The Ballad of Gypsy Jack

Words by Thomas Ivory Jr. and John Bridgens
Music by John Bridgens

Listen to the Ballad at: soundcloud.com/theballadofgypsyjack



++++

Here he is,

smoke billowing slowly out his mouth; a cloud drifting across his worn face. His dry lips again suck on the end of the cigarette and he inhales deeply, resting his head back on the plush recliner. The trinkets on his head band and charms on his wrists chime as he lets the smoke again cloud his face. His loose jeans and plaid cowboy shirt hide his old-wrinkly skin. But the sleeves fall down to his elbow as he holds up his smoke. A red star is tattooed on the wrist of this hand, on this sturdy brown arm where underneath are protruding purple veins. Holey grey socks on his feet are resting up. His cowboy boots and hat are backstage here somewhere.
A guitarist from another band at the festival is quietly strumming away on the couch next to Jack. Occasionally he offers him pulls from a flask, which Jack politely accepts.


“Ramblin Man”

Verse 1
G C D G
Oh he was a Ramblin Man.
C D G
He walked down many-a-road

upon a lost highway.

He sings a lonesome tune

of all the lives that crossed him

and left him way too soon.

Oh he knows he knows he’s getting old.

He can feel it in his bones,

but he keeps on keeping on.

Just like an old dog does
G
he keeps his face well hidden
C D C
but there’s many a hand to hold…
Chorus
G Am D/F#
Ramblin Man. Oh… Ramblin Man.
C G
In the darkness of a long road
C G
where it’s always been the same.
Am G
For a man who has no home
C D G
is a man who bears his name…
C D G
Ramblin Man.
V2
G C D G
He bums a ride at a truck stop
C D G
all the way down the coast

to see an old friend from Virginia

where they talk all night and they boast.

But as the night is getting older

and the whiskey’s getting low
G
he gets that same ol’ feelin
C D C
and he knows it’s time to go…
Ch
G Am D/F#
Ramblin Man. Oh… Ramblin Man.
C G
In the darkness of a long road
C G
he’s a veteran to the game.
Am G
For a man who has no home
C D G
is a man who bears his name…
C D G
Ramblin Man.
C D G
Step on that train.
C D G
Ramblin Man.

__________
There is still plenty of time until Jack’s set. He takes the opportunity to get some fresh air. After saying “Thanks” and “Goodbye” to the guitarist, Jack finds his boots by the back door with his hat on the coat rack.
The times when Jack finds himself traveling alone, he is happy. Being alone has never bothered Jack. It is these times where he has found his most adventurous spirit. He has defined himself as a musician and survived on his instincts.
Rambling aimlessly. Getting what he needs from his guitar. And not stopping to think about the rest. These were the ideals of his youth. Manifesting positivity was so easy back then. Every day, all he had to do was play his guitar; spreading peace and love. This took a lot of work and energy. The calluses on his finger tips are proof of his hard labor.
As he steps outside the building, small groups of youngsters are laughing over their smokes. Jack steps to the side and follows the sun-lit wall to a far off spot. He lights a cigarette, draws on it hard, and exhales to the silence from being alone.


“Dusty Roads”

Verse 1
C
The sun was shining high
F C
walking down a dusty road.
G G7
I’m the passenger, where’s the driver?
Am C F C
There hasn’t been a ride in many a long mile
Dm7 G7 C
but up ahead I see a farmer’s tractor.

My step was getting lighter as I gazed upon green fields

and a letterbox that’s slowly getting bigger.

I walked up to the place

wiped a rag across my face

as I saw some workers resting, sharing laughter.

So I set down my pack

swung my guitar from my back

and I sung them all a song about hard labor.

They handed me a beer and offered me a smoke

and asked me if I’d mind to play another.
Chorus
Am G C
So I said, “Let me sing a song for you.
Am Dm G G7
In my head there’s always a tune.
C C7 F Fm C G C
I can sing it to the sun, I can sing it to the moon, but this time I’m singin just for you, and
F G C
you know it’s true.”
V2
I wrapped up a song when the boss man came along

just to say, “You boys have better all be workin.

