I Recall a Gypsy Woman

Don Williams' song 'I Recall a Gypsy Woman' is a poignant reflection on a fleeting yet impactful encounter from the past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man's brief but memorable experience with a gypsy woman, whose mysterious allure and free-spirited nature left a lasting impression on him. The imagery of 'silver coins that jingle jangle' and 'fancy shoes that dance in time' evokes a sense of enchantment and wonder, while the 'secrets of her dark eyes' suggest a depth and complexity that captivated the young man. The setting of 'yellow clover in tangled blossoms in a meadow silky green' adds to the romantic and almost dreamlike quality of the memory.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the memory of the gypsy woman continues to haunt the narrator, even as he has moved on with his life. The 'soft breezes' and 'fragrant meadows' that once stirred feelings of joy and excitement now stir 'the darkness in my mind,' indicating a sense of longing and perhaps regret. The contrast between the narrator's current life, with his 'tender wife and babies slumber[ing] softly in their bed,' and the vivid memory of the gypsy woman highlights the enduring impact of that brief encounter. The gypsy woman's laughter 'dances in my head,' suggesting that the memory is both a source of joy and a haunting reminder of what once was.

The song's exploration of nostalgia and the passage of time is further emphasized by the recurring refrain, 'I recall a gypsy woman.' This repetition underscores the lasting significance of the memory and the way it continues to shape the narrator's inner world. The gypsy woman represents a moment of youthful passion and freedom, a stark contrast to the responsibilities and routines of his current life. Through this song, Don Williams captures the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about the past and the way certain memories can linger and influence us long after the moment has passed.