Co-producing for the first time with keyboardist Tom Schuman, a founding member of Spyro Gyra, Oliver digs deep into a rich variety of influences for a multi-faceted romp through the worlds of pop, jazz, urban/hip-hop, world beat, Brazilian and Latin music. While focusing as always on his classic acoustic guitar and brilliant "vocalese" to convey the lead melodies on the instrumentals, he stretches into edgier blues territory with his lesser heard electric on "In The Shade of Cool."
High Noon
Steve Oliver 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 lyrics to "High Noon" by Steve Oliver evoke a powerful sense of urgency and desperation. The singer is pleading with his love, begging her not to abandon him on their wedding day as he faces a deadly challenge. He is resigned to the fact that he will likely die in the confrontation, but his love is the only thing that keeps him going. He vows to be brave and face his enemy, even if it means his own demise. The singer expresses his fear of being torn between his love and his duty, and the anguished plea not to be forsaken in his time of need underscores the gravity of the situation.
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 wedding
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Do not abandon me, my beloved
Wait, wait along
Wait, be patient
I do not know what fate awaits me
I am uncertain of what will happen to me
I only know I must be brave
I know that I need to show courage
And I must face a man who hates me
I need to confront someone who despises me
Or lie a coward, a craven coward
Or become a coward, a shameful coward
Or lie a coward in my grave
Or die a coward's death
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
Oh, to be conflicted between love and responsibility
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
What if I lose the one I love
Look at that big hand move along
Notice the time passing
Nearin' high noon
Approaching noon
He made a vow while in state prison
He promised while imprisoned
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
Swore that one of us would not survive
I'm not afraid of death but oh
I am not scared of dying but oh,
What will I do if you leave me?
What will I do if you abandon me?
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Do not abandon me, my beloved
You made that promise as a bride
You made that pledge as a bride
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Do not abandon me, my beloved
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Even though you are mourning, do not consider leaving
Now that I need you by my side
Now that I need you to support me
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Be patient
Wait along, wait along
Be patient
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
Be patient
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