyfortablet7958

4y↑3

Love this song and movie,what a fabulous voice, Frankie lane ,god bless ,thank you for sharing this great song , Shirley h Darlington england 😁

@JamesS001

Hello Shirley, how is everything going with you?

@Briangwoodward137

9y↑2

This song always reminds me of my dear old mum who saw Frankie Laine in concert in London on her honeymoon in 1952. One of the first things she did after the concert was to buy the 78 record of this song.

@ivanugliarse

Brian- My mother was at that concert,too.

@juancarlosbuckmeier3548

4y↑1

FRANKI LAINE LO RECUERDO CON GRAN ADMIRACION PORQUE ERA MUY CLARO EN SU FORMA DE CANTAR EN INGLES QUE ME ENTUSIASMABA EN TRATAR DE SEGUIRLO ,COMO TAMBIEN LO HICIERON MUCHOS.NOS DEJO ESE SENTIMIENTO TAN LINDO DE TRATAR DE CANTAR EN INGLES . GRACIAS GARGANTA DE ACERO COMO HACI LO LLAMABAN.

@JayBohringer

9y↑26

I wonderful how many men of this wonderful era sung this to themselves on their wedding day? One of my favorites of Frankie.

@vikkinicholson2300

5y↑1

what a beautiful voice.

@dennismiddlebrooks7027

1y↑2

It was actually Tex Ritter who sang the theme song for "High Noon." However, Laine's version sold more records. Laine was one of many talented Italian-American singers of that era. Others were Dean Martin, Vic Damone, Frank Sinatra, Alan Dale, Louis Prima, Mario Lanza, Perry Como, and Julius LaRosa.

@js5787

47w

I met Mr. Tex Ritter years ago, he was wonderful! I'll never forget him! I was akid, and he wore his cowboy hat, and sang the theme song from "HIgh Noon!" I have loved cowboys ever since!

@gentinmedia

This song makes me cry, but with this guy singing it though.

@fantomas356

I sawFrankie Laine in Paris at the Olympia ! What a voice he had ! The French was crazy about him ! They called him back for more ! They wanted him to leave the stage ! He was unique !

@albertdimarcantonio5115

Timelessly great!!! America's beginnings and if we work at it, our future.

@aldoscialpi7368

Frankie Laine. L'idolo della mia giovinezza !!!

@larryhancock7720

10y↑39

I had the privilege and honor to know Mr. Laine. He was one of the original Blue-eyed soul singers. A truly wonderful man and a tremendous talent.

@stanleytweedle9343

10y↑1

You'd think you might take the trouble to spell his name correctly then. Just sayin'.

@larryhancock7720

10y↑4

Sorry for the error pal. I'll spell it correctly for you . LoVecchio

@JasonJames1776

Larry Hancock q

@SuperAnimelover100

You must spell the last word correctly , SAYING . :)

@onlyceltic1

12y

I have relatives who's grandparents settled Wyoming in the early 1840's - the miles of unfenced sagebrush with an occasional steer is part of my heritage - we moved to the Bay Area from Utah in the early 1950's and would listen to Frankie Lane because he had the spirit of the real thing. I know, I've been there.

@lanslay7342

4y↑3

Absolutely beautiful and very beautifully done!!🛐👏👍✝️🌹🇺🇸🎆❤️💓🌄

@joannekenzy9112

8y↑76

I met him and talked with him when he was 80+ years young. I have his original autograph. He was my favorite too......

@vickichadwick7923

7y↑14

I used or write to him in America and get personalised letters from him. Met him his wife Nan and his pianist Ray twice. Such a lovely man. Was brought up with Frankie Laine and still love him today in my 50s. I remember going to the palladium as a child in the 70s and they let me mum and my twin back stage but not my dad. Frankie asked where dad was. We said they wouldn't let him in. Frankie insisted they get dad brought down. People waiting couldn't believe that he knew the family. Such a special guy. Fond memories of 'uncle Frankie '

@chiripero1940

6y↑3

Joanne, a musician/entertainer friend from Canada introduced me to Frankie Laine about 15 years ago and I had lunch with him in San Diego just a few months before he passed. I consider Frankie Laine to be one of the finest men I have ever met !

