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Raggle Taggle Gypsies

from Traces by Chris Foster

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about

A version from Dorset via Tim Laycock. I have always been intrigued by the subtle complexities of this song. Like many of the songs on this album it hints at far more than it states.

lyrics

Three gypsies stood at the castle gate.
They sang so high and they sang so low.
And the lady sits in her chamber late
and her heart it melted away as snow.

They sang so sweet and they sang so clear
that fast her tears began to flow.
And then she’s laid aside her silken gown
to go with the raggle taggle gypsies.

And then she’s took off her high heeled shoes,
made of Spanish leather
and around her shoulders a blanket she threw,
to go with the raggle taggle gypsies.

It was late that night when her lord come home
enquiring for his lady.
Then the servant girl gave this reply,
“Oh, she’s gone with the raggle taggle gypsies.”

“Then saddle to me my milk white steed.
Bridle me my pony,
that I may ride to seek my bride
who’s gone with the raggle taggle gypsies.”

Then he’s rode high and he’s rode low.
He rode through woods and copses,
until he came to the far green fields.
Oh and there he spied his lady.

“What makes you leave your houses and land?
What makes you leave your money?
What makes you leave your new wedded lord?
To go with the raggle taggle gypsies.”

“Oh what care I for houses and land ?
What care I for money?
What care I for my new wedded lord?
I’ll go with the raggle taggle gypsies.”

“Oh but last night you slept in a goose feather bed
with the sheets turned down so bravely.
Now tonight you will lie in the cold open fields,
all along with the raggle taggle gypsies.”

“But what care I for a goose feather bed
with the sheets turned down so bravely,
for tonight I will lie in the wide open fields
along with the raggle taggle gypsies.”

credits

from Traces, track released January 1, 1999
Chris Foster - vocal and guitar.

Arranged and produced by Chris Foster. Recorded by Ken Macpherson at Track Station Recording, Burton upon Trent.

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about

Chris Foster Reykjavik, Iceland

Chris Foster grew up in the south west of England. A master of his trade, he was recently described as “one of the finest singers and most inventive guitar accompanists of English folk songs, meriting legend status.” Over the past 40 years, he has toured throughout the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA. He has recorded six solo albums as well as working on many collaborative projects. ... more

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