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