a song from the desert road
acoustic guitar
introspective
traveling
reflective
campfire music
searching
questing
Story behind the song
When I returned from my first great backpacking adventure in 1979 ("One Autumn in Europe," on Amazon.com), I was restless. I decided I should see my own country next, and started hitchhiking around the USA. After a certain trip from Texas to California, I wrote "Gypsy Heart."
Lyrics
"Gypsy Heart" (1982)
The lights of the city were blurring my vision
A voice from the mountains was strong
And I had to heed 'cause impervious cover
Will swallow your soul before long
The night was a cold one outside in the desert
And I still have sand in my shoes
A hundred fifteen is expected today
Front page "New Mexico News"
(chorus)
Gypsy heart, take me on
I'm just following a rainbow of the mind
If you ask, you'll know why I've gone
When the world moves, I won't be left behind
Twelve o'clock noon now, my canteen is empty
Heat's going straight to my head
No sign of shade, no sign of water
Them buzzards above think I'm dead
But mine is a car that keeps running on empty
My legs won't admit they're in pain
Wind from a trucker has just bowled me over
An old plea returned to my brain
(chorus)
Gypsy heart, take me on
I'm just following a rainbow of the mind
If you ask, you'll know why I've gone
When the world moves, I won't be left behind
Mid-afternoon now and I'mat a truck stop
The liquid I'm drinking is cold
And I don't care nothing about fine cars and houses
'Cause water tastes better than gold
The sign at the counter says: "Hikers Unwelcome"
For coffee I pay in advance
I see a trucker, "Say, hey, going my way?"
He grins and he says, "Not a chance."
(chorus)
Gypsy heart, take me on
I'm just following a rainbow of the mind
If you ask, you'll know why I've gone
When the world moves, I won't be left behind
At eight in the evening I'm back on the highway
The sun's setting low in the west
As I look around me, the chill of the nightfall
Can promise to offer no rest
Still I leave the road with it's traffic behind me
The song from the mountain rings clear
Sand's blowing hard, so I squint and blow harder
I'm going to see the sunrise from there...
(chorus)
Gypsy heart, take me on
I'm just following a rainbow of the mind
If you ask, you'll know why I've gone
When the world moves, I won't be left behind
When the world moves, I won't be left behind