Bing recorded "Now is the Hour" and "Silver Threads Among the Gold" on Nov. 8, 1947, accompanied by the voices of the Ken Darby Choir, which at the time included future Lawrence Welk champaign lady Norma Zimmer. "Now is the Hour" climbed to the top of the pop 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.