Reviewing the band’s album Head Down for the BBC Greg Moffitt described the group’s sound as "electrifying blend of Led Zeppelin, Free, Bad Company, Deep Purple, The Doors and a dozen others."
Gypsy Heart
Rival Sons Lyrics
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Forty years at the mill, and two checks every month's got the poor man
Hyptnotized.
He said, "Don't do what I've done, go out son and claim your prize."
"Stay out from under the hand of the man". That was his best advice.
I've got a gypsy heart,
Give me something's gonna make me stay.
Sun comes up on another day,
Thank you for the kisses but I've got to get on my way.
You can call me what you want,
But I've got a compass and a native will.
Say I'm lazy; ugly, tell me I'm a freak,
But your daughter's waiting up on the hill.
You know she'll say, "Oooh, oh, tell me about your reckless ways".
She'll say, "Oooh, oh". She'll be pining for the rest of her days for a
Gypsy.
I've got a gypsy heart,
Give me something's gonna make me stay.
I've got a gypsy heart.
End of the bottle and I'm walking away,
Don't ask me where I'm going cause' you know that I just can't say.
Play when I work, work when I play,
Thank the Good Lord het let me love to see another day
The lyrics of Rival Sons' song Gypsy Heart are about the desire for freedom and the pursuit of one's own path. The singer references his Papa's eyes, implying that he has inherited his father's wisdom and work ethic. However, he is also aware of the limitations that come with following in his father's footsteps. He rejects the idea of being tied down to a monotonous life of working at the mill until retirement. Instead, he seeks to claim his own prize and live life on his terms, away from the shackles of societal expectations.
The singer identifies himself as having a gypsy heart, a symbolic representation of his restlessness and wanderlust. He craves something that will make him stay, but ultimately acknowledges that he must continue moving forward. The people around him may judge him for his carefree lifestyle, but his passion for adventure and experience cannot be tamed. The final lines of the chorus, "End of the bottle and I'm walking away, Don't ask me where I'm going cause' you know that I just can't say" perfectly encapsulate this.
The second verse of the song emphasizes the singer's individuality and unorthodox approach to life. He has a compass and a native will, implying that he relies on his own instincts and intuition rather than on external guidance. Despite being judged for it, he is unapologetic about his recklessness and embraces his "freakish" tendencies. He is also in touch with his romantic side, alluding to a potential lover who is drawn to him because of his unbridled spirit. The song ends on a positive note, with the singer expressing gratitude for each new day and the opportunity to keep following his gypsy heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Staring at the sun, you know I've got my Papa's eyes.
I have the same vision, passion and drive as my father.
Forty years at the mill, and two checks every month's got the poor man Hypnotized.
Working at the same place for years with no change has got the working class stuck and trapped.
He said, "Don't do what I've done, go out son and claim your prize."
Fatherly advice to not make the same mistakes and to chase after what I really want.
"Stay out from under the hand of the man". That was his best advice.
Avoid being controlled and manipulated by someone else.
I've got a gypsy heart,
My heart is free and always moving, like that of a gypsy.
Give me something's gonna make me stay.
Something that sparks passion and purpose within me will make me stay.
Sun comes up on another day, Thank you for the kisses but I've got to get on my way.
I appreciate the kind gestures, but I have to keep moving forward with my journey.
You can call me what you want, But I've got a compass and a native will.
You can label me however you want, but I have a clear sense of direction and a strong will.
Say I'm lazy; ugly, tell me I'm a freak, But your daughter's waiting up on the hill.
People can insult me all they want, but someone still finds value in me.
You know she'll say, "Oooh, oh, tell me about your reckless ways".She'll say, "Oooh, oh". She'll be pining for the rest of her days for a Gypsy.
She will be intrigued by my free spirit and will always long for the excitement that comes with being a gypsy.
End of the bottle and I'm walking away, Don't ask me where I'm going cause' you know that I just can't say.
I'm leaving behind my old ways, but I cannot reveal where I am headed next.
Play when I work, work when I play, Thank the Good Lord het let me love to see another day
I live life with a balance of hard work and play, while being grateful for every new day of living.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAY BARTHOLOMEW BUCHANAN, ROBIN EVERHART, SCOTT HOLIDAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind