The Ballad of High Noon The Ballad of High Noon “The Ballad of High Noon” (or “Do Not Forsake Me, O My Darlin’”) is a popular song published in 1952, with music by Dimitri Tiomkin and lyrics by Ned Washington. It is the theme song of the movie "High Noon", sung over the opening credits by Tex Ritter, with its tune repeated throughout the film. It was awarded the 1952 Academy Award for Best Original Song, and was performed that night for the Academy by Ritter. The song is about the film's main character, Will Kane (played by Gary Cooper), and the moral dilemma of
High Tide at Noon her, is seen by Joanna only as a friend, not a suitor. She ultimately marries Alec Douglas, a gentle soul who reads poetry to her. Economic hardship overwhelms nearly everyone on the island, particularly Joanna's parents, the MacKenzies, as the fickle ocean keeps leaving the fishing community's lobster traps empty. Worse for her, Alec amasses a debt well into the hundreds of dollars to Simon, due to his gambling. All three men ultimately disappear from her life, but upon her return, many years later, Joanna is pleased to once again encounter Nils. High Tide at Noon High Tide at Noon