NOW IS THE HOUR
(Scott, Kaihau)
Bing recorded "Now is the Hour" and
"Silver Threads Among the Gold" on Nov. 8,
1947, without
orchestral support. Bing's only accompaniment
for these songs were the voices of
the Ken Darby
Choir. Nevertheless, "Now is the
Hour" climbed to the top of the Billboard
charts in 1948, where it
stayed for 3 weeks.
The song remained on the charts an amazing 23 weeks. "Now is
the Hour" is
based on a traditional New Zealand
song "Hearere Ra." The song turned out to be
Bing's 42nd and
last single to reach the top spot
on the pop charts. No one before or since has
been able to come
close to this achievement.
Now is the hour
When we must say goodbye.
Soon you'll be sailing
Far across the sea.
While you're away
Oh, then, remember me.
When you return
You'll find me waiting here.
Sunset glow fades in the west.
Night o'er the valley is creeping.
Birds cuddle down in their nest
Soon all the world will be sleeping.
Now is the hour
When we must goodbye.
Soon you'll be sailing
Far across the sea.
While you're away
Oh, then, remember me.
When you return
You'll find me waiting here.
