Verse 1:
I was born in the wagon of a traveling show
My mama used to dance for the money they'd throw
Papa'd 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
(1,3: 2: -> to bridge)
And lay their money down
Verse 2:
Picked up a boy this side of Mobile
Gave him a ride, fed him with a hot meal
I was 16, he was 21
Rode with us to Memphis
And Papa would have shot him if he knew what he'd done
Chorus
Bridge:
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
Verse 3:
She was born in the wagon of a traveling show
Her mama used to dance for the money they'd throw
Grandpa'd Do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel
Sell a couple bottles of Dr. Good
Repeat chorus to fade