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.



Well, 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.



Another 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 "Quiet 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.