Yeah, I’m gonna tell my tale
Come on, come on,
I give a listen
‘Cause I was born lonely down by the riverside
Learned to spin fortune wheels, and throw dice
And I was just thirteen when I had to leave home
Knew I couldn’t stick around, I had to roam
Ain’t good looking, but you know I ain’t shy
Ain’t afraid to look a girl, hey, 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
But I got to ramble (ramblin’ man)
Oh I got to gamble (gamblin’ man)
Got to got to ramble (ramblin’ man)
I was born a ramblin’ gamblin’ man
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Bring it on, come down
Yeah alright, here we go now now now
I’m out of money, ’cause you know I need some
Ain’t around to loving, and I must run
Gotta keep moving, never gonna slow down
You can have your funky world, see you ’round
‘Cause I got to ramble (ramblin’ man)
Oh I got to gamble (gamblin’ man)
I got to ramble (ramblin’ man)
I was born a ramblin’ gamblin’ man
Just a rambler
I’m just a gambler
Come on and sing along
‘Cause I’m just a rambler
Ramblin’ man
Come on I’m a gambler
Gamblin’ man
Rambler
Ramblin’ man
I’m a rambler
Gamblin’ man
Rambler
Ramblin’ man
The Call of the Open Road
“Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” by Bob Seger captures the restless spirit of a drifter who embraces a life of freedom, risk, and adventure. The narrator, born by the riverside and forced to leave home at thirteen, reveals a life shaped by chance and movement. He’s unafraid to take risks, whether it’s spinning fortune wheels or seeking new romantic connections. The repeated chorus underscores his need to keep moving—rambling and gambling are not just habits, but an identity he can’t shake off. The energetic delivery and raw honesty give the song a timeless, rebellious edge.
Credits
Songwriter: Bob Seger
Release Year: 1969
Label: Capitol Records