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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

Gregg Allman spoke at length about this song in an interview with the San Luis Obispo (CA) Tribune on November 30, 2006: "I wrote that song in 1967 in a place called the Evergreen Hotel in Pensacola, Florida. By that time I got so sick of playing other people's material that I just sat down and said, 'OK, here we go. One, two, three - we're going to try to write songs.' And about 200 songs later - much garbage to take out - I wrote this song called 'Melissa.' And I had everything but the title. I thought (referring to lyrics): 'But back home, we always run... to sweet Barbara' - no. Diane...? We always run... to sweet Bertha.' No, so I just kind of put it away for a while. So one night I was in the grocery store - it was my turn to go get the tea, the coffee, the sugar and all that other s--t... and there was this Spanish lady there and she had this little toddler with her - this little girl. And I'm sitting there, getting a few things and what have you. And this little girl takes off, running down the aisle. And the lady yells, Oh, Melissa! Melissa, come back, Melissa!' And I went, 'Oh - that's it.' I forgot about half the stuff I went for, I went back home and, man, it was finished, only I couldn't really tell if it was worth a damn or not because I'd written so many bad ones. So I didn't really show it to anybody for about a year. And then I was the last one to get to Jacksonville - I was the last one to join the band that became the Allman Brothers. And my brother sometimes late at night after dinner, he'd say, 'Man, go get your guitar and play me that song - that song about that girl.' And I'd play it for him every now and then. After my brother's accident, we had 3 vinyl sides done of Peach, so I thought well we'll do that, and then on the way down there I wrote "Ain't Wastin' Time No More." I wrote that for my brother. We were all in pretty bad shape. I had just gotten back from Jamaica and I was weighing at about 156, 6-foot-1-and-a-half - I was pretty skinny. So we went back down there, got in the studio and finished the record. And the damn thing shipped gold." (thanks, Peaceboy - Someplace, CA)

This was first recorded in 1968 by the 31st Of February, one of Gregg and Duane Allman's first bands. Duane's version of this with the 31st Of February is the first recording of him playing the bottleneck slide guitar, a technique he became famous for.

Gregg Allman got some help on this song from Sandy Alaimo, who was operating the studio they used.

The part of the song that begins: "Crossroads, will you ever let him go" is probably a reference to Robert Johnson, a Blues legend who supposedly went to a crossroads and sold his soul to the devil.

This was one of the first songs the band recorded without Duane Allman. He died in a motorcycle accident about 4 months before this was released. Eat A Peach was dedicated to Duane.

The Allman Brothers performed this on the last episode of the syndicated Dennis Miller Show on July 25, 1992.

The band performed this at Duane Allman's funeral in 1971.

This was never a big hit in the US, but it has endured as a regular on classic rock radio.

This was used in a commercial television advertisment campaign for Cingular/AT&T Wireless. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France)

Comments:

My dad sang this to me all the time as a little girl and I loved it because I was a kid and it had my name in it, but I never REALLY listened to it untill he died.(at only 43 yrs old) I finally found a cd with it on there and ordered it,delay after delay of it shipping it finally came on his birthday! So I immediately cried and popped it in and wow! Those lyrics were perfect, my dad was the last of a dying breed kind of family man. But when I was a born he was VERY younge and not the guy I knew as a kid. He was a man whore who always went out, fighting, drinking,tripping smoking etc... But my mom said no matter what he was doing he would always run home to see me. Even when he wasnt allowed in the house he would beg to see me and would stand over my crib and cough loudly and "accidently" bump my crib to wake me up so he could play with me. I know this is not what the song means but for me its about a man who loved his daughter and no matter what that free spirit did he would run right back home to see his little girl. I think he was at crossroads and thank god it did let him go. I love him and this song has been very special to me and I thank you dad for always running home to sweet melissa
- melissa, wyandotte, MI

I should have married my melissa, instead, my youth turned me away while she moved away to california. what I wouldn't trade to have that one moment to say"yes,I will go wth you". My youth was my drug and I abused it, she was one in ten million, really. I will always remember you. thank you for the moments.The bird flew away.
- Carlos Carion, new London, CT

