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)