Ramblin' on My Mind
Wanderlust Blues: Exploring the Melancholy Journey of 'Ramblin' on My Mind' by Robert Johnson
Lyrics
I got ramblin', I got ramblin' on my mind
The singer expresses a feeling of restlessness and a desire to wander.
I got ramblin', I got ramblin' all on my mind
Reiteration of the restlessness and wanderlust present in the singer's mind.
Hate to leave my baby, but you treats me so unkind
The singer is reluctant to leave their significant other but is compelled to do so due to mistreatment.
I got mean things, I got mean things all on my mind
The singer acknowledges having troubling thoughts or concerns on their mind.
Little girl, little girl, I got mean things all on my mind
Repetition of the singer's preoccupation with negative thoughts, particularly about a "little girl."
Hate to leave you here, babe, but you treats me so unkind
Similar to line 3, expressing the conflict between the desire to stay and the mistreatment received.
Runnin' down to the station, catch the first mail train I see
The singer plans to leave, seeking solace in catching the first mail train from the station.
I think I hear her comin' now
The anticipation of hearing someone approaching, possibly the person being left behind.
Runnin' down to the station, catch the old first mail train I see
Reiteration of the intention to leave, emphasizing the urgency by catching the first mail train.
I got the blues about Miss So-and-So and the child got the blues about me
The singer is experiencing the blues, possibly related to a person named Miss So-and-So and reciprocal feelings from a child.
And I'm leavin' this mornin', with my arm' fold' up and cryin'
The singer is departing in the morning, emotionally distressed with folded arms and crying.
And I'm leavin' this mornin', with my arm' fold' up and cryin'
Repetition of the emotional state and the difficulty of leaving.
Hate to leave my baby, but she treats me so unkind
The conflict between the desire to stay with the baby and the mistreatment received.
I got mean things, I've got mean things on my mind
Reiteration of troubling thoughts or concerns occupying the singer's mind.
I got mean things, I got mean things all on my mind
Continuation of the singer's preoccupation with negative thoughts.
I got to leave my baby, well, she treats me so unkind
The necessity to leave the significant other due to their unkind treatment.
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