The trio's recording for MWC (Music World Creations, founded by the band's manager, Mel Shaw) of Dodson's "Carry Me" was a major Canadian hit in 1971. It was followed the same year by his "Sweet City Woman", an international hit. As a result The Stampeders received the 1971 Juno Award as vocal and instrumental group of the year. Other hits included "Devil You" (1971) and "Hit the Road Jack" (1975), both popular in the USA, as well as "Monday Morning Choo Choo" and "Then Came the White Man" (1972), and "Oh My Lady" and "Minstrel Gypsy" (1973).
The Stampeders were one of the top touring bands in Canada during the 1970s and appeared in TV specials on the CBC and Global networks. They also toured widely in the USA (where, in 1974, they were the only Canadians to perform at the American Song Festival, held at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., seen on ABC TV) and performed in Brazil in 1972 and in Europe in 1972 and 1973. They were especially popular in the Netherlands, where they along with Beach Boy Carl Wilson won an Edison Award in 1973 for their first European LP (a combination of their first two Canadian LPs).
In 1976 a second drummer and a three-man brass and reed section were added. In December of that year, however, Dodson left to pursue a solo career, subsequently establishing the Marigold label in Toronto and enjoying some success in the 'adult contemporary' market with "Give You That Love", "Cruel Emotion", "No Time to Say Goodbye" (1984) and "Lookin' Back" (1985). Berly left The Stampeders in 1978, at which point King switched to guitar and was joined by his brother Roy (bass guitar) and two other musicians; the band continued for a time as The Stampeders Featuring Ronnie King. The Stampeders continue to tour every summer.
Minstrel Gypsy
The Stampeders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, it's nice to feel you near now
While I cover ground
Home is anywhere we're bound
Yesterday the road was long, long without an end
Before you came along girl, I just pretend
I was the lonely, lonely one, oh
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
I'd go anywhere they want me
But baby I'm home where you are
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
And I want you with me, yeah
Cause only with you I'm a star
Loneliness is no one's friend and time can pass so slow
When it's three AM long past the late night show
And every man needs love
The comfort of sweet love, oh
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
I'd go anywhere they want me
But baby I'm home where you are
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
And I want you with me, yeah
Cause only with you I'm a star
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
I'd go anywhere they want me
But baby I'm home where you are
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
And I want you with me, yeah
Cause only with you I'm a star
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
I'd go anywhere they want me
But baby I'm home where you are
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
And I want you with me, yeah
Cause only with you I'm a star
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
I'd go anywhere they want me
But baby I'm home where you are
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
And I want you with me, yeah
Cause only with you I'm a star
The song "Minstrel Gypsy" by The Stampeders depicts the life of a wanderer who goes from place to place to entertain people. He's used to loneliness and pretending to be happy to keep his career going. However, his life takes a turn when he meets a special someone who gives him a reason to stay put. He sings the praises of his newfound love and emphasizes how much she has changed his life by making him feel at home wherever they go.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Baby, I'm a minstrel gypsy" and emphasizes the desire to have his love with him on his travels since she makes him feel complete. The narrative emphasizes that loneliness is a burden that can only be solved by finding love and companionship. The song speaks to those who have a tough time finding meaningful connections and shows how love can change someone's entire outlook on life.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, it's nice to have you here right now
Being with you is wonderful and I'm grateful for your presence in the moment.
Baby, it's nice to feel you near now
Your close physical proximity brings me comfort and joy.
While I cover ground
I may be traveling or working, but I'm happy to do it with you by my side.
Home is anywhere we're bound
As long as we're together, we can create a home wherever we go.
Yesterday the road was long, long without an end
I used to feel lost and hopeless, without direction or purpose.
Before you came along girl, I just pretend
I was living a facade, pretending to be someone I wasn't before I met you.
To be always havin' fun
I tried to keep up appearances, always acting like I was enjoying life even when I wasn't.
I was the lonely, lonely one, oh
Despite my efforts to appear happy, deep down I was filled with loneliness and despair.
Baby I'm a minstrel gypsy
I am a musician and adventurer, constantly seeking new experiences and connections.
I'd go anywhere they want me
I'm willing to travel and perform for anyone who needs or wants me.
But baby I'm home where you are
Despite my wanderlust, I feel most at home and happy when I'm with you.
And I want you with me, yeah
I desire your presence and companionship on my journey through life.
Cause only with you I'm a star
You make me feel special and valued, like a shining star in the sky.
Loneliness is no one's friend and time can pass so slow
Being alone can be difficult and time seems to drag on when you're not with someone you care about.
When it's three AM long past the late night show
Late nights can be especially lonely since most people are asleep and there aren't many things to do.
And every man needs love
All human beings require emotional connection and affection to thrive.
The comfort of sweet love, oh
Love provides a sense of safety, warmth, and happiness that is deeply comforting.
Cause only with you I'm a star
You bring out the best in me and I feel like a superstar when I'm with you.
Lyrics Ā© Peermusic Publishing
Written by: KIM BERLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephenlisson1994
Some incredible Canadian talent and these guys were the pioneers of some GREAT CANADIAN music. They were brilliant!!!!
@tinmannorm
this is a beautiful song, and that guitar solo is fantastic, someone needs to put this song back on the radio.
@sciencetest8
Totally agree.
@lisawillows7337
You made this comment 14 years ago and im just reading it now. How time flies. I agree with your comment now in 2023, they need to put this song on the radio back on.
@tinmannorm
They are my favorite canadian band and they have greatest hits CDs with lots of beautiful songs like Romona and Wild Eyes
@sciencetest8
@@tinmannorm ,all wonderful songs, but this is prob my favourite.
@Secretarian
This is almost like two songs in one. It starts smooth and laid back, then the electric guitar lead takes it to another level. Awesome!
@leela1970
what an amazing band...they don't make them like this anymore...sure reminds me of my childhood...wow.
@sciencetest8
SO very true!
@tinmannorm
i been a stampeders fan when this song was playing on the radio. Thanks for the memories. This band was soo under rated in the 70s. Great song