About the song
Lou Christie, a name synonymous with the vibrant and evocative sounds of the early 1960s, brought a unique and unforgettable style to the pop music scene. Two of his standout tracks, “The Gypsy Cried” and “Have I Sinned,” showcase his distinctive voice and the emotional depth he could convey in his music.
“The Gypsy Cried,” released in 1962, was Lou Christie’s first major hit, and it quickly established him as a rising star. The song, with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, tells the story of a young man seeking answers about his love life from a gypsy. What makes this track particularly memorable is Christie’s falsetto, a vocal style that became one of his trademarks. His ability to effortlessly reach high notes while maintaining a sense of vulnerability resonated with listeners, making “The Gypsy Cried” a classic example of early 60s pop. The song not only charted in the United States but also made waves internationally, proving Christie’s appeal to a broad audience.
On the other hand, “Have I Sinned” is a track that delves into deeper emotional territory. Released as the B-side to “The Gypsy Cried,” this song explores themes of guilt and redemption, capturing the angst and sorrow of someone reflecting on their mistakes. Christie’s delivery in “Have I Sinned” is hauntingly beautiful, with a rawness that draws the listener in. The contrast between the upbeat tempo of “The Gypsy Cried” and the somber tone of “Have I Sinned” highlights Christie’s versatility as an artist, capable of handling both light-hearted and serious subject matter with equal skill.
Together, these two songs represent a pivotal moment in Lou Christie’s career, marking the beginning of his journey as a pop icon. They are not only significant for their commercial success but also for the way they encapsulate the emotional complexity and musical innovation of the era. Christie’s work continues to be celebrated today, with “The Gypsy Cried” and “Have I Sinned” standing out as timeless pieces in the landscape of 1960s pop music.
Video
Lyrics
“The Gyspy Cried”
I had some trouble with my baby
So I had my fortune read
I had some trouble with my baby
And this is what the gypsy said
The gypsy cried, she cried
“Gypsy, oh tell me, what is in your crystal ball
Gypsy, oh tell me, will my tears fall?”
She cried, she cried and said
“Watch your step, ooh she’ll hurt you yet
Oh no no no no no no no
Watch your step, ooh she’ll hurt you yet
Oh no no no no no no no”
“Gypsy, oh tell me, does she want to marry me?
Gypsy, oh tell me, when the wedding’s gonna be?”
She cried, she cried
“Listen to what the gypsy said
Oh no no no no no no no
Listen to what the gypsy said
Oh no no no no no no no”
“Gypsy, say it isn’t true”
“Watch out, ooh she doesn’t love you
Watch out, ooh she doesn’t love you”
“Gypsy, say it isn’t true”
“Watch out, ooh she doesn’t love you”