"Gypsies in the Palace" is a song written and performed by American popular music singer-songwriter

Jimmy Buffett James William Buffett (born December 25, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, and businessman. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an "island escapism" lifestyle. Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffet ...

. It was first released on his 1985 album ''

Last Mango in Paris ''Last Mango in Paris'' is the fourteenth studio album by American popular music singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. It was released in June 1985 as MCA Records, MCA 5600 and was produced by Buffett and noted country music producer Tony Brown (reco ...

'' and was his first of three charting singles off that album. This song charted No. 56 on US Country."Charting Information"
at Buffettworld.com.

Plot

The song concerns an apparently professional entertainer who leaves his home in the care of the unnamed narrator and another man nicknamed "Snake" while he goes to perform elsewhere. Once the homeowner leaves, the two men notice all the food and liquor he has and decide that it will go to waste if it's not consumed. They shoot the lock off his liquor cabinet and invite numerous people to his house to party: have naked

conga lines The conga line is a novelty line dance that was derived from the Cuban carnival dance of the same name and became popular in the US in the 1930s and 1950s. In order to perform the dance, dancers form a long, processing line, which would usually ...

, throw people into his swimming pool, and partake in his commodities. When the homeowner calls the house and reports that he's returning early, the two rush everyone out and clean up the mess left during the party. When the homeowner returns, the two men point out all the work they've done around his house in his absence, then offer to watch the house again if the opportunity arises again.

Live Performances and Radio Edits

When performing the song in concert, Buffett calls it "The scariest song you'll hear tonight." Its performance is often preceded by a pre-recorded voice intoning: :''"In days of old, when knights were bold,'' :''And journeyed from their castles,'' :''Trusty men were left behind;'' :''Knights needed not the hassles.'' :''They helped themselves to pig and peach,'' :''And drank from King's own chalice;'' :''Oh, it was a stirring sight,'' :''These gypsies in the palace."'' To which Buffett adds "And some things never change. Hit it, boys!" Jimmy Buffett stated when he appeared on

Jerry Jeff Walker Jerry Jeff Walker (born Ronald Clyde Crosby; March 16, 1942 – October 23, 2020) was an American country music and folk singer-songwriter. He was a leading figure in the progressive country and outlaw country music movement. He was best ...

's television show, that the song was based on true-life experience. When released as a single, the song was trimmed for radio, excluding the dialogue introduction and other corners of the song for pacing purposes.

Chart performance

Notes

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gypsies In The Palace 1985 songs Jimmy Buffett songs MCA Records singles Songs written by Jimmy Buffett Songs with lyrics by Will Jennings Songs written by Glenn Frey Song recordings produced by Tony Brown (record producer)