My transcription from the recording at Honking Duck. (Yes, that website’s still around after many, many years, and it looks like it’s been modernized.)


GYPSY’S WARNING
As recorded by Arthur Smith and His Dixie Liners on Bluebird B-7893-B (1938)

Gentle lady, do not trust him, though his voice is low and sweet.
Heed not him who kneels before you, gently pleading at your feet.
Now your life is in its morning; spoil not this your happy lot.
Listen to the gypsy’s warning; gentle lady, trust him not.

Lady, once there lived a maiden, pure and bright and oh so fair.
Then he wooed her till he won her, filled her gentle heart with care.
Then he heeded not her weeping, nor cared he her life to save.
Soon she perished; now she’s sleeping in a cold and silent grave.

Keep your gold; I do not want it; lady, I have prayed for this.
For the day when I might fail him, rob him of expected bliss.
Gentle lady, do not wonder at my words so cold and wild.
Lady, in that green grave yonder lies the gypsy’s only child.