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Seven O' the Gypsies

from Bedlam EP by Mazy House

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about

Originally an Anglo-Scottish border ballad, now a folk standard widely recognised as Raggle Taggle Gypsies. Inspired by Stick in the Wheel's rendition, Seven O' The Gypsies features Rosie May with unusually bare, childlike lead vocals, giving a haunting storytelling quality. Carried by cajon with a bass kick, the song features Emma Holbrook with a high hat drive which expands the track with an anachronistic quality. Joel Tait's guitar is built on a set of energetic yet delicate octave based chord licks played with the trademark Spanish guitar technique. The rhythm and guitar sections are grounded by a solid accordion drone with atmospheric violin details played by Tanya Allen.

lyrics

There were seven old gypsies came to our door
They came brave and boldy-o
And one sang high and the other sang low
One sang a raggle taggle gypsy-o

It was upstairs, downstairs the lady went
Put on her suit of leather-o
When there came a cry from around the door
She's gone with seven old gypsies-o

It was late that night when the lord came in
Enquiring for his lady-o
When a servant girl she said to the lord
"She's gone with seven old gypsies-o"

"Well bridle me, my bonnie bonnie mare
My big horse isn't speedy-o
And we will ride 'til I seek my bride
She's gone with seven old gypsies-o"

Well he rode East, he rode West
He rode late 'til early-o
'Til he came across the riverside
There he spied his lady-o

"What makes you leave your house and your land?
What makes you leave your money-o?
How could you leave your newly wedded man?
To go with seven old gypsies-o?"

"What care I for your house and your land?
What care I for your money-o?
For tonight I'll sleep in a cold baron shed
In the arms of a raggle taggle gypsy-o"

There were seven old gypsies standing in a row
None of them were lame or lazy-o
And they came one night to the house of the lord
And stole the heart of his lady-o

credits

from Bedlam EP, released November 2, 2015
Lead vocals: Rosie May
Guitar & accordion: Joel Tait
Percussion: Emma Holbrook
Violin: Tanya Allen

Engineered by Ben Modley and Joel Tait

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Mazy House Watchet, UK

We are born of Somerset where Mazy means mad, and the Ancient Mariner mourns the sea alongside Shantyman sailor, Yankee Jack.

Publicans, farmers and nomads, we came together in early 2015; some old friends, others new. We draw raw sounds and inspiration as a group of artists with individual journeys. Gigging, exploring and studying, from our home and across the world. ... more

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