I was born July of 1979, and I was also named after this song. My dad loves the Allman Brothers, I almost was named Jessica, but hey either way it would've been an Allman song. My mom wanted to name me Becky, thank god for that band!!
- Melissa, Portage, IN

Geez, but don't Gregg's vocals just rip your heart out? Then, you listen to what he is saying, which is quite clear, and it hurts all the more. Dickey's gentle slide work on this is just perfect. Also, I saw them do this for the last Dennis Miller show, referenced above, and they absolutely tore it up. I will say it: Some of the best songs ever are those about sorrow
- oldpink, New Castle, IN

I would like to thank Gregg Allman if it were at all possible. :) I don't see that happening but I would like to say that this song is so very meaningful to me. My mother, who named me after this song is a smart, free-spirited woman with very good taste in music and I knew the minute she told me I was named after this song by the Allman Brothers Band, it HAD to be a wonderful band. I heard this song for the time when I was 6 years old and I fell in love with it also. Even though this song isn't about a certain person.. it is one of the most meaningful songs i've ever heard. Melissa wasn't a very common name in my home town but I was always proud to tell everyone I was named after the lovely song "Sweet Melissa".
- melissa, Memphis, TN

I was named after Melissa by my father. When he told me this I thought it was in my nature to love the Allman Brothers Band. Ironically, I play the guitar, and most of the songs I play are from the Allman Brothers Band. I love Gregg Allman too...
- Melissa, schuylerville, NY

I don't normally post this sort of thing, and don't know quite why I am doing it now, but I heard the song just now, looked up the lyrics, and here I am. I had never heard of the song until a woman I know up here in The Great White North named Melissa (surprise) introduced it to me. I liked the song and when I listened to the lyrics it was as if the song was written about the Melissa I knew. I fell in love with this woman almost the moment I met her - she's beautiful, brilliant, and has such tremendous potential. But like the guy in the song, somehow someway it never seemed to work. And while I was convinced she felt the same way, she'd never quite say it (though I did), and every fleeting chance would just melt away. To this day I still don't understand the whys but each time it left me feeling a little more hollow inside. Still, there isn't a day that goes by without something reminding me of that smile of hers and in turn never fails to put a grin on my face - even if no one else knows why. Its been a while, but the feeling is as strong as ever - if you're reading this, Melissa, where ever you are or whatever you're doing, I love you and always will.
- Kev, Great White North, ON

I love the fact that I can actually imagine my mother listening to this song during the happiest time in her life and thinking of me before I was even born. YES- I AM also named specifically after this song. I have introduced it to my 3 sons and make them listen to it in the car over and over!! My nine year old can sing it word for word. My Mom is gonenow - I only had 17 yrs with her- but this song always makes me think of her. I am so glad I have this memory. Funny how one song can mean so much huh? Melissa, Milwaukee WI
- Melissa, Milwaukee , WI

I was also named for this song...it took me years to find...I remeber it being on the radio one day, & my mother screaming for me to come & listen..I only caught the end..Yrs later I bought the tape, But I have nothing to play it in. Great song` actually all their music was great!
- Melissa, Deltona, FL

This is my favorite song of all-time. It brings back fond memories of friends and good times many years ago. I also want to credit the great work of Dickie Betts on this song. He is a top ten all-time rock guitarist.
- Steve, Columbia Heights, MN

I love this song, it reminds me of a boy who always sang all the words when it played.i miss him.
- leah, Jacksonville beach, FL

"Gregg Allman got some help on this song from Sandy Alaimo, who was operating the studio they used". This was on your page ...... I happen to know that the guy's name was STEVE ALAIMO
- Connie, Corona, New York, NY

Melissa a beautiful melody and wonderful lyrics- flv
- francis l. vena, new york city,, NY

I love the song "Sweet Melissa" because it reminds me of this chick I wish would drop her current bf and come to me instead. I met her at the public transportation busstop awhile back and have seen her around periodically and didn't see her for awhile but recently took her to get a hamburger at Burger King when we happened to cross paths. -Joe in Cleveland, Ohio
- Joe, Cleveland, OH

I first heard this song in high school in Austin, about 1995 or so. I'd just met a really cool new girl from Louisiana with long dark curls. As you can guess, her name was Melissa (last name rhymed with "Peters"...). I barely knew her, but this song always makes me think of her.
- Mo, Austin, TX

