This Top Ten is specifically about hobos, bums and "gentlemen of the road". Not any other kind of tramps. We'll get to them.
Special mention for The Trammps, Supertramp, The Drifters and The Vagrants... and Bruce, of course, because tramps like us, baby we were...
10. Cat Stevens - The Tramp
The only bed he knows is the floor...9. The Hollies - Lonely Hobo Lullaby
Classic mid-70s ballad from the Hollies, sadly never a hit.
8. Stereophonics - More Life In A Tramp's Vest
Remember when the Stereophonics had potential? Every time I listen to a track from that superb debut album, I shake my fist at the sky and scream, "WHAT HAPPENED!?!"
7. Thea Gilmore - Brother, Can You Spare Me A Dime?
Written back in the "great" depression, recorded by everyone from Bing Crosby to George Michael to Mandy Pantikin (Saul from Homeland!) but it's Thea's version that breaks my heart.
6. Terry Bush - Maybe Tomorrow
You'll know this better as the theme tune to The Littlest Hobo.
Sorry, I've got something in my eye.
5. Marah - My Heart Is The Bums On The Street
Probably my favourite song by Marah, though the live version on youtube doesn't really do it justice.
4. Frank Sinatra - The Lady Is A Tramp
OK, I'm bending the rules with this once, since the lady in question isn't without a home to call her own. Then again, neither is she that other kind of tramp. And let's face it, I could hardly leave it out. Although Frank's version is best, look who else recorded it...
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Frank & Ella
William Shatner
Frank & Luther Vandross
etc. etc. etc.
3. Roger Miller - King Of The Road
He's a man of means, by no means. So are The Proclaimers.
And, if you've never heard it before, check out Jody Miller's response song, Queen of the House.
2. Otis Redding & Carla Thomas - Tramp
This came very close to hitting the top spot, and on any other day it might do. It's also one of my favourite men & women bickering songs (one day I'll compile a list), basically just one big argument between Otis and Carla, with some hilarious trash-talking and zinging comebacks. My favourite is the bit where Carla calls Otis a tramp for not being able to afford to buy her all those minks and sables and stuff she wants and Otis replies, "I can buy you minks, rats, frogs, squirrels, rabbits, ...anything you want, woman." to which Carla comes back, "Look, you can go out in the Georgia woods and find them, baby." Makes me smile every time I hear it.
It seems this was a subject close to Otis's heart. See also: Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out.
1. Cher - Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves
I seriously consider this to have one of the greatest first verses of any pop song ever written.
I was born in the wagon of a travelling showBut what do I know?
My momma had to dance for the money they'd throw
Papa would do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel, sell a couple of bottles of Dr. Good...
Which one are you taking with you when you hit the road, Jack?