HIGH NOON (DO NOT FORSAKE ME)
From the film "High Noon" (1952)
(Ned Washington / Dimitri Tiomkin - Won Academy Award for "Best Song")

Tex Ritter - 1952
Frankie Laine - 1952
Johnny Bond - 1976
Dean Reed - 1982
Nana Mouskouri - 1993
Also recorded by: Roy Clark; Sons Of The Pioneers. 


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 '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)


*****


As recorded by Tex Ritter for the Film Soundtrack:


Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin' 
On this our wedding day. 
Do not forsake me, oh, 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. 

Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty 
S'posin' I lose my fair-eyed beauty 
Look at that big hand move along 
Nearin' high noon 

He made a vow while in state's prison
That 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 when we wed 
Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin', 
Although you're grievin'
I can't be leavin' 
Until I shoot Frank Miller dead

Wait along, wait along...........