And by the way, boy, who are you?”

“Who me? I’m just passin through

and I could see your boys could use some lively banter.”

His moustache jumped a twitch, there’s lots of work to do.

So I passed up on the spade and started walking.

No sooner had I passed that ol’ letterbox, alas!

a fruit truck picked me up and I was laughing.

So I climbed into that truck

and the driver said, “What’s up?”

So I told him bout this guitar that I be pickin.

He said, “My radio’s been broke but boy country music’s home.

If you know some and you’ll sing it, I’ll keep driving.”
Ch
So I said, “Let me sing a song for you.

In my head there’s always a tune.

I can sing it to the sun, I can sing it to the moon, but this time I’m singin just for you, and

you know it’s true.”
V3
Twenty miles down the road and we came upon a town

so I finished up the song I was singin.

He laughed and slapped a hand straight across my back

and landed me back on the street outside a tavern.

Once I was inside, waitress looks me in the eye

and asked me what exactly was I havin?

“It’s a funny story ma’am, holes in my shoes but pay I can.

At least for one or two but not for supper.”

She says, “I’ll give you just one song

but then you’ll have to run along.”

So I grabbed up my guitar and started pickin.

They dug my little tune and they asked me if I could

hang around and be the entertainment.
Ch
So I said, “Let me sing a song for you.

In my head there’s always a tune.

I can sing it to the sun, I can sing it to the moon, but this time I’m singin just for you, and

you know it’s true.”
V4
So the hours they did pass.

I drank many a tall glass.

And they fed me up on seconds from the kitchen.

Then that party just got wild.

I’d been playin quite a while.

So I traded in my guitar for more drinkin

with that girl behind the bar.

She had finished up her shift,

she was standing next to me and we were talking.

And the next thing that you know

I’m accompanying her home.

It was once and then again then I was sleepin.

Well, I woke up in the morning.

I was putting on my clothes and packin up my things.

She started stirring.

She said, “Hey boy, stay awhile.”

I said, “I wish I could but it’s not my style.”

So I’m back down a dusty road and this I’m whistling.

(Whistle)
Ch
So I said, “Let me sing a song for you.

In my head there’s always a tune.

I can sing it to the sun, I can sing it to the moon, but this time I’m singin just for you, and

you know it’s true.”

__________
Jack’s cigarette gets to the end and he puffs on it until it starts to burn the filter.
“A social loner” might be the best way to describe Jack. Always in the middle of a crowd or talking with the only person in the bar, but when there’s no crowd or bar, Jack is content playing his guitar alone.
He has a devilish grin on his face when he notices a dark hair woman with long legs in tight jeans and a short top strutting toward him. Jack collects himself, takes off his smirk, and pulls out another cigarette.
“Got one for me?” the woman asks as she approaches him. Jack smiles and pretends to reach in the pack for another when he already has two cigarettes ready.


“Gypsy Jack: Ghost Traveler”

Verse 1
A E
There he goes down the side of the road.
D A
Bound for trouble; pretty women and booze.
A E
Lights a smoke, only hits it twice.
D A
Flicks the butt and hits the dive.
A E D A
… na na na …
V2
At the bar orders whiskey straight.

Place is dead, music man on stage.

Glass of vodka at a vacant seat.

Leggy blond moving to the beat.
Chorus
A D F G
Gypsy Jack is a Ghost Traveler, out to play, out to play.
A D F G A
Anything that he wants to do, it’s ok, it’s ok.
V3
She did a twirl and she caught his eye.

Downs his drink, now he’s by her side.

He’s out for kicks and she’s out for more.

She takes his hand, now they’re at the door.

… na na na …
V4
Down the street and they’re getting high.

Through this town as the night goes by.

Like any other night he’s ever had.