@alessandrofavaron2963

Grande film, grande Cooper, grande Frankie. Un film che ha fatto la storia del cinema mondiale. Alessandro Firenze Italy

@mr389alessandro7

OK OK OK !!!!!!!!!!!!! Saluti da Roma Italy

@antoniozaragozarobledo5220

6y↑1

QUE GRAN PELICULA, PARA MI LA MEJOR QUE INTERPRETO GARY COOPER, Y QUE MUSICA TAN PRECIOSA DE DIMITRI TIOMKIN.

@norbertobonomo6991

4y↑4

Un tema de un film imposible de olvidar, "High Noon o Ala hora señalada", y esa voz maravillosa de Frankie Laine, ambos en mi corazón .

@jancharlesgray899

10y↑45

Frankie Laine was really a great singer. This is Americana.

@mirkoschunke1211

make america great again

@JamesS001

Hello Jan, how is everything going with you?

@shellandshilo

6y↑5

It reminds me when I was quite young me and my twin sister would sneak into our brothers room to listen to his country and western records Frankie Laine was our favourite

@beverlyhigginsonjoyce159

9y↑5

My dad used to sing this along with other Frankie Laine songs. Happy memories. :)

@GizmetDora

9y↑1

Beverly Higginson Joyce Your dad had great taste in music!

@mamatibborscassady9388

9y↑1

Beverly Higginson Joyce I think Laine's version was best ! In the movie,it was Tex Ritter..........

@JamesS001

Hello Beverly, how is everything going with you?

@orchardist6559

7y↑1

The fabulous Frankie Lane the voice of the Western.

@roystevens8741

great one this nice music by Frankie

@piscesrunner863

9y↑7

Ah...I like this song so much...
Absolutely wonderful film! Thank you so much, for sharing.

@JamesS001

Hello there, how are you doing?

@FrancoiseVandeWalle

8y↑18

LOVE THE SONG ! THANK YOU ! And the movie too of course !

@highlander9457

8y↑11

still wonderful to see and to listen too !

@dukeman7595

8y↑2

One of the best.

@adamlauina491

4y↑1

Songs like this make me feel humble lol

@johnprovince5304

Katy Jurado and Grace Kelly were classic fire and ice.

@lindamarkey3322

6y↑7

Fabulous music

@JamesS001

Hello Linda, how is everything going with you?

@basilsmith104

3y↑1

Great western

@reynoldgibbings3349

7y↑62

High Noon-The Searchers-Shane-Red River-Johnny Guitar-Winchester 73-The Gunfighter-The Magnificent Seven-Gunfight At The O K Corral-3 10 To Yuma and the list goes on and on great westerns of all time

@TheJmcauley

6y↑1

And "The Sheepman" starring Glenn Ford.

@manumanu7031

Reynold Gibbs

@manchild3479

5y↑2

nobody can make movies like those anymore.they will remain classics FOREVER.

@bubbalong7646

3y↑1

Stagecoach

@greghilbers4697

3y↑2

The Man who shot Liberty Valance!!

1 More Replies...

@larryganser1706

Great movie and song.

@alanfox7312

high noon have Gary cooper and Grace Kelly great movie

@reinholdkaessmaier6141

8y↑8

remembering him more than 60 years

@kensin35

This guy is the best

@tomfelock3689

what a song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@AugustMoon-qo5qf

I Brought This Song When I Was 8yrs For A Famlly Member.
Some Years Later My Brother Moved To America,
And Took Film Of The Wild West Saloon Bars There.
It Was A Real Treat And Amazing Too.
A Real Treat For Us Both.

