I've been down the Mississippi
Down through New Orleans, yes, I have
I've played in California
There ain't too much I haven't seen, no, there ain't

Lord, I'm a ramblin' man
Don't fool around with a ramblin' man

Left a girl in West Virginia
Up there where that green grass grows, yes, I did
Got a girl in Cincinnati
Waitin' where the Ohio River flows, poor girl

I'm a ramblin' man
Don't give your heart to a ramblin' man

You'd better move away
You're standin' too close to the flame
Once I mess with your mind
Your little heart won't beat the same

Lord, I'm a ramblin' man
Don't mess around with any ol' ramblin' man, better not

Well, up in Chicago, I was known as quite a boy, yes, I was
Down in Alabama, they call me the man of joy, still do

Well, I'm a ramblin' man
Don't fall in love with a ramblin' man
You'd better move away
You're standin' too close to the flame

Once I mess with your mind
Your little heart won't beat the same
Lord, I'm a ramblin' man
Don't mess around with any ol' ramblin' man

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I'm a Ramblin' Man" by Waylon Jennings are a tribute to the lifestyle of a traveling musician. The song highlights the singer's experiences of traveling throughout different regions of the United States, playing his music, leaving behind lovers, and making new ones along the way. The song speaks to the transitory nature of life on the road and the potential emotional toll it can have on those involved.

Jennings describes his travels in the verses by mentioning places like Mississippi, New Orleans, California, West Virginia, and Cincinnati. He talks about leaving lovers behind while also describing having a new girl waiting for him in another place. The chorus where he declares himself a "ramblin' man" and warns women not to fall in love with him conveys the fact that Jennings is not looking for a long-term commitment.

The lyrics of "I'm a Ramblin' Man" are an excellent example of the country music genre's traditional themes of life, love, and hard times. It's a classic Waylon Jennings song that showcases his sharp vocals, rock-influenced sound, and honest storytelling.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been down the Mississippi
I have traveled along the Mississippi River

Down through New Orleans, yes, I have
I have visited New Orleans in Louisiana

I've played in California
I have performed in the state of California

There ain't too much I haven't seen, no, there ain't
I have experienced and seen a lot in my travels

Lord, I'm a ramblin' man
I am a wandering person who enjoys traveling

Don't fool around with a ramblin' man
Don't play with the heart of someone who enjoys traveling

Left a girl in West Virginia
I had to leave a woman behind in West Virginia

Up there where that green grass grows, yes, I did
She lived in a rural area with lots of greenery

Got a girl in Cincinnati
I have a woman waiting for me in Cincinnati

Waitin' where the Ohio River flows, poor girl
She is patiently waiting by the Ohio River for me to return

Don't give your heart to a ramblin' man
Don't fall in love with someone who enjoys traveling and may leave at any moment

You'd better move away
You should distance yourself from me

You're standin' too close to the flame
You are getting too close to someone who may hurt you

Once I mess with your mind
If I toy with your emotions

Your little heart won't beat the same
You will never be the same emotionally

Don't mess around with any ol' ramblin' man, better not
Don't get involved with just any traveler, you may regret it

Well, up in Chicago, I was known as quite a boy, yes, I was
In Chicago, I was popular and well-liked

Down in Alabama, they call me the man of joy, still do
In Alabama, I am known as the 'man of joy' and still am referred to as such

Don't fall in love with a ramblin' man
Don't let your emotions guide you towards someone who enjoys traveling

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

just now