Rattle for the Gypsy/The Bird in the Tree (Reel)

Traditional

I learned this song a long time ago but had never really thought of recording it. When I played it with Bobby O'Donovan it seemed to take on a new life. The story has been told in many songs of a similar nature. However, at least in this one and in songs like 'The Raggle Taggle Gypsy', there is no contrived ending where the gypsy turns out to be a Lord or landowner in disguise.

It was late that night when the squire came home
Enquiring for his lady
The servant girls they all replied
"She's away with Gypsy Davey"

Chorus (after each verse):
Rattle for the gypsy, gypsy
Rattle for the Gypsy Davey

"Saddle me my milk white steed
My brown one is not speedy
I'll ride all night and I'll ride all day
Till I overtake my lady

He rode all night and he rode all day
Till he overtook his lady
He rode all night and he rode all day
Till he overtook the lady

"Ah, come back me dearest dear
Ah come back me honey
Ah come back me dearest dear
I'll give you all of my money"

"I'll not come back me dearest dear
I'll not come back me honey
I'll not come back me dearest dear
For you and all of your money"

"Then take off them snow-white gloves
Made of Spanish leather
Then take off them snow-white gloves
And bid farewell forever

So she took off her snow-white gloves
They were made of Spanish leather
She threw down her snow-white gloves
And she bid farewell forever

"You were there last night in a goose-feather bed
With the sheets and the blankets o'er you-o
But tonight you'll lie in the cold damp field
In the arms of Gypsy Davey-o"