He’s a rebel, there’s no good or bad.
Ch
A D F G
Gypsy Jack is a Ghost Traveler, out to play, out to play.
A D F G Gsus2 A
Anthing that he wants to do, it’s ok, it’s ok.
A E D A … A E D A
… na na na … na na na …

__________
But those were the younger days. Jack lets the woman know the time of his set and makes his way back inside the venue. Music festivals aren’t normally his scene. Used to performing in dark dive bars where most the people aren’t listening to him anyway, a couple hundred people to play to at a folk festival is an opportunity Jack never gets.
It’s summer and a friend has double booked himself this weekend, asking Jack to fill in. A major event like this gets Jack excited, not only to play, but to get back on the road. These years, Jack’s travels aren’t happening on a whim anymore. He has found the places in the world where he likes to be, instead of in his younger days where he was always on the hunt for the next best place. Jack now knows where he enjoys being.
As he walks past the group of young smokers, Jack gives them a polite smile. They smile in return, nodding their heads.


“Oh Kensington”

Verse 1
(Em – Am repeat)
Long hair with her glasses on, singin in the sun.

It’s been a long winter but a change is comin.

It’s gonna shine on everyone.

So come on down, don’t you wanna hang out?

Oh Kensington.

The Market is swingin, can you feel the rhythm?

Oh Kensington…
Chorus
We’re gonna shine, shine, shine.

We’re gonna shine, Lord, shine, shine.
V2
She’s a gypsy woman and she gets me goin

everytime I come around.

She bears her soul to everyone she knows.

And we’re all part of the crowd.

She wants to dance, won’t you grab her hand?

Oh Kensington.

Spin her around, won’t you get on down?

Oh Kensington…
Ch
We’re gonna shine, shine, shine.

We’re gonna shine, Lord, shine, shine.
V3
It’s an ol’ time beat and it’s never sounded sweeter.

Oh Kensington.

There’s music on the corner down around about Augusta, honey.

Oh Kensington.

I’ll sing a song. If you wanna sing along, the words are:

Oh Kensington.

If you wanna have a good time, laugh and pass the peace pipe, go to:

Oh Kensington…
Ch
We’re gonna shine, shine, shine.

We’re gonna shine, Lord, shine, shine.

We’re gonna shine, shine, shine.

We’re gonna shine, Lord, shine, shine.

__________
Too much fresh air can get to Jack. Stepping back inside the muggy venue centers him again. He gets a beer from the cooler, lights another smoke, and quietly stands off to the side while young hipsters converse in the lounge.
The many connections Jack has made in his life is a beautiful thing. Few of those individuals have fame or money or even a home. But all who he’s made a genuine connection with are loving people. Jack has presented his positive self to the underground world and received love in return. This happened naturally. Always in the scene but off to the side, Jack would find himself with an opportunity to connect with those eccentric people on the fringe.
Finding an ash tray, Jack puts out his smoke and takes a sip from his beer. He sees a girl in the lounge eyeing him coyly; the same interested looks he’s gotten before.


“Down in Tampico”

Verse 1
HIM
Am
Down in Tampico
G E
in another time
Am
she was a woman
E
and a friend of mine.
Dm C
The day that we met
G F
we ran away and she slept
E F E
in my arms, in my arms.
V2
HER
He was a traveler

with a gypsy heart.

He sung me love songs

upon an old guitar.

He spoke of romance,

I was young with a chance

to be free, to be free.
Chorus
HIM & HER
Am G
Riding on down the highway,
F E
wind in your hair.
Am G
Been in trouble out on the street
F E
but the road leaves out of here.
Dm G
Doesn’t matter where you’re going.
C F
All that matters is the ride.
Dm E Am E
In a moment we can leave it all behind.
V3
HIM
We drank tequila

down on the beach at night.

And then I loved her

in a new day’s light.

We woke in the sand.

I can see what she needs

in her eyes, in her eyes.
V4
HER
We were married

on a sunny day.

We had no witness

but signed a name anyway.

