About the song
## Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves: A Timeless Ballad of Love and Loss
**Cher’s** iconic ballad, “Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves,” released in 1971, is a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. With its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of a woman caught in a whirlwind romance with a man of questionable character.
The song’s introspective narrative delves into the complexities of love and the allure of the unknown. The protagonist is drawn to a man who embodies the free spirit of a gypsy, a wanderer untethered to societal norms. The lyrics capture the intoxicating excitement of a forbidden romance, where passion and danger intertwine.
Cher’s powerful vocals convey the emotional depth of the song, her voice rising and falling with the intensity of the narrative. The arrangement is sparse, allowing the singer’s voice to take center stage and emphasize the raw emotion of the lyrics. The simple yet effective instrumentation complements the song’s melancholic tone, creating a sense of longing and regret.
The song’s bridge introduces a darker element, as the protagonist realizes the destructive nature of her relationship. She acknowledges the pain and heartache that comes with loving a man who is incapable of commitment. The lyrics express a sense of resignation and acceptance, as she comes to terms with the inevitable end of their affair.
The song’s conclusion is both bittersweet and hopeful. Despite the heartbreak and disappointment, the protagonist remains captivated by the memory of her love. The final lines suggest a lingering hope that perhaps, one day, she will find true love with someone who can provide the stability and security she craves.
“Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves” is a masterpiece of songwriting that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes of love, loss, and the allure of the unknown. Cher’s powerful performance and the song’s haunting melody make it a classic that will be cherished for generations to come.
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Lyrics
I was born in the wagon of a travelling show
My mama used to dance for the money they’d throw
Papa would do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel
Sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good
Gypsies, tramps, and thieves
We’d hear it from the people of the town
They’d call us gypsies, tramps, and thieves
But every night all the men would come around
And lay their money down
Picked up a boy just south of Mobile
Gave him a ride, filled him with a hot meal
I was 16, he was 21
Rode with us to Memphis
And papa woulda shot him if he knew what he’d done
Gypsies, tramps, and thieves
We’d hear it from the people of the town
They’d call us gypsies, tramps, and thieves
But every night all the men would come around
And lay their money down
I never had schoolin’ but he taught me well
With his smooth southern style
Three months later, I’m a gal in trouble
And I haven’t seen him for a while, uh-huh
I haven’t seen him for a while, uh-huh
She was born in the wagon of a travellin’ show
Her mama had to dance for the money they’d throw
Grandpa’d do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel
Sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good
Gypsies, tramps, and thieves
We’d hear it from the people of the town
They’d call us gypsies, tramps, and thieves
But every night all the men would come around
And lay their money down
Gypsies, tramps, and thieves
We’d hear it from the people of the town
They’d call us gypsies, tramps, and thieves
But every night all the men would come around
And lay their money down
Gypsys, tramps, and thieves