The Gypsy Daisy- Abbott (ON) pre1957 Fowke
[From Traditional Singers and Songs from Ontario. Abbott was 85 (b. 1875) when he recorded this ballad for Fowke. He was born in England and moved to Canada when he was 11 years old. It's unclear where he learned this but I assume it was in Canada after 1886 when he lived in Quebec and worked in Ontario.
R. Matteson 2015]
THE GYPSY DAISY- Sung by O.J. Abbott in August, 1957
1. 0h, the gypsy he came into town,
He whistled loud and clearly.
He whistled and he sang, caused the wild woods to ring,
And he charmed the heart of a lady.
Chorus: Laddy fal the dinko dinko day,
Laddy fal the dinko daisy.
He whistled and he sang, caused the wild-woods to ring,
And he charmed the heart of a lady.
2. This lady she came tripping downstairs
With the servant girl behind her,
And in each hand a bottle of wine
To drink with the gypsy daisy.
Chorus: Laddy fal the dinko dinko day,
Laddy fal the dinko daisy.
And in each hand a bottle of wine
To drink with the gypsy daisy.
3. Her lord came home in the middle of the night
Inquiring for his lady,
When the servant girl made this reply:
"She's gone with the gypsy daisy."
4. "Go saddle me my old. gray steed,
The bay is not so speedy.
I've drove all day and I'll drive all night
Till I overtake my lady."
5. He drove along by the water's edge,
The water it being muddy,
And from each eye a tear trinkled down
When he espied his lady.
6. "Last night I lay on a nice feather bed
That was both soft and easy.
Tonight I lie on the damp, cold ground
And a band of gypsies round me."