Well I wanted to ramble ever since I was a kid

I'm gonna do just what my Daddy did

The world started closin' in on me

And I had to have a change of scenery



So I started out bumin' in Ohio,

Had my sights set on Mexico

It just ain't as easy to catch a ride

As it was before the L&N died



Gotta take a little time, think about where I'm goin'

Take a little time, to think about where I've been

Take a little time, to hear that whistle blowin'

Take a little time, be back home again



Well I spent a year in Memphis, just the other day

Haven't been the same since I let her slip away

When will I learn to let the women be

Let Ol'Memphis Red make a fool a-me



Well I went to the river to throw myself in, 

Decided to call it off 'cause I can't swim

started to throw myself before a locomotive train

Had to call it off on account a-rain



Gotta take a little time, think about where I'm goin'

Take a little time, to think about where I've been

Take a little time, to hear that whistle blowin'

Take a little time, be back home again



Well now what's the use in killin' me

it didn't hurt so bad now don't you see

The world ain't so bad after all>

That Ol'Memphis Red ain't gonna be my downfall



I gotta take a little time, think about where I'm goin'

Take a little time, to think about where I've been

Take a little time, to hear that whistle blowin'

Take a little time, be back home again



Take a little time, be back home again