Melissa
The Allman Brothers Band Lyrics
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The gypsy flies from coast to coast
Knowing many, loving none
Bearing sorrow, having fun
But, back home he'll always run
To sweet Melissa
Mmm, hmm
And no one knows the gypsy's name
And no one hears his lonely sighs
There are no blankets where he lies
Lord, in his deepest dreams the gypsy flies
With sweet Melissa
Mm, hmm
Again, the mornin's come
Again, he's on the run
A sunbeam's shinin' through his hair
Fear not to have a care
Well, pick up your gear and gypsy roll on
Roll on
Crossroads, will you ever let him go?
Lord, Lord
Or will you hide the dead man's ghost?
Or will he lie, beneath the clay?
Or will his spirit float away?
But, I know that he won't stay
Without Melissa
Yes, I know that he won't stay, yeah
Without Melissa
Lord, Lord, it's all the same
The Allman Brothers Band’s song “Melissa” is a melancholic and emotional tribute to a lover who remains a constant in the life of an unnamed gypsy character. The first verse is about the nature of life being unpredictable, especially for gypsies who are always travelling and never staying in one place. The second verse refers to the loneliness and isolation that comes with constantly being on the move – the gypsy being nameless and unseen, and feeling not truly connected to anyone. The song then turns towards the titular Melissa as the point of stability – the melody and lyrics of the chorus speaking of a return to safety and the warm embrace of a place and person that always feels like home. The third and final verse is a bittersweet closing – the morning has come and the gypsy must leave once again, his nomad spirit urging him to keep rolling along, but the knowledge that Melissa will always be there waiting for him gives him comfort and hope.
The origins of this song are rooted in a tragedy that befell the Allman Brothers Band. Duane Allman, the band’s lead guitarist and primary songwriter, was killed in a motorcycle accident on October 29, 1971. A song started by Duane and Gregg Allman, Melissa was initially intended to be included on the band’s second album, “Idlewild South” but was not included. After his brother's death, Gregg completed the song as a tribute to his lost sibling. The song was released as a single in 1972 and became a hit in the US, peaking at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Line by Line Meaning
Crossroads, seem to come and go, yeah
Life's ups and downs are inevitable and unpredictable
The gypsy flies from coast to coast
The wanderer keeps moving from place to place
Knowing many, loving none
The wanderer has acquaintances but no true love
Bearing sorrow, having fun
The wanderer experiences both joy and pain
But, back home he'll always run
To sweet Melissa
Mmm, hmm
Despite his wandering ways, he always longs to return to his true love, Melissa
Freight train, each car looks the same, all the same
Life can sometimes seem monotonous and identical
And no one knows the gypsy's name
He is anonymous and unrecognized in his travels
And no one hears his lonely sighs
Despite being around people, he is still lonely and unheard
There are no blankets where he lies
He finds little comfort and stability in his nomadic lifestyle
Lord, in his deepest dreams the gypsy flies
With sweet Melissa
Mm, hmm
Even in his sleep, he dreams of being with Melissa
Again, the mornin's come
Again, he's on the run
A sunbeam's shinin' through his hair
Fear not to have a care
Well, pick up your gear and gypsy roll on
Roll on
Despite the difficulties, he continues to move forward with optimism and carefree attitude
Crossroads, will you ever let him go?
Lord, Lord
Or will you hide the dead man's ghost?
Or will he lie, beneath the clay?
Or will his spirit float away?
But, I know that he won't stay
Without Melissa
Yes, I know that he won't stay, yeah
Without Melissa
Lord, Lord, it's all the same
Life is unpredictable and full of unexpected challenges, but he knows that he won't be able to find true happiness without Melissa by his side
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN ALAIMO, GREGG ALLMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sunnydee5998
My Dad loved the Allman Brothers
He loved them so much
That the last thing he did before he died was visited Gregg"s grave in Macon Ga
And went to The Big House ( The Allman Brothers museum)
I put a chopper motorcycle symbol on my Dads tomb
Because he had a Harley chopper and The Roll Gypsy Roll on...
Because my Dad was truly a Gypsy
He passed last year not Because he wanted to. But my mother was his Melissa even though he married again...
He'd always run back home to my mother. RIP DADDY
02/22/22
@dxw4202
Everytime someone likes this message I will come and listen to this song 💜
@donnahamilton8127
🌺🫶♾️✌️ TIAB
@mrsmacca126
Even in the shower?
@dxw4202
@@mrsmacca126 Ill even sing lol
@alanh7247
I just clicked... come have a listen... enjoy 😊
@amberscamber
We can now listen together, my friend.
@ChristopherDavis-uh1gq
It's April 18th, 2024 and the man who played the hauntingly beautiful lead guitar on this song has passed on. Rest in peace Dickey.
@headleygrange6205
This one hurts. This one really hurts my heart to its core.
@elizabethbrannan8870
Rest easy. Thanks for the music.
@patchdavis35
Pick up your gear, and Gypsy, roll on. Lord, will he lie beneath the clay, or will. his spirit float away?