Talkin' Gypsy Market Blues
The Coral Lyrics

Talkin' gypsy market blues
Reflecting on a life of transience

I was too late but I never got to choose
Being born into a life without control over one's circumstances

Gotta have them gypsy boots
An attachment to the culture and lifestyle of the traveler

Follow them by familiar root
Tracing the footsteps of previous generations of wandering people

Rambled round from town to town
Traveling aimlessly in search of a place to belong

Sleepin' in a doorway still as a mouse
Living a life of poverty and insecurity

Saw the bullfighter's last stand
Witnessing tragedy and death

I've been drinkin' dust
Enduring hardship and struggle

I've been kickin' cans
Living a life of marginalization and lack of opportunity

All my family, they went home
Being separated from loved ones and feeling alone

Let me in Portugal, all alone
Being stranded and without resources in a foreign land

Thought I saw that caravan
Longing for the companionship of fellow wanderers

But it was just a car park man
Realizing that the familiar sense of community is absent in this new place

Said to me as I stood in line
A moment of insight and reflection

There's nothing in the world as sad as time
The realization that change and aging are inescapable and often leave one feeling lost and alone

Well if nothing comes to nothing
Contemplating the meaninglessness of existence

Then what's the point?
Questioning the purpose of life

I sat right down and I built my joint
Turning to drugs as a temporary escape

Flat caps they just pass me by
Feeling invisible and unnoticed by society

The dust pneumonia left me dry
Suffering from an illness brought on by the harsh conditions of traveling

Three days later when I awoke
Waking up disoriented after a period of unconsciousness

My dust filled lungs could hardly cope
Feeling the physical toll of a life spent on the road

Realised I was not alone
Discovering unexpected companionship and kindness

I was in the old car park man's home
Finding refuge in a place that was initially perceived as unwelcoming

Looked out the window at the local scenes
Taking in the unfamiliar surroundings

On the ledge were some grilled sardines
Encountering new foods and experiences

Then through the door in came the maid
Meeting new people and making connections

Said maria was her name
Learning the name of someone who will become a friend

Long dark hair and copper skin
Describing the physical appearance of Maria

Washed away my seven sins
Feeling forgiven and absolved of past mistakes

Said senor what's this bad news
Asking for an explanation of the troubles that led to this point

Told her of my gypsy blues
Sharing the struggles of a life spent wandering

Maria laughed and said you're cute
Finding joy and humor in unexpected circumstances

You don't need no gypsy boots
Encouragement to embrace a new way of life

Picked myself up off the floor
Taking the first step towards a new path

I don't need them boots no more
Embracing a shift in identity and way of life