The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A POLISH SONG: WAY OVER THERE, NEAR THE WOODS

WAY OVER THERE NEAR THE WOODS
SOMETHING FLASHES FROM AFAR.
A BAND OF GYPSIES
BUM STAREE RAREE (ETC., THREE TIMES)

A GYPSY DOESN'T SOW
A GYPSY DOESN'T PLOW
ARE STARTING A FIRE.
WHERE E'ER HE LOOKS
THERE HE WILL SETTLE

(REFRAIN)

A GYPSY IS WITHOUT WATER.
A GYPSY IS WITHOUT A COTTAGE,
A GYPSY IS HAPPY,
ALTHOUGH HE ISN'T RICH.

Submitter comment:

THIS SONG I KNOW FROM CHILDHOOD FROM MY PARENTS. THERE ARE MANY
SONGS AND TALES ABOUT GYPSIES IN POLISH FOLKLORE
AS THE GYPSY WAS, AND IS, A COMMON SIGHT IN POLAND.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Keyword(s): Folk Muysic ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: 11-28-1967