Because my mother converted a Model -T Ford into a camper and took off cross country with me when I was 5 years old, my grandfather convinced me that we were genuine Roma. Back then the word “gypsy” had not yet been recognized as a disgusting insult. So I called myself a gypsy.
As a young adult, I picked both a career (singer/songwriter) and a first husband (musician Paul Johnson) that allowed me to continue my Roma ways— traveling in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and America.
This version of the song, recorded twenty years ago, has played on my mind radio all this week and part of last. “Gypsy Heart” is a unique song in that it embraces the romance, passions, and mysteries of being a troubadour while acknowledging inevitable aging and the magic of a deeper perspective.
This song appears on Hearsay, an album recorded in Eureka Springs, AR, by Erik T. Schabacker at Winterwood Recording Studios. Darren Novotny and Kelly Mulhollan made magic.
Gypsy Heart words and music by Crow Johnson (ASCAP)
Gypsy heart on the road
Slowly coming my way
Lights are dancing in your eyes
Sweet the song you play
I will close my eyes and pray you pass me by
Many years ago, I braided ribbons in my hair and followed
I followed
Gypsy heart as you approach
I see your hair is turning gray
You could sit with me a while
It’s cool here, in the shade.
I will close my eyes and sift between your truth and lies.
I trust you as a balladeer to only tell me what you think
I want to hear.
Didn’t we tie ribbons and bells all over that raggedy cart
And race along the beach with pounding hearts
Didn’t we roll in the warm surf at dark
Was it Tangiers, or Mustang Island, or the Malabar Coast
You said you loved me most
Gypsy heart I reach out for you
and slowly realize
Everyone I’ve ever loved
smiles back at me through your eyes.
Didn’t we tie ribbons and bells all over that raggedy cart
And race along the beach with pounding hearts
Didn’t we lie in the warm surf at dark
Was it Tangiers, Mustang Island, or the Malabar Coast
You said you loved me most, you said you loved me most
You said you loved me most…
Time and wisdom can’t quench some fires.
Every week or so I’m writing the story behind one of my songs, including the lyrics, and a sound recording so you can hear it. Is there a song you’d like to know more about? I could write about your favorite one next. (Listen to all of my songs for free on Bandcamp.com) Comments are welcomed. Auntie Crow
Because those fires are in the heart of us. They may not be the guiding light in our life any longer but it doesn’t mean they don’t still burn. They are in the heart of us.
Isn’t it strange that as young women we didn’t realize that older women had youth on the inside? Is there another one of the songs you’d like to learn about?
Comforting for sure. I was taken by complete surprise when it happened to me.
I love my life now so much.
I am free to live life on my own terms, pick and live my friends and sing just a bit off key!
What could be better?!
Great. So few people can say that they live on their own terms. Congratulations. No wonder you seem to celebrate each day.
Crow, So great to hear your liquid voice again. Thanks.
Julie
“Liquid” is a fine word. Thank you. Is it fun for you to learn the background to some of these songs you’ve heard before?
Beautiful!!!
Ah, the romance of this song rolls in the warm ocean surf. I love getting older with rich memories and a rich imagination. Is there another song that you’d like to know more about?
Loved the song and especially loved the photo of you on Chia’s back. Harris
Harris, Songs, life, photos, and stories mingle comfortably. I know you have many to share. be well.
Wow…I too have several ‘gypsy’ songs and recently also learned that the word ‘gypsy’ is a racial SLUR to the Rom people. They all have their own names and ‘gypsy’ is a European name for them that comes from the word Egyptian…many Rom were gassed in chambers during the Holocaust, they were called ‘gypsy camps’. OUCH. That is a term that we have coined to mean FREE SPIRIT (back in the 60’s…I too used that term)… but we are learning. My ancestors are Saami (used to be termed Lapplanders, Lapps…also a racial slur and hopefully no longer used). Thanks for pointing that out about your song…it is beautiful and I get the sentiment but it is important to let folks know about the word and usage! Glad you had a great time in Kerrville. Miss you.
I love hearing about your relationship with Roma/gypsies.. Fascinating. You are welcomed.
Hope you enjoyed the back story. You can purchase the song “Gypsy Heart” for $1 at https://crowjohnson.bandcamp.com/track/gypsy-heart