Gypsies in the Palace

"Gypsies in the Palace" is a song composed and performed by Jimmy Buffett. It concerns leaving his home in the care of the unnamed narrator and another man nicknamed "Snake". The two men proceed to shoot the lock off Buffett's liquor cabinet, invite numerous people to his home, organize naked conga lines. and throw people into his swimming pool.When Buffett returns early, the two men point out all the work they've done in his absence.Jimmy Buffett, when performing the song in concert, 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's television show, that the song was based on true-life experience.