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Johnny Faa (King of the Gypsies)

by Traditional Graffiti

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about

Charlie Faa Blythe was crowned king of the Gypsies on the village green at Kirk Yetholm, one mile from the English/Scottish border, in 1898. He died in1902, the last king of the gypsies.
Johnny Faa, a common name amongst gypsies, was banished by James Stuart of Scotland but refused to go, so was hanged in 1642.
My wife, Sue, has Romany blood, so I was keen to connect with her heritage. Hence the song. In Romany, 'Choring' = stealing. 'O Dell' = the Devil, or possibly God.

lyrics

Johnny Faa - Ian Macintosh

Have you heard old Johnny Faa, knocking loudly at the door?
“Have you got a coin to spa’?” says Johnny Faa.

Johnny Faa’s been here an’ there, ‘choring’ purses at the fair
“Johnny Faa he doesnae care!” says Johnny Faa.


Johnny walks the mountain side, looking for another bride
He has thirty bairns besides, has Johnny Faa.

Johnny Faa has the second sight, he can give the evil eye
Johnny reads the stars at night, says Johnny Faa.

Johnny Faa hangs from a tree, see him dangle prettily
No other care has he… Johnny Faa.

Johnny Faa, won’t go to sea, “I like the hard road under me”
“I have no love of ships” says he, saysJohnny Faa.

Johnny Faa will not go awa, cursed o Dell that he would sta’,
“Gypsies e’er must walk abra’” says Johnny Faa.

Johnny Faa hangs from a tree, see him dangle prettily
Scarlet ribbons ‘round his knees, poor Johnny Faa.

Have ye all seen Johnny Faa, playing on his red guitar
“Gypsies aye for evermare” sings Johnny Faa.

Listen to ol’ Johnny sing, he will not listen to the King,
Now he will lose everything, poor Johnny Faa.

Johnny Faa hangs from a tree, see him dangle prettily
His empty eyes no longer see, poor Johnny Faa.

Johnny Faa walks o’er the hill, down the valley past the mill,
For all I know he’s walking still, is Johnny Faa.

credits

released June 1, 2014
Ian 'the Pump' Macintosh - Guitar and Lead Vocal
Marcus Holden -Recorder, Mandolin

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Traditional Graffiti Sydney, Australia

Formally performing as the Wheeze & Suck Band,
Ian 'The Pump' Macintosh, Johnny 'Red Tips' Milce, and Nigel 'Muddy' Walters formed the Traditional Graffiti Band in 2018 to continue and expand upon the Wheezer's music and performance style. ... more

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