Melissa

Gregg Allman, Jackson Browne

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:
2014
5:21
60 
#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. 
Mmmm-hmmm. 

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. 
Mmmm-hmmm. 

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. 
Mmmmm-hmmmmm.

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Gregg Allman

Gregory LeNoir "Gregg" Allman (born December 8, 1947 in Nashville, Tennessee) is an American rock and blues singer, keyboardist, guitarist and songwriter, and a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band. He was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2006. His distinctive voice placed him in 70th place in the Rolling Stone list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". more »

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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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