With a prayer from the priest,

we were heading out the door,

we we’re gone, we we’re gone.
Ch
HIM & HER
Am G
Riding on down the highway,
F E
wind in your hair.
Am G
Been in trouble out on the street
F E
but the road leaves out of here.
Dm G
Doesn’t matter where you’re going.
C F
All that matters is the ride.
Dm E Am E
In a moment we can leave it all behind.
Dm G
Doesn’t matter where you’re going.
C F
All that matters is the ride.
Dm E Am E
In a moment we can leave it all behind.

__________
In the lounge, a cigarette gets passed to the girl and she takes her gaze off Jack. Finishing his beer, he throws the bottle away and grabs another.
As a rambler, connections are made and, unfortunately, connections are lost. The majority of the time it is Jack who is the one who leaves. To hit the road again. To seek out another adventure. To do it all, alone. And then there are the times when neither one leaves but they are torn apart.
Jack has found himself at the side of the main stage. A rock band is playing loudly along with bright flashing lights. The crowd is a large mob, bouncing up and down.


“Devil’s Dance”

Verse 1
Am F Am
Truth, say it like you mean it and nobody questions you.
F G
Tell me that you’re honest and you’ll follow through.
F G
I don’t want to be the one who’s been let down.
E Am
They locked you in a room with your holy crown.
V2
Faith, waited for a lifetime for a fruitful day

just to cast an eye upon your precious face.

Your mother saw me first like we had a chance.

She turned you away
Chorus
Am Dm Gsus2 G Am Dm
and the devil dances, yes she dances on our love. The devil dances, yes she dances on our
F G Am
love.
V3
Hope, a ring upon a finger, that’s the way it goes.

An answer to a question that god only knows.

My gaze avoids your eyes and falls upon your gown.

The only one to judge you wears a thorny crown.
V4
Time, nothing but a story of melody in rhyme.

But what else can you do with love that’s been left behind.

Wandering though life without another chance.

She turned you away
Ch
Am Dm Gsus2 G Am Dm
still the devil dances, yes she dances on our love. The devil dances, yes she dances on our
F G Am
love.

__________
Jack dazes out while listening to the music on stage. The ash is long on his cigarette and he hasn’t finished his beer.
Hardened emotions are the result of years of rambling. So many times Jack has had to pick himself up, brush himself off, and keep on going. Police, drugs, and women. They’ve all had a toll on Jack. He’s learned to hold himself true, to not let things bring him down, and to carry on. Some times are harder than others. But each time he pulled on through.
The cheering of the crowd and the new silence of the band brings Jack back from thought. The side of the stage begins to get hectic with crew, groupies, and soon enough, the band. The sound of banging drums is proof of an encore. Jack slips away to not get caught up.


“Walkin South”
- a John Bridgens original

Verse 1
F C
So sit down, I’m gonna think for a while.
G F
Let it all hang out and try to reconcile.
F C
No I ain’t gonna sit here and break myself on you
D G
like we all have done before.
Chorus
F C F C
I’ve been down, but I’m comin around.
G F C
I’m walkin south.
V2
Sing a song of a hunt that’s so clear and so long.

In this journey of life where do we belong?

On these crowded streets what life that we meet?

Ain’t gonna be bound in you chains

or set in concrete.
Ch
I’ve been down, but I’m comin around.

I’m walkin south.
V3
Here I am over here.

I’m gonna sing you all the blues.

Pour it all over ya’ll like Stevie used to do.

When the days slowin down were gonna

sing that same old song

a song that’s so clear and so long.
Ch
I’ve been down,

but I know I’m comin around.

I’m walkin south.

__________
In his dressing room, Jack finds the quiet calmness to be a mixture of relief and sorrow. He picks up his guitar and takes a seat. Tuning his guitar is like prayer. Jack is able to connect with the strings, with the box, with the sound.
Religion is a way for some people to find meaning in life. For Jack, once, he found himself in a lot of trouble and didn’t know where else to turn. He was desperate so he turned to the Higher Power. Although, quickly he lost interest; finding the stories childish.
His guitar is now his Higher Power. It is real to him. He can hold it in his arms. It is his savoir.
Not taking long to tune, for Jack was here doing so only an hour prior, he begins to pick at the strings, already feeling better.


