The Gypsy Davy- Kelley (WV) pre1975 Gainer
[From Folk Songs from the West Virginia Hills; Patrick Gainer, 1975.
As with all of Gainer's collection, even this banal version (the last stanza is not traditional) must be considered of questionable origin.
R. Matteson 2015]
THE GYPSY DAVY
(CHILD 200, "THE GYPSY LADDIE")
Most of the versions of this ballad found in West Virginia tradition have the title "The Gypsy Davy." The words of the first stanza indicate that the gypsy Davy puts a charm on the lady by his singing, so that she is willing to go with him even though it means deserting her husband and baby. Sung by Blanche Kelley.
1. The gypsy Davy crossed the plain,
He sang so loud and sweetly,
He sang till he made the green woods ring,
To charm the heart of a lady.
2 The lord of the house came home that night,
Inquiring for his lady;
The servants said on every hand,
"She's gone with the gypsy Davy."
3 "Go saddle up my milk-white steed.
The black is not so speedy,
And I will ride all day and night
To overtake my lady."
4 He mounted on his milk-white steed,
The one that was so speedy,
He rode all day and he rode all night,
Till he overtook his lady.
5 "Have you forsaken your house and lands,
Have you forsaken your baby?
Have you forsaken your own true-love,
And gone with the gypsy Davy?"
7 "Yes, I've forsaken my house and lands,
And I've forsaken my baby;
Yes, I've forsaken my own true-love
To go with the gypsy Davy."
8 The lord went home alone that night,
Went home without his lady;
She'd rather sleep beneath the stars
In the arms of the gypsy Davy.