I love his voice in this song, a good ol' good time song
- Susan, Tampa, FL

Where the hell is Happy Place, KS? Must be a nickname for Lawrence.
- Crystal, Lawrence, KS

My older sister, Melissa, is named after this song. Ironically, I am named after Jessica. Pure coincidence. Melissa was Melissa's fathers favorite song and Jessica was my fathers favorite song. -Jessica, Wood River, IL
- Jessica, Wood River, IL

Somewhere out there is a girl named Melissa who has no idea that this song was named after her. Strange.
- Stephen, Boston, MA

This was one of Duane's favorite songs written by Gregg. That is why Gregg performed it at Duane's funeral.
- Matt, Stratham, NH

My sister, Melissa, passed away May 06th, 2007 from cancer. The day my sister died, my godmother, Gail, introduced me and my mom to the Allman Brother's; Sweet Melissa. Not only did we listen to it for a MONTH STRAIGHT, it wasn't allowed to be turned off my mom's radio during the day! My mom decided that was DEFFINATELY the song to play at my sister's funeral, and that's what happened. During the display of the family pictures of my sister's life, "SWEET MELISSA" played and brought a room full of people to tears. Great song, I'm glad we found such a wonderful song to represent such a wonderful person!!
- Kristin, Portland, OR

Seriously, I only heard this song for the first time in my life, just this morning. I listen to Classic Rock all the time, and I never heard "Melissa" before. I have a cousin named Melissa...that's the only one I know. Okay, just wanted to share. I do like the song though. It's pretty.
- Mary, Phoenix, AZ

I adore this song and it can mean anything to anyone, however, the writer did indeed "fit" the name Melissa in to the already written song. It's a beautiful name and a beautiful song.
- Sherry, Houston, TX

Although the pretty young redhead named Melissa whom I met while working in Eastern Oregon may well have forgotten me (I could very well look like her grandfather), I will never forget her. She was extremely cuddly, not to mention being adorable and sexy at the same time. Melissa (I cannot remember your last name), may the Force be with you.
- Darrell, Eugene

A teacher just asked me if I'd ever heard this song because my name is also Melissa. I replied no. I was named after Melissa Gilbert, the actress on Little House on the Prairie. After I came home and found the lyrics, I was blown away. I am in love with a gypsy myself! How WEIRD is that??
- Melissa, Canada, Canada

I too am a Melissa and I was also named by my Dad. I am 36 and am currently undergoing dialysis. One of my dialysis nurses, Colleen, sings this song to me whenever she sees me. It is just an awesome song. No matter how it is interpreted, one thing is clear, each person who has a Melissa that this song reminds them of is a person who is loved and charished.
- Melissa, South Glens Falls, NY

My daughter began playing the violin last year (2006) and bought her friend April's violin and named it Melissa. In a recent email she said: "The violin has been a lot of fun, I should be able to play one or two songs decently enough by the time you come up. I bought my friend April's violin and it's such a sweet sounding instrument I've decided to name her Melissa (after the song "Sweet Melissa" by the Allman Brothers Band." Sadly I will never hear my daughter play her violin named Melissa. She was killed in a motorcycle accident 4/2/07 on route 66 east of Kingman, AZ. Bob, Laytonville, CA
- Bob, Laytonville, CA

I was born in 1987, Melissa is my dads favorite song, so he wanted to name me after it. My mom agreed because she thought some of the lyrics fit for us. my dad was in the army and was always moving, and the firts person he always asked to see was me. I didnt know this until he died, and ever since then i cry everytime i hear the song.
- Melissa, Peoria, IL

In 2005, I was working a construction job in Eastern Oregon, and while I was performing some humdrum task, I saw a beautiful, young, petite lady who had beautiful long flowing red curls. She and I got to know each other very well, and I found out that her name was Melissa after she started cussing at herself. I have not seen her in some time, and I am no longer in the construction business.
- Darrell, Eugene, United States

This song always reminded me of a love that got away young in my life. Yes, her name was Melissa. She moved away when we were in school and I have never heard from her since. Its strange now that even though I am married to the love of my life, the song Melissa always brings a tear to my eye. I guess you never forget your first love.
- Craig, Zion, IL

