Ewan MacColl put it far more eloquently than I could: O, the gypsy is a gentleman, And he always knows his place, He never troubles anyone And rarely shows his face, He knows the ways of nature, He's reticent and shy And never pesters Gorgios To sell or yet to buy. CHORUS: And the wind is on the heath, And the heath is far away, From towns and private property Where decent people stay. 0, the gypsy is a gentleman He's happy and content, He doesn't live in Dorset Or in Hampshire or in Kent. His sun is always shining, His sky is always blue, He's wise and proud and courteous, He's loyal, brave and true. (Chorus) 0, the gypsy is a gentleman And he always tips his hat, His face is weather-beaten And he wears a red cravat. He wanders through the forest Adding to his gypsy lore, Or he's leafing through Lavengro And he's never, ever poor. (Chorus) 0, the gypsy is a gentleman Give credit where it's due, He never parks his caravan Where it can spoil the view. And if you find a pony Grazing in your garden plot, Don't blame the noble gypsy, But that awful tinker lot. (Chorus) 0, the gypsy is a gentleman, He keeps well out of sight, His caravan is picturesque, It's colourful and bright. He's full of ancient wisdom and Of wit he has great store Not like those thieving Diddies Who come knocking on the door. (Chorus) 0, the gypsy is a gentleman, And he plays the violin, And tinkers and hedge-mumpers, They are not of his kin. When you smell the smell of woodsmoke And the hedgehog in the pot, You'll find him carving objects d'art, .... not like that other lot! (Chorus)
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