The Seekers

Lyrics

[Intro]
*Whistling*

[Verse 1]
The Whistlin' Gypsy came over the hill
Down to the valley so shady
He whistled, and he sang
Till the greenwoods rang
And he won the heart of a lady

[Chorus]
Ah-dee-doo, ah-dee-doo, da-day
Ah-dee-doo, ah-dee-day
He whistled, and he sang
Till the greenwoods rang
And he won the heart of a lady

[Verse 2]
She left her father's castle gates
She left her own fond lover
She left her servants and her estate
To follow the Gypsy Rover

[Chorus]
Ah-dee-doo, ah-dee-doo, da-day
Ah-dee-doo, ah-dee-day
He whistled, and he sang
Till the greenwoods rang
And he won the heart of a lady
[Verse 3]
"He is no gypsy, my father" she said
"But lord of these lands over
With him I'll stay till my dyin' day
And follow the Gypsy Rover "

[Chorus]
Ah-dee-doo, ah-dee-doo, da-day
Ah-dee-doo, ah-dee-day
He whistled, and he sang
Till the greenwoods rang
And he won the heart of a lady

[Verse 1]
The Whistlin' Gypsy came over the hill
Down to the valley so shady
He whistled, and he sang
Till the greenwoods rang
And he won the heart of a lady

[Chorus]
Ah-dee-doo, ah-dee-doo, da-day
Ah-dee-doo, ah-dee-day
He whistled, and he sang
Till the greenwoods rang
And he won the heart of a ladyEmbed

Gypsy Rover

Introducing one of the most enchanting and enduring folk songs of all time - Gypsy Rover by The Seekers. This timeless classic has captivated audiences for decades with its captivating melody and heartfelt lyrics. The Seekers, an iconic Australian folk group, infused their signature harmony and vocal prowess into this stunning rendition, creating a musical masterpiece that continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Get ready to embark on a musical journey as we delve into the fascinating details behind Gypsy Rover.

About Gypsy Rover

Gypsy Rover, also known as The Whistling Gypsy, is a traditional Irish folk song that has been widely recorded and performed by various artists throughout the years. Its origins can be traced back to the mid-19th century, with numerous adaptations and variations developed over time. The Seekers, known for their exceptional ability to breathe new life into traditional songs, recorded their rendition of Gypsy Rover in 1966 as part of their album "Come the Day."

The song follows the tale of a young woman who falls for a charming gypsy rover, irresistibly drawn to his wanderlust and magnetic spirit. She becomes infatuated by his carefree lifestyle and beckoning call to adventure. As the song unfolds, we witness the internal conflict between her desire to follow the gypsy rover on his nomadic journey and the alluring comfort of staying behind. This juxtaposition of longing and hesitation creates a compelling narrative that tugs at the heartstrings of every listener.

What sets The Seekers' rendition of Gypsy Rover apart is their impeccable vocal harmony and gentle arrangement. Their soft yet emotive harmonies intertwine effortlessly, painting vivid imagery of a sunset-lit campfire under a starry night sky. The group's lead vocalist, Judith Durham, delivers the lyrics with a sense of yearning and vulnerability, capturing the essence of the young woman torn between love and stability.

The instrumentation in Gypsy Rover adds an extra layer of richness to the song. The gentle strumming of guitars and the delicate plucking of the banjo create a rustic and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a small gathering around the campfire. The incorporation of subtle percussive elements and melodic accents further enhance the song's infectious rhythm, inviting the audience to sway along to its irresistible charm.

Gypsy Rover is a true testament to the timeless appeal of folk music. Its simplicity and universal themes of love, wanderlust, and the pursuit of personal freedom have ensured its enduring popularity throughout the years. The Seekers' rendition of this beloved classic continues to captivate audiences worldwide, reminding us of the power of heartfelt storytelling and soul-stirring melodies.

This iconic song has been covered by various artists in different musical genres, further demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal. From the velvety vocals of Joan Baez to the rousing folk-rock interpretations by The Dubliners, Gypsy Rover effortlessly transcends boundaries and resonates with listeners across diverse musical tastes.

For those seeking a musical adventure and a glimpse into the world of the wandering gypsy rover, The Seekers' rendition of Gypsy Rover is a must-listen. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this folk treasure, and let the melodies carry you away to a place where wanderlust and love intertwine.

• Release Date: 1964
• Artist: The Seekers