My name is Melissa and I was named after the song as well. In fact, I was born on a Friday night and my aunt played this song at each bar she went to that night. I was born right in time for happy hour!! My dad loved the Allman Brothers and suggested that my name be Melissa. Every time I hear that song I think of him...and of course remember my aunts story. Thanks for all these postings as I always wondered what the song was about.
- Melissa, Glen Head, NY

I think this song is about a man who is in love with a girl named Melissa from back home. He for some reason cannot be with this perfect girl, so he travels and lives a gypsy life. He has sold, or devoted, his soul and love to the girl, much like Robert Johnson sold his soul to the crossroads. In "all his deepest dreams the gypsy flies with sweet Melissa." He is with her in his dreams, but not in real life. He knows other girls while on his travels, but he can love no one but Melissa. Life is bland without her, all the freight train cars look the same. "No one hears his lonely cries," no one cares about him, there is no one to sypathize with him. He always comes back home to sweet Melissa, but since they cannot be together he never stays.
- Willy, Winchester, MA

the best song ever written and recorded.thanks for the memories gregg!!!!
- denise, franklin, TN

Not to be too anal but Imade an error in quoting the lyrics that I said were by Tom Rush...they weren't...Gordon Lightfoot, "The Last Time I Saw Her"
- Ted, Westbury, NY

My wife was named Melissa. She died the year after the song was released. Obviously, the song resonates with me. For me, at least, the lyrics hold a personal meaning. I have never fully recovered from her death. I sometimes I think I listen to the song ina way Tom Rush described in his song "No Regrets". "And if time could heal the wounds I would tear the threads away so I could bleed some more."
- Ted, Westbury, NY

They play this song in brokeback mountain. This one of my favorite songs and if i have a baby girl i'm going to name her melissa.
- Cody, Hagerstown, MD

No surprise, I was also named after this song. My mom wanted to name me Denise, but when I was born and she called my dad (he was overseas in the airforce) and told him he said that I had to be named Melissa because he had heard the song earlier that day. I had never understood the song and after having read some of your comments it is somewhat more clear to me now. Melissa is a special name, and I'm glad to be someone named for an unforgettable person like that of the woman in the song. After having read these comments I'm quite curious to know how many Sweet Melissas there are. In any case they were all named with love.
- Melissa, Pembroke, NH

Listen to the words. The song is about a guy who's wife, or lover, Melissa, has died. He has lost his direction in life because of this and wanders the country as a hobo on trains. To wit: "Crossroads, seem to come and go... the gypsy flies from coast to coast... etc." When the first verse says "back home he'll always run" it is figurative. It's referring to his imagination (which I'll demonstrate below). Next verse: "Freight train, each car looks the same, no one knows the gypsy's name..." etc This is quite specific. Lots of people see him, noone thinks about him, nobody knows him as he bums around the country. At the end of this verse: "In all his deepest dreams the gypsy flies... with sweet Melissa" Note the use of the word "flies". It's not "lies", or any other word. The use of the word "flies" implies she is an angel, that she is dead. The bridge/middle section is just more description about him waking every morning and running to some other place for no reason just to escape his torment. Now, the 3rd verse. "Crossroads, will you ever let him go?" Just an out-loud wondering of whether he'll ever break free of this depression and stop wandering, or will he just finally die one day and end this. "Will you hide the dead man's ghost, or will he lie beneath the clay, will his spirit roll away?" This is a VERY cool, somewhat obtuse part. But here we are wondering if, when he dies, whether his spirit will be hidden forever, just buried in the ground, or will it be free. And finally, the crowning line: "But I know that he won't stay, without Melissa". In other words, whatever happens to his spirit when he dies, it will not stay anywhere if Melissa is not there. Even after death, he will forever be devoted to her. ------------- Songs like this, with such simple melodies and lyrics, that yet tell such complex passionate stories, don't come along every day. This song is a national treasure.
- Max, Philipsburg, PA

i have to say my absolute favorite song from the allman brothers band is Melissa not only because my name is Melissa but why my name is Melissa. My dad is a HUGE fan of the allman brothers and my mom wanted to name me emily but hes like NO we need to name our little girl Melissa after this song. HE WON! my name is Melissa and i love telling the story to people when they ask me why my names melissa! Melissa,16,Connecticut
- Melissa, Southbury, CT

