Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves Lyrics – Cher
Official Music Video
Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves Lyrics
[Verse 1: Cher]
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
[Chorus: Cher]
Gypsys, 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
[Verse 2: Cher]
Picked up a boy just south of Mobile
Gave him a ride, filled him with a hot meal
I was sixteen, he was twenty-one
Rode with us to Memphis
And Papa would'a shot him if he knew what he'd done
[Chorus: Cher]
Gypsys, 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
[Bridge: Cher]
I never had schooling 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, oh
I haven't seen him for a while, oh
[Verse 3: Cher]
She was born in the wagon of a traveling 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
[Chorus: Cher]
Gypsys, 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
[Chorus: Cher]
Gypsys, 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
Facts & Meaning Explained
"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" by Cher is a narrative song that delves into the life of a family living on the margins of society, traveling in a carnival or show. It explores themes of judgment, societal labels, unconventional livelihoods, youthful indiscretions, and the cyclical nature of their existence. Cher's storytelling in the song captivates listeners and offers a glimpse into the complexities of her characters' lives. Let's break down the meaning of each paragraph.
[Verse 1]
In this verse, Cher sets the scene by describing her birth and early life. She was born into a traveling carnival or show, where her mother worked as a dancer for money. Her father did various odd jobs, including preaching a little gospel and selling bottles of a product called "Doctor Good," likely some sort of quack medicine. This verse introduces the themes of a nomadic lifestyle, making a living through unconventional means, and a sense of outsider status.
[Chorus]
The chorus serves as a reflection of how society perceives Cher's family and their lifestyle. They are referred to as "gypsies, tramps, and thieves" by the townspeople, likely because they live on the fringes of society and engage in unconventional activities to survive. Despite the negative labels, the townspeople still come to watch the show and spend their money, which suggests a degree of fascination or attraction despite the judgment.
[Verse 2]
In the second verse, Cher recounts picking up a young man on her journey, giving him a ride and providing him with a meal. She was just sixteen years old at the time, and the man she picked up was older, twenty-one. They travel together, but her father, Papa, would not have approved of their association if he knew the young man's intentions or actions. This verse hints at the challenges and risky situations that can arise from living a transient life.
[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the recurring theme of how society labels and judges Cher's family as "gypsies, tramps, and thieves." Despite the criticism, the townspeople still engage with them, coming to their shows and spending money, suggesting a dual perception of Cher's family: outsiders but also a source of entertainment.
[Bridge]
In the bridge, Cher reflects on her lack of formal education but acknowledges that she learned important life lessons from the man she encountered in verse 2. His "smooth southern style" suggests charm and charisma. However, as the lyrics progress, it becomes clear that her brief romantic involvement with him resulted in an unintended pregnancy, and she hasn't seen him in a while. This part of the song adds a sense of personal hardship and the consequences of youthful mistakes.
[Verse 3]
This verse parallels the first verse but tells the story from a different perspective. Cher shifts to the third person, describing another woman born into a similar traveling show lifestyle. This woman's mother also danced for money, and her grandpa did odd jobs, including preaching and selling "Doctor Good." It reinforces the idea that Cher's story is not unique but part of a broader pattern within the community.
[Chorus]
The final chorus repeats the societal judgment faced by these traveling families, being called "gypsies, tramps, and thieves." Despite the judgment, the men from the town continue to visit them and offer money, which may indicate a fascination or attraction to their unconventional lifestyle.
In summary, "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" is a narrative song that explores the challenges and societal prejudices faced by a family living a nomadic and unconventional lifestyle. It touches on themes of judgment, relationships, and the cycle of life in a traveling show community. Cher's storytelling through the song's lyrics allows listeners to empathize with the characters and their experiences.
You May Also Like...
This is the end of "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves Song Lyrics" by Cher. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the contact us form.
Official Music Video
Cast & Crew
- Album
- Cher (Singles)
- Artist / Band
- Producer(s)
- Snuff Garrett
- Writter(s)
- Bob Stone
- Released On
- September 1, 1971
Cher (Singles) Tracklist
FAQs & Knowledge
Who is the singer of "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" song?
"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" song is sung by Cher.
Who is the lyrics writer of "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" song?
"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" song lyrics written by Bob Stone.
Who is the music producer of "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" song?
"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" song music composed & produced by Snuff Garrett.
When was "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" song released?
"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" song was released on September 1, 1971.