Ramblin' Man

The Allman Brothers Band

About Ramblin' Man

"Ramblin' Man" is a song by American rock band The Allman Brothers Band, released in August 1973 as the lead single from the group's fourth studio album, Brothers and Sisters (1973). Written and sung by guitarist Dickey Betts, the song was inspired by a 1951 song of the same name by Hank Williams. It is considerably more inspired by country music than other Allman Brothers Band compositions, which made the group reluctant to record it. Guitarist Les Dudek provides guitar harmonies, and it was one of bassist Berry Oakley's last contributions to the band. The song became the Allman Brothers Band's first and only top 10 single, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 12 on the Easy Listening chart.  


Year:
2005
4:50
46 
#3

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Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can
And when it's time for leavin'
I hope you'll understand,
That I was born a ramblin' man

Well my father was a gambler down in Georgia,
He wound up on the wrong end of a gun.
And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus
Rollin' down highway 41

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can
And when it's time for leavin'
I hope you'll understand,
That I was born a ramblin' man

I'm on my way to New Orleans this mornin'
Leaving out of Nashville, Tennessee
They're always having a good time down on the bayou
Lord, them Delta women think the world of me

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can
And when it's time for leavin'
I hope you'll understand
That I was born a ramblin' man

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Lord, I was born a ramblin' man

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The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band is an American rock/blues band once based in Macon, Georgia. The band was formed in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman (slide guitar and lead guitar) and Gregg Allman (vocals, organ, songwriting), plus Dickey Betts (lead guitar, vocals, songwriting), Berry Oakley (bass guitar), Butch Trucks (drums), and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson (drums). While the band has been called the principal architects of Southern rock, they also incorporate elements of blues, jazz, and country music, and their live shows have jam band-style improvisation and instrumental songs. more »

10 fans

Written by: Forrest Richard Betts

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
The song "Ramblin' Man" was written by Dickey Betts, one of the founding members of The Allman Brothers Band.
Released Date and Album
It was first released on the band's 1973 album "Brothers and Sisters."
Chart Success
"Ramblin' Man" is the band's highest-charting single, and it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.
Dickey Betts’ Contribution
Besides being the writer, Dickey Betts sang lead vocals on "Ramblin' Man," which was somewhat rare as he usually shared vocal duties with the group’s other founder, Gregg Allman.
Inspirations for the Song
Betts has stated in interviews that the song's lyrics are based on his own life experiences. Born to a traveling salesman and a WWII code breaker, he led a life that frequently involved nomadic travels.
Distinctive Guitar Riff
Notably, Ramblin' Man opens with a distinctive guitar lick that has been likened to the country songs of the early 20th century, showcasing a direct blend of rock and country genres.
Famous Backing Vocals
Chuck Leavell, known for his work with the Rolling Stones, played the piano and is one of the harmony vocalists in the song.
Song's Legacy
Due to the song's wild success upon its initial release, it is still regularly played on classic rock radio and is often referenced as a kind of anthem for the southern rock movement.
Ramblin' Man Fair
In honor of the iconic song, a music festival in England named the "Ramblin' Man Fair" takes place annually, focusing on southern and classic rock, as well as country and blues.
Inclusion in Cultural References
The song is so influential that it has been used in various films and TV series, like in the 1992 movie "Unforgiven," the TV series "Supernatural," and in a Marlboro cigarette commercial.

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