I love this song so much but my sister Mellisa might die of cancer and im only 12 im not mellisa but shes only 24 so its really sad im crying right now.
- sarah, sandiego, CA

This is a beautiful song by an ingenius group of musicians. I, however, see it a little bit differently than most of the people who have posted comments. I think that this song is about a man - the "gypsy" - who is in search for himself far away from home. I see him as someone whois escaping something back home....He is out, "knowing many, loving none, bearing sorrow, having fun," basically distracting himself on a day to day basis. I think this gypsy is someone who is trying to find answers in his life. In the end, the only truth, the only certainty that he knows, is this beautiful girl from home, "Melissa;" that is why "but back home he'll always run to Sweet Melissa." Thoughts?
- Jen, Billerica, MA

Yes my name is melissa also and yes i was named after this song. The whole time my mother was pregnant for me she could not think of a name for me, finally the time came and she thought of Verronica after my father(ron) but when i was born he looked at me and said sweet melissa and that was it. My dad would sing me to sleep with this song and to this day if we had not talked for a couple days he'll call my phone and sing it to me on my voice mail. I asked him why sweet melissa he said "imagine the perfect human being, someone who will always make you smile no matter what is going on, that is you and this song is the first thing that came to mind when seeing you for the first time. I could never go anywhere without my father, he is my best friend and my mentor.i love him so very much and i thank him for giving me the most beautiful name with the most beautiful meaning behind it. I love u daddy!
- Melissa, Oil City, MI

I have a crush on this girl named Melissa and just love this song my older brother grew up listing to the allman brothers
- stephen, new orleans, LA

Yes, I too was named Melissa after this song. I love my name, and when tell people that I was named after this song, they all laugh and say, "You were named after a song?" I laugh back and say, "The greatest song ever written!" I love my name and I have a cousin named Jessica(after the other song!) High five back to Melissa!
- Melissa, Suwanee, GA

I named my daughter after this song. I knew I was going to have a girl, didn't have a name picked out. Heard this song on the radio and it reminded me of good times. And it was a beautiful song about..."and at home they always run to sweet Melissa." That was it! A warm feeling came over me, and I have a sweet, beautiful daughter named Melissa.
- Jill, Chandler, AZ

I was one of the girls named "Melissa" after this song came out, I was born in 1972, the same year the album was released...I must say this name has been good for me so far, I think it's pretty and feminine..high five to all the "Sweet Melissas" out there!
- Melissa, Duluth, MN

Gregg said that this was Duane's favorite song that Gregg had written. It is so sad and tragic that someone with such talent could be taken from this world when there was so much more music to be made.
- Ashleigh, Palm Coast, FL

Does anyone have any idea how many girls were born and named Melissa after this song?
- Carla, Sebastian, FL

Great song done by a great band! Rock on!
- Stefanie magura, Rock Hill, SC

Hey Ace, do you think that maybe he got "Melissa" on his guitar because of the song? =) That's definitely not a song about a guitar.
- Melissa, Happy Place, KS

My name is Melissa. I was named this because the Allman Brothers Band is my dads favorite band of all time. He was going to name me 3 names Melissa, Jessica or Elizabeth Reed, He told me that Melissa was the most beautiful song he had ever heard and that was my name. It is very special to me since my dad and I are so close. I have always wondered who Melissa is, maybe she is an amazing woman, or a guitar but all i can say is this a the greatest song ever written and recorded. If it wasn't for this song my name would be Rockelle.
- Melissa, Edgewater, MN

Your dad wanted you to grow up to be like the beautiful, sweet girl in the song. That's a good enough reason.
- Paula, houston, TX

I happen to know who Melissa is...I saw a cardboard cut-out poster of Allman performing live. The neck of his accoustic guitar is inlaid with mother-of-pearl spelling out "Melissa". If you listen to the song's lyrics, it becomes evident that the girl isn't a girl at all...but his guitar.
- Ace, Marion, WV

I was born in Dec of 1977 with the name Melissa which is specifically taken from this song...my father named me. I believe that something always has a meaning...and lately, I've been tryin to make sense of why I was named Melissa from this song...any idea's?
- Missi, knoxville, TN