A Young Gypsy - Joan Baez

A young gypsy fell out in a slumber

Heading north with a driver he knew

Someone he’d lived with and trusted

A young woman who trusted him too

That very same day the young gypsy

Had come from a farm in the west

Where the children had played throughout the heat of the day

Affording the gypsy no rest

And the gypsy’s bones were weary

And the front seat looked secure

And the gypsy slept on until the sun it was gone

And the stars pierced the eyes of the girl at his side

The next morning’s day would be Easter

He’d dress in his only fine shirt

And shuffle through clusters of strangers

With his gaze and his shoes in the dirt

And the woman who loved him would watch him

Protect him from curious stares

For the womenfolk tend to be friendly

And the gypsy’s as young as he’s fair

And the evening brought on laughter

And jars of bright red wine

And the gypsy drank some and the gypsy had fun

And his dancing got wild and the grandmothers smiled

Sleeping came easily after

In the arms of the woman that fold

Up the secrets and dreams of the gypsy

That will never be sought or be sold

In fact, they will never be told

For the gypsy is two years old