Tramp
Otis & Carla Lyrics

Tramp!
A term of insult for someone who is seen as promiscuous or unfaithful.

What you call me?
Asking for clarification on the use of the term 'tramp'.

No you didn't! (you don't wear continental clothes, or Stetson hats)
Disagreeing with the characterization of being a 'tramp'; pointing out that they don't dress in high-society clothing.

Well, I tell you one doggone thing
Starting to assert their own point of view.

It makes me feel good to know one thing, I know I am a lover
Taking pride in their romantic abilities.

(Matter of opinion) that's all right, mama was, papa too
Acknowledging that different people have different views on what constitutes a 'tramp'; also pointing out that their parents were loving people, which they see as a positive thing.

And I'm the only child, lovin' is all I know to do
Emphasizing their background as a child of loving parents who taught them to value affection and intimacy.

(You know what, Otis?) what? (you're country)
Taking another jab at Otis's working-class roots, implying that they are unsophisticated or unrefined.

(That's all right (you straight from the Georgia woods) that's good!)
Pushing back against the insult, saying that they are proud of their working-class roots.

(You know what, you wear overalls)
Pointing out their simple fashion sense, which may be seen as unfashionable or unfancy.

(And big old brogan shoes)
Further highlighting their lack of fashion sense, by pointing out their footwear.

And you need a haircut, tramp (haircut, woman, you foolin', ooh, I'm a lover)
Insisting that their long hair is a feature they can be proud of, and emphasizing their identity as a loving romantic partner.

Mama was, grandmama, papa too, boogaloo, all that stuff
Referencing a lineage of lovers in their family; 'boogaloo' could refer to a dance or a style of music associated with love or romance.

And I'm the only son-of-a-gun this side of the Sun
Asserting that they are unique and have a special identity as a loving person.

(That's right, you haven't even got a fat bankroll in your pocket)
Another insult, this time pointing out Otis's lack of wealth or material possessions.

(You probably haven't even got twenty-five cents)
Further emphasizing their lack of money.

I got six Cadillacs, five Lincolns, four Fords
Countering the previous insult by boasting about their car collection.

Six Mercuries, three T-Birds, Mustangs, ooh, I'm a lover
Continuing the list of cars and again emphasizing their identity as a lover.

My mama was, my papa too
Referencing their family again and implying that their parents were successful or wealthy.

I'm gonna tell you one thing (well, tell me)
Asserting their confidence and power in the interaction.

You're a tramp, Otis
Returning to the original insult.

(no I'm not)
Denying the insult.

(I don't care what you say, you're still a tramp)
Maintaining the insult despite Otis's denial.

what's wrong with that?
Questioning why being a 'tramp' is a bad thing.

(Lookee here, you ain't got no money) I got everything
Disputing the insult about their finances, asserting that they have plenty of money and material possessions.

(You can't buy me all those minks and sables and all that stuff I want)
Suggesting that the other person wants expensive or luxurious things, and that money can't necessarily buy everything they desire.

I can buy you minks, rats, frogs, squirrels, rabbits, anything you want, woman
Boasting that they are wealthy enough to buy even exotic types of fur or clothing.

(Look, you can go out in the Georgia woods and catch them, baby)
Pointing out that the other person could find animals and fur in their local environment, rather than relying on money to buy them.

Oh, you goofy, now
Playfully teasing the other person.

(no, you're still a tramp) that's all right
Accepting the insult and acknowledging that it doesn't necessarily mean anything negative about them.

(Tramp, Otis, you just a tramp) that's all right, that's all right
Returning to the insult as a playful teasing remark, and again indicating that they are not offended.

You wear overalls, you need a haircut, baby
Continuing to joke around about their simple fashion sense and long hair.

Cut off some of that hair off your head
Suggesting that they should get a haircut.

You think you a lover, huh?
Returning to their identity as a lover and playful teasing of Otis.