"Gypsy Woman" became a worldwide hit thanks to its la da dee la dee da refrain. The track reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became even more successful in Europe, reaching #2 in the UK. Her debut album didn't spawn any other big hits. The singer made an unexpected comeback in 1994 when "100% Pure Love" hit #11 in North America and became one of the longest charting singles on the Hot 100 (45 weeks). Her 1997 self-titled album included another Top 40 hit, "Say...If You Feel Alright," but since then mainstream success has eluded her. Waters still continues to release tracks that are successful on the Hot Dance Music/Club Songs chart, such as "Come On Down" and "My Time", "Lies", "Nights In Egypt", "Dancefloor" and "Never Enough." Her output has continued to be limited to singles however the hits continued into the next decade. Some of these songs include "Masquerade" , "Le Bump" (with Yolanda Be Cool) and "Say Yeah" (credited as Crystal Waters vs. Fred Pellichero).
Gypsy Woman
Crystal Waters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just to do her hair now
Because she cares, y'all
Her day, oh, wouldn't be right
Without her makeup
She's never out of makeup
She's just like you and me
But she's homeless, she's homeless
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
You try, oh, not to care
About the homeless
But you got your own mess
You barely make enough for you
Well, is she alright?
Could you apologize?
And then I spotted these
As she stands there singing for money
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
In my sleep, I see her begging
Preaching, "Please"
Although her body's not mine
I ask, God, why? God, why?
She's just like you and me
But she's homeless, she's homeless
As she stands there singing for money
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
She wakes up early every morning
Just to do her hair now
Because she cares, y'all
Her day, oh, wouldn't be right
Without her makeup
She's never out of makeup
She's just like you and me
But she's homeless, she's homeless
She's homeless
She's homeless
She's homeless
She's just like you and me
As she stands there singing for money
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
La da dee la dee dow, la da dee la dee dow
The lyrics to Crystal Waters's song "Gypsy Woman" describe a homeless woman who wakes up early every morning to do her hair and makeup before going out to sing for money. The singer acknowledges that many people try not to care about the homeless, but they have their own problems to worry about. Despite this, the singer feels empathy for the woman and asks God why she is in this situation.
The repetition of "she's just like you and me" emphasizes how the homeless woman is not a different species but someone who has fallen on hard times. The fact that she takes care to do her hair and makeup every day suggests that she still values her appearance and sense of self despite her circumstances. The phrase "as she stands there singing for money" emphasizes her vulnerability and the fact that she is dependent on the generosity of others.
Overall, the lyrics to "Gypsy Woman" showcase empathy and understanding for the struggles of the homeless, while also acknowledging the struggles that many people face in their own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
She wakes up early every morning
Every morning, she wakes up early
Just to do her hair now
She takes the time to style her hair
Because she cares, y'all
She takes pride in her appearance
Her day, oh, wouldn't be right
Without getting ready, her day wouldn't feel complete
Without her makeup
She feels like she needs makeup to look good
She's never out of makeup
She always wears makeup
She's just like you and me
Despite her circumstance, she's a human being like everyone else
But she's homeless, she's homeless
Unfortunately, she does not have a place to call home
As she stands there singing for money
She uses her talent to earn a living
You try, oh, not to care
You may attempt to not think about homelessness, but it's hard to ignore
About the homeless
The topic of those without homes
But you got your own mess
You have issues and problems of your own that demand your attention
You barely make enough for you
It can be a struggle just to provide for yourself
Well, is she alright?
You can't help but be concerned for her well-being
Could you apologize?
Maybe you need to make amends for not doing more to help
And then I spotted these
Upon reflection, she notices certain things
In my sleep, I see her begging
Even in her dreams, she can't escape the sad reality
Preaching, "Please"
Asking others for help and support
Although her body's not mine
Although she is not me, I can feel empathy for her plight
I ask, God, why? God, why?
Desperate to understand why someone would be homeless
She's just like you and me
Despite everything, she's still a human being just like everyone else
She's homeless, she's homeless
Describing her situation once again
She's homeless
Reiterating her unfortunate circumstance
She's homeless
Stating it again for emphasis
As she stands there singing for money
Her talent is her means of survival
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Crystal Waters, Neal Brian Conway
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charlie Cregor
This has always been my favorite version! It has that “Happy Make You Feel Good” upbeat to it unlike the other mundane version. Charlie C
Reven Ester
One of the best version of gypsy woman 👍
LuisCamiloRodrig
It is!!
jorge rivas
sin discusión la mejor versión 👍👍
José Iván Torres Ortega
Superb version of a memorable song. The extra verse adds a lot of meaning, and the diverse rythms and intonations are smoothly concatenated.
Alicia Dove
My favorite version! Thanks!
Jimmy Ngo
This is the airplay version, that most of the radio stations in the U.S. would play in summer of 1991, including the "American Top 40", where it reached number 8.
Shado09246
love the radio mix
Dominique
that extra verse is amazing. I heard it years ago and could never find it. thanks!!!
LuisCamiloRodrig
Only until today I could! Finally!! :)