Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves

Cher

About Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves

"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" is a song by American singer and actress Cher for her seventh solo studio album Chér (eventually reissued under the title Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves) (1971). It was released on September 1, 1971, by Kapp Records as the album's lead single. The song was written by Bob Stone, and produced by Snuff Garrett. Since Sonny Bono's first attempts at reviving Cher's recording career had been unsuccessful, Kapp Records recruited Garrett as her producer and he chose Stone to write a song specifically for Cher, in order to cater more to an adult audience. Lyrically, the song describes the life of a girl who was "born in the wagon of a traveling show", and it contains themes of racism, teenage pregnancy and prostitution. Critically, "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" has been met with appreciation ever since its release. It earned Cher her first Grammy Award nomination in the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance category. Commercially, it became her first solo number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and on the Canadian Singles Chart, while reaching the top five in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and United Kingdom. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipment of one million copies across the United States. At the time of its release, "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" was the biggest-selling single in the history of MCA Records. 


Year:
2001
2:37
150 
#2

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I was born in the wagon of a travelin' show
My mama used to dance for the money they'd throw
Papa would do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel
Sell a couple bottles of doctor good

[Chorus:]
Gypsies, tramps and thieves
We'd hear it from the people of the town
They'd call us gypsies, tramps and thieves
But every night all the men would come around
And lay their money down

Picked up a boy just south of Mobile
Gave him a ride, filled him with a hot meal
I was sixteen, he was twenty-one
Rode with us to Memphis
And papa would of shot him if he knew what he'd done

[Chorus]

Never had schoolin' but he taught me well
With his smooth southern style
Three months later, I'm a gal in trouble
And I haven't seen him for a while, oh
I haven't seen him for a while, oh

She was born in the wagon of a travelin' show
Her mama had to dance for the money they'd throw
Grandpa'd do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel
Sell a couple bottles of doctor good

[Chorus]

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Cher

Cher ( /ˈʃɛər/; born Cherilyn Sarkisian; May 20, 1946) is an American singer and actress. A major figure for over five decades in popular culture, she is often referred to as the Goddess of Pop for having first brought the sense of female autonomy and self-actualization into the entertainment industry. She is known for her distinctive contralto and for having worked in various areas of entertainment, as well as for continuously reinventing both her music and image, the latter of which has caused controversy. more »

12 fans

Written by: Bob Stone

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Career Significance
"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" was Cher's first solo number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States after launching her solo career.
Album Name
The song also became the title of Cher's seventh solo studio album, previously titled "Chér (eventually retitled for the single).
Release Year
"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" was released on August 1971 as the lead single from the album.
Lyrics Context
The song narrates about the life of a girl born on the road to a family constantly traveling. It touches upon subjects such as prejudice and misunderstanding of itinerant cultures.
Genre
The song is categorized under the Pop genre, with elements of country and folk music.
Achievements
The song spent two weeks at number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, and three weeks atop the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
International Success
It was also a hit in Canada and the UK, topping the RPM 100 and reaching number 4 in the UK Singles Chart respectively.
Cover Versions
Several artists have recorded cover versions of the song, including Vicki Lawrence, Dahlia Dior, and Cilla Black.
Use in Media
The song has been used in numerous television shows, movies and commercials, including the crime-drama series "Better Call Saul" and comedy film "Being John Malkovich".
Charting History
It was her first song to reach number one in US since "I Got You Babe" with her ex-husband Sonny Bono.
Authorship
The song was written by songwriter and record producer Bob Stone.
Stage Outfit
Cher is known for her bell-bottoms and bare midriff outfits during performances of this song, a signature fashion of hers during the 70s.
Cultural Impact
The song played an important role in establishing Cher's image as a fashionable, audacious, and female autonomy symbol.
Live Performances
"Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" has been included in the setlist of several of Cher's concert tours, and often features elaborate staging and choreography.

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    Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves

    14.1M
    66,051     1,645

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #1


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