It's on the Musical Traditions anthologies of Wiggy Smith, "Band of Gold", and the Willett Family, "Adieu to Old England". The first album's booklet noted: The song was originally written for the turn-of-the-century music halls by C Bellamy and G Weeks and - unusually - has been hijacked by Travellers as a sort of an anthem. Little of the Victorian composition remains except Wiggy’s first and final stanzas - the chorus to the original. I’m a Romani Rai (I’m a Romany Gent) (sung by Wiggy Smith) (Roud 4844) (Recorded by Gwilym Davies at the English Country Music Weekend, Postlip Tithe Barn, Glos, 27 June, 1998) I’m a Romani Rai, I’m a poor didikai I live in a mansion beneath the blue sky I live in a tent, and I don’t pay no rent That’s the reason they call me some Romani Rai. Now I’m roaming around the country And this is the life that just suits me I’m a Romani Rai, and a poor didikai And a Romani I’ll remain. Now I live in an old gypsy’s wagon, With the rooftop all civvered in gold [covered] Now I’m soon think about getting married And having a wagon and tent of my own. Now I’m some Romani Rai, I’m some poor didikai I live in a mansion beneath the blue sky And I live in a tent, and I don’t pay no rent That’s the reason they call me a Romani Rai. [rai - Romani for gent or lord; didikai - a person of mixed-race, Romani/Gorgio]
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