The grave of the gypsy boy - Original

In Suffolk/UK, near Newmarket is the "grave of the unknown gypsy boy"
I read a book about the Race horse champion " Nijinsky", who won the Triple Crown in 1969 and this grave was mentioned in the book.
It inspired me to write a song about it.Thank you Steve for helping me with the english words.

I did some research and found an interesting website.
A special thanks to Mr Paul Grantham for this background information and allowing me to use his text:-)

Several stories circulate relating to this grave, all alas, unsubstantiated. The most popular version appears to stem from a small plaque which one adorned the headstone and bore the following legend... "it is alleged that this is the grave of a gypsy boy who, while tending sheep, fell asleep in a dike. In remorse he hanged himself because he feared to return to his tribe"

Unwritten tradition maintains that his fear was founded on his belief that, whilst asleep, one of his sheep had strayed. All however were found to be safe when counted home.

Recent researches, would appear to indicate that this story owes its origins to a claim that the original incident was chronicled in the 'Bury and Norwich Post', even giving an approximate date...1841. Substantial research has, to date, failed to identify this account, and part of the original claim verges on pure fantasy.

Prior to 1974 the grave was surrounded by ratten cane hoops similar to those used to fabricate the backs of certain chairs. To these, it is alleged, passing gypsies, on their way to Newmarket races, would tie ribbons corresponding to the colours of the predicted winner of the next big race.

Also about this time, stories began circulating about the mysterious maintenance of the site. Fresh flowers were regularly seen, new vases appeared and the grass was kept close-cropped. Gypsies remorseful of the lad's death, pixies, fairies and sympathetic locals were all attributed with it's upkeep. The reality however, was in fact far more mundane. A lady from Northolt in Middlesex, concerned at the graves apparent neglect, made fortnightly trips to the site. It was her who placed the recently erected wooden cross on the grave which bears the words... To Joseph An unknown Gypsy Boy R. I. P.

Grave of the gypsy boy words and music:A.Graefe

There´s a place a mothers bitter tears flowed,
now flowers bloom by the side of the road
fondly tended almost twohundred years ,
on the grave of the gypsy boy

Joseph oh Joseph, why dont you come home
Where are you, its late, the sun ´s going down
I saw a black raven that flew in the sky
and my heart felt cold as ice

He wandered all day , followed the sheep,
sat down under a tree and fell asleep
he woke up frightened, for he was sure
some of the sheep were missing

How could he explain? He was so terrified
they might think he stole them, say that he lied
He took his life in anguish and shame,
hung from the tree they found him

Joseph oh Joseph, why dont you come home.....

No birds sang when they buried him under the oak,
While his father cried, his mother's heart broke
The flock he tended found its way home
and none of the sheep was missing

Joseph oh Joseph, why dont you come home......

Gypsies tie ribbons at the fence around the grave
fortelling the winning colours of the newmarket race
pixies and fairies meet here under the moon
through hundreds of years keep the flowers in bloom
Believers seek knowledge of fortune and joy
They all come to the grave of the gypsie boy

Joseph oh Joseph, why dont you come home.......

Category:

Music

Tags:

• grave
• of
• the
• unknown
• gypsy
• boy
• Original
• Folk
• Suffolk
• Joseph
• acoustic
• guitar
• Newmarket
• Derby
• Nijinsky
• native
• american
• flute
• Kierspe
• Annette
• Annah
• Gräfe
• Graefe
• Wolzenburg

[Bummelz]

Das ist wirklich ein Traum!!! Absolut fantastisch!!!! Die Stime, die Gitarre und die Flöte--alles perfekt ..dieses Lied kommt in meine all - time favs

[TinkGerman]

@Bummelz Danke!!!!! :-)

[itsmenumber1212]

do you have a download? or something i can leastion to it like put it on my mp3? would love to have it :DD

[TinkGerman]

@itsmenumber1212 thank you for listening! My originals are for d/l at my webpage a-graefe.net ( music..originals) :-) Iam happy you like it!

[lMeanMrMustardl]

This is pretty much amazing, thank you for sharing :D

[TinkGerman]

thank you very much!

[xxxRAISORxxx]

wow that was soo beutiful...

[TsukaiDaiku]

This one went straight to my soul. Just Beautiful Annah!

[arual1969]

DANKE!!!!!

[MrLalala15]

such a sad song and yet so beautiful

[bluezman4]

So happy to have stumbled upon your videos. You are definitely an old soul with a beautiful gift. Thank you for sharing.

[rgwinful]

Great voice. Reminds me of Joan Baez. You just need the right song to elevate you to fame.

[gilus55]

beautiful

[gilus55]

great

[itsmenumber1212]

thank you :DD now that i have it i cant stop lestioning to it! and i have more that you have to! ehhh your the best <3 *huggles* thank you!!!