"I Recall A Gypsy Woman" is a song written by Bob McDill and recorded by Waylon Jennings in 1973. The song tells the story of a man who reminisces about a passionate encounter he had with a mysterious gypsy woman when he was just seventeen years old. The lyrics describe how the gypsy woman's silver coins and fancy shoes captivated the narrator's attention. Her dark eyes held secrets and seemed to sing a gypsy rhyme. The scene is set in a meadow with yellow clover and tangled blossoms, creating an atmosphere of beauty and enchantment. The narrator reminisces about how the gypsy woman held him close to her bosom, leaving a lasting impression on him. The mention of him being only a boy of seventeen signifies his young age and innocence at the time. The song then shifts to the present, where the narrator reveals that he now has a wife and children. However, despite his domestic life, the memories of the gypsy woman still haunt his mind. He hears her laughter dancing in his head, while his wife and children sleep peacefully beside him. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past encounter that has left a significant impact on the narrator's emotions. The gypsy woman represents a symbol of passion and excitement, contrasting with his current stable and content family life. Overall, "I Recall A Gypsy Woman" explores themes of love, memory, and the lingering impact of a past relationship on a person's psyche. The song beautifully captures the conflicting emotions and the unshakeable memories that can persist throughout one's life.
