Gypsy Boy

The painted lantern circus with the wagons swinging slowly
On a cold October morning on a day that should be holy
Winding through the forest as the sun is just a-breakin'
And I am only seven and a gypsy in the makin’

Winds are blowin' through me and the canvas flaps is tearin'
And the folks is talkin’ low now 'cos they don't want me to hear 'em
And uncle says there's trouble with the bulls along the border
And I'm a-wonderin' why and a-wishin' I were older

Many years ago it seems and many summers ending
The wagon wheels is rusted and the axles is a-bending
And grandma’s bones is bleaching and our hearts is still a-dyin’
But I'm a gypsy boy and there ain’t no time for cryin'

Now it's gettin' colder and the air is growin’ ugly
And the wolves is getting' bolder and there ain't no sun above me
And I think it's time to move now but I don't know where we're goin'
And I know it won't be long now before it starts to snowin'

Baby's cryin' softly and the women are a-sighin'
And somewhere in the wagon there's a soul that must be dyin'
'Cos the crepe is hangin' black from the window of each lorry
And we'll likely camp at sunset so's the body can be buried

So the carts will rumble till there ain't no road to travel
And I'll listen to the grinding of the wooden wheels on gravel
And the sad songs and the old songs will warm me and will hold me
'Til my head at last grows weary and the arms of sleep enfold me

For I am a gypsy boy and my home is where you find me
For I am a gypsy boy and my home is where you find me