Gilmore also played "Smokey" in The Big Lebowski
Ramblin Man
Jimmie Dale Gilmore Lyrics
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I could stay here, Mama, but I got me some trains to catch.
When that cold north wind stops blowing
I'll still be walking the line
You ever see me laughing little lady,
I'm laughing just to keep from crying
I'm your Ramblin' Man and some Christmas time Won't you hang my holy socks on a midnight line.
Well that mountainside's just gonna sit there
That river's gonna rush on by.
But don't ask me to hang around
I couldn't stay here if I tried
I'm your Ramblin' Man and I can go where I choose
And if you sing me a song, Mama, make it a midnight blues.
Well don't that moon look beautiful, Baby,
Climbing up through the sky?
Well it looks like I'm gonna chase that moon
Mama, 'til the day I die
I'm your Ramblin' Man and there ain't no doubt
I'm gonna hang out late, Mama, with the midnight crowd
Where the silver starlight glistens
On the green mossy banks of time
I'm gonna spend my long nights listening
And looking for a star that's mine
I'm your Ramblin' Man, and 'til I come home
Won't you hang my midnight mail on a rolling stone
The song "Ramblin' Man" by Jimmie Dale Gilmore is about a man who cannot stay in one place and constantly feels the pull of travel. He sings about how he can lift anyone's latch and leave at any moment, but he also acknowledges the sadness that comes with leaving loved ones behind. The lyrics suggest that the singer is running from something, perhaps his own emotions or past, and that he finds solace in traveling alone.
The opening lines of the song, "Well I'm your Ramblin' Man and I can lift your latch / I could stay here, Mama, but I got me some trains to catch," set the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is telling his lover that he could stay with her, but his wanderlust is too strong to resist. He knows that she will be sad when he leaves, but he cannot help himself.
As the song progresses, the singer describes the beauty of nature and the freedom that comes with being a wanderer. He talks about walking the line and laughing to keep from crying. He also mentions the sadness that comes with leaving loved ones behind, but he cannot help himself. In the end, he asks his lover to hang his midnight mail on a rolling stone, suggesting that he will never truly be home.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm your Ramblin' Man and I can lift your latch
I am a wanderer, able to come and go as I please
I could stay here, Mama, but I got me some trains to catch.
I have obligations and responsibilities that require me to leave
When that cold north wind stops blowing
When things calm down and settle
I'll still be walking the line
I'll still be traveling and exploring
You ever see me laughing little lady,
If you see me smiling
I'm laughing just to keep from crying
I'm trying to hide my sadness or emotions
I'm your Ramblin' Man and some Christmas time
I am a wanderer during Christmas time
Won't you hang my holy socks on a midnight line.
Can you put my stockings out for Santa when he comes?
Well that mountainside's just gonna sit there
The mountain will always be there, unchanging
That river's gonna rush on by.
The river flows continuously
But don't ask me to hang around
Don't ask me to stay
I couldn't stay here if I tried
I am not able to stay in one place for too long
I'm your Ramblin' Man and I can go where I choose
I have the freedom to explore wherever I please
And if you sing me a song, Mama, make it a midnight blues.
If you're going to sing to me, let it be a sad blues song
Well don't that moon look beautiful, Baby,
The moon looks lovely right now
Climbing up through the sky?
Slowly ascending into the night sky
Well it looks like I'm gonna chase that moon
I'm going to keep following my dreams
Mama, 'til the day I die
For the rest of my life
I'm your Ramblin' Man and there ain't no doubt
I am a confirmed wanderer
I'm gonna hang out late, Mama, with the midnight crowd
I'll stay out late and mingle with other night owls
Where the silver starlight glistens
In a place where the stars are shining bright
On the green mossy banks of time
In a place of natural beauty and serenity
I'm gonna spend my long nights listening
I'll spend my nights in quiet contemplation or listening to music
And looking for a star that's mine
I am searching for my own path or destiny
I'm your Ramblin' Man, and 'til I come home
I am a wanderer until I come back
Won't you hang my midnight mail on a rolling stone
Can you hold onto my letters and give them to me when we meet again?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BUTCH HANCOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@annledbetter9088
i absolutely luv this version of this song. his voice is haunting
@broadwayphil1
So, so good!