I was born in the wagon of a traveling show

My momma used to dance for the money they'd throw

Papa would do whatever he could

Preach a little Gospel

Sell a couple bottles of Dr. Good



Chorus:

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 'im if he knew what he'd done



Chorus



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

I haven't seen him for a while



She was born in the wagon of a traveling show

Her momma used to dance for the money they'd throw

Grandpa would do whatever he could

Preach a little Gospel

Sell a couple bottles of Dr. Good



Repeat Chorus



Gypsies, tramps and thieves (repeat and fade