Gypsy Davy- Skofield (FL-ME) c1880 Morris B; Bronson 12.
[From Folksongs of Florida by Alton C. Morris; published by the University of Florida Press, 1950; p. 306. The last two lines of the chorus changes --suing the last two lines of each verse.
R. Matteson 2015]
"Gypsy Davy" Sung by P.F. Skofield, Gainesville, Fla.; learned from his mother between the years of 1880 and 1920 in Maine.
1 The Gypsy Davy came over the hills,
Came over the eastern valley;
He sang till he made the wild woods ring,
And charmed the heart of a lady.
Chorus
Twaddle la de dinktum, dinktum, dinktum
Twaddle la de dinktum Davy;
He sang till he made the wild woods ring,
And charmed the heart of a lady.
2. The lord, returning home at night,
Inquired for his lady
The servant made him this reply:
"She's gone with the Gypsy Davy."
3. "Go harness me my coal black steed:
The grey is not so speedy;
I'll ride all day, and I'll ride all night
Till I overtake my lady."
4, He rode till he came to the water's side-
It looked so dark and dreary;
Till there he spied his bonny bride
By the side of the Gypsy Davy.
5. "Would you forsake your home and friends?
Would you forsake your baby?
Would you forsake your wedded lord
And go with the Gypsy Davy?"
6. "Yes, I'll forsake my home and friends.
Yes, I'll forsake my baby.
Yes, I'll forsake my wedded love
And go with the Gypsy Davy.
7. "I never loved you in my life;
I never loved my baby;
I never loved my home and friends,
But I love my Gypsy Davy.
8. "Last night I slept on a warm, soft bed,
And in my arms my baby;
Tonight I'll sleep on the cold, cold ground,
Beside my Gypsy Davy."