“When I Get to Heaven”

Verse 1
G C G
Oh Lord, save me from my sins.
C D C G
I’m a hard workin man, I must make amends.
G C G
Law man has my money spent.
C D C G
I’m all tied up, can’t pay my rent.
Chorus
G C G
Amen, Amen.
G C G
When I get up to Heaven I’m a pay no more.
D C G
Amen.
V2
I’ve been workin all day just to pay my fines.

Home in the evening to drink my wine.

Wake up in the morning just to do it again.

Over and over till the day I’m dead.
Ch
Amen, Amen.

When I get up to Heaven I’m a work no more.

Amen.
V3
I feed my dog everyday just to keep him alive.

But when I was away my dog up and died.

I prayed to the Lord this wouldn’t happen again.

But I know up above I get to see my friends.
Ch
Amen, Amen.

When I get up to Heaven I’m a cry no more.

Amen.
V4
The booze has got me hard and fast.

There’s nothing I can do but down that flask.

The shakes got me bad, can’t sleep at night

unless I got a bottle by my side.
Ch
Amen, Amen.

When I get up to Heaven I’m a drink no more.

Amen.
V5
Lord, won’t you help me straighten out my life.

Like a good little boy I’ll pray all night.

Just to be rid of these awful sins,

I’m asking you, Lord, to forgive me again.
Ch
Amen, Amen.

When I get up to Heaven I’m a pray no more.

Amen.

Amen, Amen.

When I get up to Heaven I’m a pray no more.

Amen.

__________
There’s a knock on the dressing room door.
“Fifteen minutes till your set, Mr. J.,” a young man’s voice cracks.
Jack responds with a grunt of a “yeah” and the room is silent once more.
Having been on the road for such a long time, having always been coming or going, Jack has lost a sense of “home”. There are cities and people he is happy to visit. But a place he calls home . . . now has so many connotations. Home can be this place or the next, where he came form or where he’s going. In his heart, Jack is always at home. Yet there are those who wish he’d make home with them. Only if he could, Jack thinks. Only if he could.
There’s another knock on the door but there is no voice. Jack sits still for a few moments and nothing happens. He takes a heavy sigh and begins again to pick at his guitar.


“Comin Home”

Verse 1
C C7
It’s been ten years, and I’m comin home.
F Fm
To see you baby and it won’t be long.
C G F C G
Coz the road ends, over the hill… and I’ll be comin home…
V2
C C7
It’s been five years, since I’ve been through this town.
F Fm
And I told you baby, I’d be back around.
C G
I’ve kept my promise, but I was ramblin then
F C C7
and I’m ramblin now.

Bridge
F Fm
All this time, I’ve been away
C C7
in every face I met I looked for you.
F Fm
They were close, but not the same.
D G G7
You were always here and this I knew.

-Solo-

Bridge 2
F Fm
And I walked a thousand miles
C C7
with only the thought of you on my mind.
F Fm
And I knew, I’d keep goin
D G G7
till my ol’ Chuck Taylor’s retire.
V3
C C7
Now it’s been too long, to be countin the time.
F Fm
And I got too far baby, far out of my mind.
C G F G C
But the road ends, over the hill, and I’ll be comin home.
C G F G C
But the road ends, over the hill, and I’ll be comin home.

__________
Jack is on stage strapping his guitar over his shoulder. With only him and his acoustic, there’s not much more than a bare stage. The crowd has thinned; small groups mellowing around drinking beer. Jack’s introduction was followed with few claps. He wasn’t expecting much. He is sure the crowd feels the same.
Taking a seat on a stool, Jack exhales a deep beer breath and smiles out to the crowd. Knowing what he wants, Jack begins strumming the tune to “Ramblin Man.”