Melissa

The Allman Brothers Band

About Melissa

"Melissa" is a song by American rock band the Allman Brothers Band, released in August 1972 as the second single from the group's third studio album, Eat a Peach. The song was written by vocalist Gregg Allman long before the founding of the group. It was first written in 1967, and two demo versions from those years exist, including a version cut by the 31st of February, a band that featured Butch Trucks, the Allman Brothers' later drummer. Allman sold the publishing rights later that year, but they were reacquired by manager Phil Walden in 1972. The song's title is frequently referred to incorrectly as "Sweet Melissa" due to the lyric being sung at the end of each of the first two choruses. The version on Eat a Peach was recorded in tribute to Duane Allman, who considered the song among his brother's best and a personal favorite. He died in a motorcycle accident six weeks before its most famous rendition was recorded. 


Year:
1991
3:52
111 
#1

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Crossroads, seem to come and go, yeah
The gypsy flies from coast to coast
Knowing many, loving none
Bearing sorrow, having fun
But, back home he'll always run
To sweet Melissa
Mmm, hmm

Freight train, each car looks the same, all the same
And no one knows the gypsy's name
And no one hears his lonely sighs
There are no blankets where he lies
Lord, in his deepest dreams the gypsy flies
With sweet Melissa
Mm, hmm

Again, the mornin's come
Again, he's on the run
A sunbeam's shinin' through his hair
Fear not to have a care
Well, pick up your gear and gypsy roll on
Roll on

Crossroads, will you ever let him go? 
Lord, Lord
Or will you hide the dead man's ghost?
Or will he lie, beneath the clay?
Or will his spirit float away?
But, I know that he won't stay
Without Melissa
Yes, I know that he won't stay, yeah
Without Melissa
Lord, Lord, it's all the same

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The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band is an American rock/blues band once based in Macon, Georgia. The band was formed in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman (slide guitar and lead guitar) and Gregg Allman (vocals, organ, songwriting), plus Dickey Betts (lead guitar, vocals, songwriting), Berry Oakley (bass guitar), Butch Trucks (drums), and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson (drums). While the band has been called the principal architects of Southern rock, they also incorporate elements of blues, jazz, and country music, and their live shows have jam band-style improvisation and instrumental songs. more »

10 fans

Written by: STEPHEN ALAIMO, GREGG ALLMAN

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song inspiration
"Melissa" was inspired by a woman Gregg Allman saw in a grocery store, but the song was only partially completed at the time.
Production Story
Gregg Allman finally finished the song after the death of his brother, Duane Allman, and included it in the 1972 album "Eat a Peach".
Real Encounter
Gregg Allman initially named the song "Delilah", but didn't feel the name was right. While in a club, he heard a mother call her daughter Melissa, and knew immediately that's what he wanted to name the song.
Songwriting Fact
Unlike many of the Allman Brothers Band's songs, which are lengthy instrumentals, "Melissa" is a short and concise tune with a clear melody.
Album Success
"Eat a Peach," the album on which "Melissa" appears, reached No. 4 on the Billboard charts and was certified gold in less than a year.
Song Popularity
"Melissa" is one of the Allman Brothers Band's most popular songs, often played on the radio, and consistently in high demand at concerts.
Tribute Significance
"Melissa" is significant as it’s one of the first songs Gregg Allman worked on after the death of his brother Duane, making it an emotional tribute to his late sibling.
Lyrics Interpretation
In the song, Melissa represents an ideal or fantasy, where Gregg sings about leaving the rock 'n' roll life behind for a more stable existence.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered "Melissa", including country artist Eric Church, offering a testament to the song's wide appeal.
Music Genre
"Melissa" by the Allman Brothers Band is classified under the genre of Southern rock. The song features the straightforward emotional songwriting and the slide guitar that are characteristic of the genre.

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    Melissa

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #86


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