Yeah, I’m gonna tell my tale
Come on, come on,
Give a listen
‘Cause I was born lonely down by the riverside
Learned to spin fortune wheels, throw dice
And I was just thirteen when I had to leave home
Knew I couldn’t stick around, had to roam
I ain’t good looking, but you know I ain’t shy
Ain’t afraid to look you, girl, in the eye
So if you need some loving, and you need it right away
Take a little time out, and maybe I’ll stay
Then I got to ramble (ramblin’ man)
Lord, I got to gamble (gamblin’ man)
Oh, I got to ramble (ramblin’ man)
And I was born a ramblin’ gamblin’ man
I hope you got money, I’m sure gonna need some
Ain’t gonna run out of loving, and I gotta run
Gotta keep moving, never gonna slow down
You can have your funky world, see you ’round
I got to ramble (ramblin’ man)
Yeah, I got to gamble (gamblin’ man)
Oh I got to ramble (ramblin’ man)
I was born a ramblin’ gamblin’ man
Ramblin’ man
Everybody
Gamblin’ man
Ramblin’ man
Gamblin’ man
Ramblin’ man
Gamblin’ man
Alright
The Spirit of the Open Road
“Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” by Bob Seger captures the restless energy of a life lived on the move. Through the narrator’s eyes, we see a character shaped by a rough upbringing, who embraces adventure, risk, and freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who refuses to settle, driven by an inner urge to keep rambling and gambling. There’s a blend of bravado and vulnerability, as the singer admits to not being the best-looking but makes up for it with confidence and charm. The song’s raw, bluesy rock sound amplifies its message of independence and the thrill of living outside the lines.
Song Credits
Songwriter: Bob Seger
Release Year: 1969
Label: Capitol Records