Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Ramblin' Man
The Allman Brothers Band Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can
And when it's time for leavin'
I hope you'll understand
That I was born a ramblin' man

Well, my father was a gambler down in Georgia
And he wound up on the wrong end of a gun
And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus
Rollin' down highway 41




Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can
And when it's time for leavin'
I hope you'll understand
That I was born a ramblin' man

Alright

I'm on my way to New Orleans this mornin'
Leaving out of Nashville, Tennessee
They're always having a good time down on the bayou
Lord, and Delta women think the world of me

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can
And when it's time for leavin'
I hope you'll understand
That I was born a ramblin' man

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Lord, I was born a ramblin' man

Overall Meaning

The Allman Brothers Band’s “Ramblin’ Man” is about a man who has been traveling around the country for work and to make a living. The singer admits that he was “born a ramblin' man” and has been doing the best he can to make a living. The song is a tribute to the life of an itinerant worker.


The story is told through the eyes of a man who was born while his father was on the run from the law. His father was a troubled gambler who got himself into trouble and was killed. The singer was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus while his mother was fleeing the authorities. From that time on, he has been constantly on the move.


The song is ultimately about being free, wandering the world and doing what one loves best. It’s a celebration of the thrill of traveling, the excitement of new adventures, and the joys of meeting new people. It’s also a tribute to the men and women who have the courage to go after what they want, even if it means leaving their homes and loved ones behind.


Line by Line Meaning

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
I was born with a restless spirit and a desire to constantly move and explore.


Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can
I work hard to support myself, but I prioritize living an adventurous life on the road.


And when it's time for leavin', I hope you'll understand
When I have to leave, I hope those around me will accept my lifestyle and desire to continue wandering.


Well, my father was a gambler down in Georgia
My father was a risk-taker who enjoyed gambling in the southern state of Georgia.


And he wound up on the wrong end of a gun
Unfortunately, his gambling habits led to a potentially deadly situation.


And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus
I was born while my mother was traveling on a Greyhound bus, most likely still on the move.


Rollin' down highway 41
The bus was traveling on highway 41 at the time of my birth.


I'm on my way to New Orleans this mornin', Leaving out of Nashville, Tennessee
I am currently traveling to New Orleans from Nashville, starting my day early to cover as much distance as possible.


They're always having a good time down on the bayou
The people of Louisiana's bayou region are known for their fun-loving spirit and celebration of life.


Lord, and Delta women think the world of me
I am well-liked and charming to the women of the Mississippi Delta region.


Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Once again emphasizing that I was destined to live a life of wandering and adventure.


Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Repeating the central message of the song, that my wanderlust and love of the road define my life.


Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Emphasizing one final time that my restless spirit is above all else who I am and what I embrace.


Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
The refrain of the song, continually underscoring that I was born with a desire to roam.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Forrest Richard Betts

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

More Versions