Do not forsake me, My Darling

Harmonika z filmu Tenkrát na Západě

One of the all time great westerns. I saw it for the 1st time late in 1952 when it came off first run status in downtown Philly and came to my local neighborhood theatre in West Philly, The Commodore theatre at 43rd and Walnut street. I stayed to watch it again. Since then i estimate seen it all or in part over 100 times. Never get tired of it. My favorite Gary Cooper role.
"The Ballad of High Noon" (or "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin'") 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, sung over the opening credits by Tex Ritter. It was awarded the 1952 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

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 which define 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