Unveiling the Tale Behind Waylon Jennings’s Timeless Hit: “I’m A Ramblin’ Man”
In the realm of country music, Waylon Jennings carved a distinctive path with his chart-topping hit “I’m A Ramblin’ Man.” Although Waylon playfully referred to it as his “bubblegum” country song with a rock and roll flair, the song’s origins were rooted in the realm of “back-porch blues.” This intriguing transformation was the handiwork of songwriter Ray Pennington, inspired by the legendary R & B artist Jimmy Reed.
The mid-1950s marked the birth of this musical masterpiece when Pennington, working at King Records in Cincinnati, conjured it for a band he occasionally moonlighted with. When the airwaves fell short on quality material, Ray would simply craft his own. “I’m A Ramblin’ Man” was no exception. Pennington, deeply captivated by the allure of West Virginia while residing in Cincinnati and finding Chicago irresistibly swinging, cleverly infused these geographical gems into the lyrics.
Fast forward to 1967, and Ray Pennington decided to revamp the arrangement, toning down the bluesy undertones. He released his own rendition under Capitol Records, soaring to #29 on Billboard’s country singles chart. A fortuitous friendship with Waylon Jennings led to a remarkable turn of events. Every time they crossed paths, Waylon would shower Ray with praise for the song, promising that one day, he’d record it himself. This promise lingered for nearly seven years before Waylon decided to make it a reality.
On a momentous day in RCA’s Studio A, February 8, 1974, the stage was set for the recording session. Pennington carried “I’m A Ramblin’ Man” with him, intended for Waylon’s vocal prowess. However, another song, “Oklahoma Sunshine,” held even more allure for Jennings. In a friendly exchange, Waylon offered Pennington a deal: He could have “Oklahoma Sunshine” if he’d allow Waylon to record “I’m A Ramblin’ Man” and assume the role of producer. Ray consented, and both songs were immortalized that day.
Notably, a few months prior to this, Waylon had stirred the pot by recording his previous album, “This Time,” at a different studio owned by Tompall Glaser. RCA initially refused the masters, citing concerns with the electricians’ union. Eventually, the label resolved these issues, permitting Waylon to record most of “Ramblin’ Man” at Glaser Sound Studio, although the eponymous track was laid down at RCA.
“I’m A Ramblin’ Man,” embellished by the spirited lead guitar work of Dave Kirby, ascended to the coveted #1 position on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart on September 28, 1974. This accomplishment, however, came with its share of controversy, as Waylon found himself at odds with the Country Music Association. On October 14, 1974, slated to perform at the CMA awards telecast where he was nominated for “Male Vocalist of the Year,” Waylon was informed that his performance of “I’m A Ramblin’ Man” had to be trimmed to a mere two minutes. Fearing that such brevity would “damage the song,” Waylon took a principled stand and walked off the set.
The puzzling move raised eyebrows. After all, the song had already reached its pinnacle at #1 a few weeks earlier, leaving one to ponder the harm in a truncated performance. Waylon, however, remained steadfast, embodying his signature independent spirit that made him a beloved yet enigmatic figure in the world of country music.
Album: The Ramblin’ Man
Artist: Waylon Jennings
Released: 1974
Lyrics
I’ve been down to Mississippi
Down through New Orléans
Yes I have
I’ve played in California
There ain’t too much I haven’t seen
No there ain’t
Lord, 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
Got a girl in Cincinnati
Waitin’ where the Ohio River flows
Oh, girl
I’m a ramblin’ man
Don’t give your heart to a ramblin’ man
You better move away
You’re standing too close to the plain
Once I mess with the ol’ mind
Your little ol’ heart won’t be the same
But I’m a ramblin’ man
Don’t mess around within your ramblin’ man
You better not
Well, up in Chicago
I was known as quite a 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 better move away
You’re standing too close to the plain
Once I mess with the ol’ mind
Your little ol’ heart won’t be the same
Oh, I’m a ramblin’ man
Don’t mess around with any ol’ ramblin’ man
