Ramblin' on My Mind

Robert Johnson

About Ramblin' on My Mind

"Ramblin' on My Mind" is a blues song recorded on November 23, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas by blues musician Robert Johnson. The song was originally released on 78 rpm format as Vocalion 03519 and ARC 7-05-81. Johnson performed the song in the key of E, and recorded two takes. Both takes were used for different pressings of both the Vocalion issue and the ARC issue. The song used the melody made popular by the hit record "M & O Blues" by Walter Davis. Johnson composed two songs to this melody, "Ramblin' on My Mind" and "When You Got a Good Friend", with different musical approaches and different guitar tunings, although both were in the key of E. For "Ramblin' on My Mind" he used an open tuning that allowed him to combine a boogie shuffle on the bass strings with bottleneck triplets on the treble strings. These slide triplets were the model for Elmore James's guitar accompaniment to "Dust My Broom". The song was recorded by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton on lead vocals and featured on the album Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (1966), and by Clapton on the albums Just One Night, Crossroads 2: Live in the Seventies, Sessions for Robert J, and on Live from Madison Square Garden. Lucinda Williams also recorded it for her first professional release, Ramblin' (1979). 


Year:
2004
2:50
82 

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I got ramblin', I got ramblin' on my mind
I got ramblin', I got ramblin' all on my mind
Hate to leave my baby, but you treats me so unkind

I got mean things, I got mean things all on my mind
Little girl, little girl, I got mean things all on my mind
Hate to leave you here, babe, but you treats me so unkind

Runnin' down to the station, catch the first mail train I see
I think I hear her comin' now
Runnin' down to the station, catch the old first mail train I see
I got the blues about Miss So-and-So and the child got the blues about me

And I'm leavin' this mornin', with my arm' fold' up and cryin'
And I'm leavin' this mornin', with my arm' fold' up and cryin'
Hate to leave my baby, but she treats me so unkind

I got mean things, I've got mean things on my mind
I got mean things, I got mean things all on my mind
I got to leave my baby, well, she treats me so unkind

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Robert Johnson

Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938) was an American blues singer and musician. His landmark recordings from 1936–37 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. Johnson's shadowy, poorly documented life and death at age 27 have given rise to much legend, including the Faustian myth that he sold his soul at a crossroads to achieve success. As an itinerant performer who played mostly on street corners, in juke joints, and at Saturday night dances, Johnson had little commercial success or public recognition in his lifetime. more »

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Written by: ROBERT LEROY JOHNSON

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Composer
The song "Ramblin' on My Mind" was originally written and performed by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson in 1936. Johnson is often considered the "grandfather of rock and roll."
Mayall's Bluesbreakers
The song was later covered by British blues band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in 1966, on their album "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton." This is often seen as a staple of British blues.
Eric Clapton's Mark
Eric Clapton, as a member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers at the time the song was covered, played a crucial role in giving a unique touch to the song with his distinctive guitar playing, considered a highlight of the album.
Clapton's Solo Rendition
Eric Clapton covered "Ramblin' on My Mind" again in 1992 on his "Unplugged" album. This live album won six Grammy Awards, and the song's rendition further confirmed Clapton's extraordinary talent.
Song's Lyrics
Robert Johnson's original lyrics tell the story of a man who is regretful about not being able to settle down with the woman he loves due to his wandering nature, a common theme in blues music.
Significance in Timeline
"Ramblin' on My Mind" was one of the first songs recorded by Robert Johnson during his first recording session in San Antonio, Texas. This highlights its importance in the history of blues music.
Influence on Rock & Roll
The song's haunting guitar work and raw lyrics have influenced many rock and roll artists and bands, influencing their style and compositions.
Johnson's Recording Technique
Robert Johnson, when recording "Ramblin' on My Mind," would play the guitar and sing facing towards the wall. This unique technique is considered to have created a 'natural echo chamber,' thereby giving Johnson's recordings a distinct sound.
Unplugged" Version
When Clapton covered the song for his "Unplugged" album, the song took a more acoustic style, differing from the electric-heavy early versions, showing Clapton's versatility as an artist.
Legacy
Despite being a cover, the versions of "Ramblin' on My Mind" by Clapton and the Bluesbreakers helped the song reach a more mainstream audience, thus, ensuring Robert Johnson's rich musical legacy would continue to influence even decades after his death.

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