The song was written by vocalist Gregg Allman long before the founding of the group.

The version on Eat a Peach was recorded in tribute to Duane Allman, who considered the song among his brother's best and a personal favorite. He died in a motorcycle accident three months before its most famous rendition was recorded.

Lyrics

Crossroads, seem to come and go, yeah The gypsy flies from coast to coast Knowing many, loving none Bearing sorrow, having fun But, back home he'll always run To sweet Melissa Mmm, hmm

Freight train, each car looks the same, all the same And no one knows the gypsy's name And no one hears his lonely sighs There are no blankets where he lies Lord, in his deepest dreams the gypsy flies With sweet Melissa Mm, hmm

Again, the mornin's come Again, he's on the run A sunbeam's shinin' through his hair Fear not to have a care Well, pick up your gear and gypsy roll on Roll on

Crossroads, will you ever let him go? Lord, Lord Or will you hide the dead man's ghost? Or will he lie, beneath the clay? Or will his spirit float away? But, I know that he won't stay Without Melissa Yes, I know that he won't stay, yeah Without Melissa Lord, Lord, it's all the same

Songwriters: Stephen Alaimo / Gregg Allman

Melissa lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc