The Ballad of High Noon

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"The Ballad of High Noon" (or "Do Not Forsake Me") is a popular song published in 1952 with music by Dimitri Tiomkin and lyrics by Ned Washington. It was introduced in the movie High Noon, where it was sung by Tex Ritter. It was awarded the 1952 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

[edit] Lyrics

In the context of film music, "The Ballad of High Noon" is acclaimed not merely for its musical integration with High Noon's score, but also for expounding lyrically on the themes of honour and obligation present in the film:

Do not forsake me O my darlin':
On this our wedding day.
Do not forsake me O my darlin':
Wait, wait along.
The noonday train will bring Frank Miller.
If I'm a man I must be brave,
And I must face that deadly killer,
Or lie a coward, a craven coward,
Or lie a coward in my grave.
O 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's Prison,
Vow'd it would be my life or his and,
I'm not afraid of death, but O,
What will I do if you leave me?
Do not forsake me O my darlin':
You made that promise when we wed.
Do not forsake me O my darlin'.
Although you're grievin', I can't be leavin',
Until I shoot Frank Miller dead.
Wait along, wait along
Wait along
Wait along

Alternative lyrics for the first verse follow:

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.

[edit] Recorded versions

[edit] References

Preceded by
"In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening" from Here Comes the Groom		 Academy Award for Best Original Song
1952		 Succeeded by
"Secret Love" from Calamity Jane
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