The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GYPSY DAVEY

IT WAS LATE LAST NIGHT
WHEN THE BOSS CAME HOME,
ASKING ABOUT HIS LADY
AND THE ONLY ANSWER HE RECEIVED,
SHE'S GONE WITH THE GYPSY DAVEY,
SHE'S GONE WITH THE GYPSY DAVE.
GO SADDLE FOR ME MY BUCKSKIN HORSE,
AND MY HUNDRED DOLLAR SADDLE,
POINT OUT TO ME THEIR WAGON TRACKS,
AND AFTER THEM I'LL TRAVEL,
WELL AFTER THEM I'LL RIDE.
WELL HE HAD NOT RODE TO THE MIDNIGHT MOON,
WHEN HE SAW THEIR CAMPFIRE GLEAMING.
HE HEARD THE NOTES OF THE BIG GUITAR
AND THE VOICE OF THE GYPSY SINGING
THAT SONG OF THE GYPSY DAVE.
TAKE OFF, TAKE OFF YOUR KIDSKIN GLOVES,
AND YOUR BOOTS OF SPANISH LEATHER,
AND GIVE TO ME YOUR LILY WHITE HANDS,
WE'LL GO BACK HOME TOGETHER;
WE'LL GO BACK HOME AGAIN.
NO, I WON'T TAKE OFF MY K
NOR MY BOOTS OF SPANISH LEATHER,
I'LL GO MY WAY FROM DAY TO DAY,
AND SING WITH THE GYPSY DAVEY,
I'LL GO WITH THE GYPSY DAVE.
HAVE YOU FORSAKEN YOUR HOUSE AND HOME?
HAVE YOU FORSAKEN YOUR BABY?
HAVE YOU FORSAKEN YOUR HUSBAND DEAR,
TO GO WITH THE GYPSY DAVEY?
AND SING WITH THE GYPSY DAVE?
YES, I'VE FORSAKEN MY HOUSE AND HOME,
TO GO WITH THE GYPSY DAVEY,
AND I'VE FORSAKEN MY HUSBAND DEAR,
BUT NOT MY BLUE-EYED BABY,
MY PRETTY LITTLE BLUE-EYED BABY.

Submitter comment: BALLAD PERFORMED ON APPALACHIAN DULCIMER

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WATERFORD

James Callow Keyword(s): CHILD BALLAD 200

Date learned: 00-00-1984

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