I was born in the wagon of a travelin` 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:
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 sixteen, he was twenty-one
Rode with us to Memphis
And papa would of shot him if he knew what he`d done
(chorus)
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, oh
I haven`t seen him for a while, oh
She was born in the wagon of a travelin` 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)(repeat)