About the song
Ben E. King, the soulful voice behind timeless classics like “Stand by Me” and “Spanish Harlem,” continued to captivate audiences well into the 1990s. One such enchanting track is Gypsy, a heartfelt ballad released in 1993.
“Gypsy” showcases King’s enduring ability to convey raw emotion through his music. With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of a nomadic soul searching for love and belonging. King’s vocals, rich and resonant as ever, bring the song to life, imbuing it with a sense of longing and yearning.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of wanderlust, solitude, and the search for meaning in life. King’s evocative descriptions of distant lands and fleeting encounters create a sense of mystery and intrigue. The chorus, with its haunting refrain of “I’m a gypsy, wandering alone,” captures the essence of the song’s theme.
“Gypsy” is a departure from the more upbeat and dance-oriented sound that characterized much of King’s earlier work. Instead, it delves into deeper, more personal territory, showcasing the artist’s versatility and range. The song’s stripped-down arrangement, featuring just King’s vocals and a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment, allows his voice to take center stage.
The release of “Gypsy” coincided with a resurgence of interest in King’s music. The song’s success helped to solidify his status as a timeless legend, reminding a new generation of listeners of his enduring talent. While the song may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of his earlier hits, it remains a beloved and cherished part of his legacy.
Gypsy is a testament to Ben E. King’s enduring artistry. It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of longing, loss, and the search for meaning. For fans of classic soul music and those seeking a deeper appreciation of King’s talent, this track is a must-listen.
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Lyrics
I wake up weeping from my sleeping den
Oh, I wanna fall asleep again
But the memory of her burning skin
Uummhh, keeps me yearning
You know I?m yearning?
Oh, oh, oh oh, oh, you gypsy, you heartbreaking gypsy
Gypsy will you ever come home
Another drink, another cigarette
Lord, I?d try anything to forget
But the memory of her burning touch
Uummh, just keeps on returning, just keeps returning?
Oh, oh, oh, oh you gypsy, you heartbreaking gypsy
I said gypsy won?t you ever come home
Who’s gonna kiss my eyes, my eyes, my eyes, gypsy like you do
Who’s gonna tell me lies, sweet lies, sweet lies
And make me believe they?re true?
I miss her morning kiss when I wake up?
I look and I see her face there in my coffee cup?
I didn’t know what a-loneliness was?
Baby, baby, baby, I said I’m learning?
You know I’m learning?
Oh, oh, oh, oh you gypsy, you heartbreaking gypsy
I said gypsy won?t you ever come home
Listen to me darling, I said a-gypsy, I said a heartbreaking gypsy
I said, a-darling, won’t you ever come home
Say, I’m a-lonely, I’m a-lonely, a-little
I said a-gypsy, I said a heartbreaking gypsy
I said baby just, just come on home
Hear me when I said, I said now oh gypsy
Gypsy, gypsy, heartbreaking gypsy?
Gypsy won’t you ever come home?