High Noon
Royal Phil. Orchestra 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 song "High Noon" by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was originally composed for the western film of the same name, released in 1952. The lyrics to the song, as performed by Tex Ritter in the film, speak of a man who is about to face a deadly showdown with another gunfighter. On the day of his wedding, the singer begs his bride not to abandon him as he must be brave and confront his enemy. He is torn between his duty and his love for his fiancé and wonders what he will do if she leaves him. The clock ticks towards "high noon," the time of the confrontation with the looming possibility of the singer's death.
The lyrics and the song's melody create a feeling of suspense and anxiety, reflecting the emotions of the singer. The repetition of "wait along" emphasizes the singer's fear of abandonment and his desperate need for his bride's support. The line, "Or lie a coward, a craven coward, or lie a coward in my grave," shows his concern for his honor and reputation if he should back down from the potential duel.
Line by Line Meaning
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Please do not abandon me, my beloved
On this, our weddin' day
On the day we were united in matrimony
Wait, wait along
Stay with me, be patient
I do not know what fate awaits me
The future is uncertain for 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 have to confront a person who despises me
Or lie a coward, a craven coward
Or become a disgraceful, timid coward
Or lie a coward in my grave
Or rather die with shame in my grave
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
Oh, the dilemma of having to choose between love and responsibility
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
What if I lose the one I cherish the most?
Look at that big hand move along
Look at the clock as time passes
Nearin' high noon
Getting closer to the time when everything will be decided
He made a vow while in state prison
He promised to take my life when he was incarcerated
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
He vowed that it would be either his or my demise
I'm not afraid of death but oh
I am not afraid to die, but
What will I do if you leave me?
What actions will I take if my beloved departs?
You made that promise as a bride
You pledged your loyalty on our wedding day
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Despite the pain you feel, do not abandon me
Now that I need you by my side
At this moment, I require your companionship
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Be patient and stay with me
Wait along, wait along
Stay by my side
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
(Stay with me, stay with me, stay with me, stay with me)
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