About The Song
“Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” is a song by Cher, released in 1971 as the lead single from her seventh studio album, “Chér” (later reissued under the same title). It was released by Kapp Records, a division of MCA Records, on September 1, 1971. The track was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for two weeks. It also charted well internationally. Cher’s departure from her husband Sonny Bono for the album’s production marked a significant shift in her career. It’s also noteworthy as her first collaboration with producer Snuff Garrett.
The song portrays the hardships faced by working-class families, tackling themes of poverty, hypocrisy, and prejudice. Cher drew from her upbringing and observations of marginalized communities, reflecting their struggles. It tells the story of a young girl navigating societal judgments within a traveling community, finding strength in her roots. Overall, the song serves as a commentary on social and cultural norms, shedding light on the marginalized and the power dynamics in society.
Video
Lyrics
I was born in the wagon of a travellin’ 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]
Gypsys, tramps, and thieves
We’d hear it from the people of the town
They’d call us Gypsys, 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 woulda shot him 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, uh-huh I haven’t seen him for a while, uh-huh
She was born in the wagon of a travellin’ 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]
[CHORUS FADES]