@terryjakes6094

3y↑1

i had the honour to help this amazing man down the steps of the empire theatre in Liverpool England when he was 75 lovely man

@pedronunez4507

Esta maravilla la aprendí siendo muy niño. La toque con mi armónica y. Más tarde con mi guitarra. Es como mi himno al recuerdo . Inolvidable. España .

@theking-nz1ut

4y↑1

My late father use to play a lot of Frankie Laines songs.

@fantomas356

11y↑3

No comparaison ! Frankie is the best !

@SPOOKSTR

9y↑17

As a kid in the '70's i used to look at the cover of this LP and imagine i was that cowboy.

@mrlaw711

Makes me feel less crzy as did many of the same things..only 10-15 years earlier.

@allborose

8y↑17

Magnificent voice.

@SuperAnimelover100

2y↑1

I keep hitting , replay replay . :)

@JamesS001

Hello Sandy, how is everything going with you?

@SuperAnimelover100

2y↑1

@@JamesS001
Hi James, ok me and how's you. ? You seem so familiar. Hmmm.:)

@JamesS001

@@SuperAnimelover100 OH really I am doing just fine thanks. I am James from Denmark but I stay in Massachusetts USA and where are you from?

@agonerv

Frankie laine una voce bellissima e delle musiche indimenticabili roba di una volta.

@trajan75

Not bad for an Italian kid from Chicago named Francesco LoVecchio. Became Frankie Laine. What a great country

@michaelmcleavy953

8y↑31

they don't come any better than this the singing and the movie

@MartaTauber

4y↑3

HERMOSA CANCION !!!

@patrickcorey8124

Hello 👋how is the pandemic going over there? I'm delighted to meet you here. Where originally are you watching from? I'm Patrick from NY USA

@plankgate

10y

great song by Frankie the best western singer

@agonerv

Frankie laine una voce bellissima e delle musiche indimenticabili roba di una volta

@johnaustin1825

Best version

@lyndajane2

3y↑1

Yes!!!!!

@daniellopatnik5294

EXCELENTE ACTUACION Y UNOS DE LOS MEJORES WESTERN DE LA HISTORIA Y NO ERA PARA MENOS CON EL EXCELENTE ACTOR GARY COOPER.

@rolandanthonis6008

un beau souvenir

@dalebaker9109

he had one great baritone voice. and could belt out a song, to the other side of the street.

@bodenseechannel

bester Western ever.

@garysavage7589

11y↑1

this man had some voice fantastic just a boy bought up on this great music thanks mum

@tobiassouthcott3669

Frankie Lane just fits the Western spirit so well
You can tell
MeAs well
DoI smell
Oh bl***yhell
Etc etc.

@darkoprpic1670

6y↑1

Best western and song too

@jankoot1362

Zo mooi dat is niet te evenaren

@mundoapoc8626

I love both the music and the movie.

@simonkaraoglanof1146

7y↑1

after I saw this movie az a kid I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up !

@123mark3

12y

You guys with the wise cracks you sing when your old and see how well you do.

@antonioripoll7267

one of the better voices of all times

@lynnkirton

12y↑1

LOVE THIS MAN UN ALL IS MUSIC. XLX

@Rondel796

6y↑1

HYPNOTIC

@lucillelevy7814

6y↑2

We love him!

@triciairvine5653

8y↑3

what can you say about this..................... brill

@Kelly-nm4kw

Hello Tricia, How are you doing?

@JamesS001

Hello Tricia, how is everything going with you?

@normanburdett6206

9y↑1

Best Western ever made.

@andrewtaylor7916

He was the best singing these Movie theme songs.

@johnjurkewicz9925

I love listening to Great songs like is

@227gui

11y

First time I heard this song was in Korea in 1952. Couldn't get the song out of my head. It still moves me whenever I hear it.

@edwardulon2115

Mr389 Alessandro: I don't speak and read Spanish ever so lightly but I'm sure what I could put together you're words were exemplary. Thank you

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