Rock

Ramblin’ Man Chords

The Allman Brothers Band Beginner Key of G 5 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Ramblin’ Man Chords – Guitar

The Allman Brothers Band’s classic Southern rock anthem about a wandering soul. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, relaxed tempo to capture the song’s rolling feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 2

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 3

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Bridge

C G

Please don’t you worry about me

C G

’Cause I’m as happy as a man can be

C G

I’m a rambler, I’m a gambler

C

I’m a long way from my home

G

And I don’t care

Verse 4

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Outro

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Practice tip: Master the G to C transition, as it’s the most common change in the song; practice it slowly until it’s automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Ramblin’ Man"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Ramblin’ Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Ramblin’ Man" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Ramblin’ Man"?

It was written by Dickey Betts, and released in 1973.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Ramblin’ Man Chords – Ukulele

The Allman Brothers Band’s classic Southern rock anthem about a wandering soul. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, relaxed tempo to capture the song’s rolling feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 2

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 3

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Bridge

C G

Please don’t you worry about me

C G

’Cause I’m as happy as a man can be

C G

I’m a rambler, I’m a gambler

C

I’m a long way from my home

G

And I don’t care

Verse 4

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Outro

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Practice tip: Master the G to C transition, as it’s the most common change in the song; practice it slowly until it’s automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Ramblin’ Man"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Ramblin’ Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Ramblin’ Man" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Ramblin’ Man"?

It was written by Dickey Betts, and released in 1973.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Ramblin’ Man Chords – Piano

The Allman Brothers Band’s classic Southern rock anthem about a wandering soul. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, relaxed tempo to capture the song’s rolling feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 2

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 3

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Bridge

C G

Please don’t you worry about me

C G

’Cause I’m as happy as a man can be

C G

I’m a rambler, I’m a gambler

C

I’m a long way from my home

G

And I don’t care

Verse 4

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Outro

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Practice tip: Master the G to C transition, as it’s the most common change in the song; practice it slowly until it’s automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Ramblin’ Man"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Ramblin’ Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Ramblin’ Man" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Ramblin’ Man"?

It was written by Dickey Betts, and released in 1973.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Ramblin’ Man Chords – Banjo

The Allman Brothers Band’s classic Southern rock anthem about a wandering soul. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, relaxed tempo to capture the song’s rolling feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 2

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 3

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Bridge

C G

Please don’t you worry about me

C G

’Cause I’m as happy as a man can be

C G

I’m a rambler, I’m a gambler

C

I’m a long way from my home

G

And I don’t care

Verse 4

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Outro

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Practice tip: Master the G to C transition, as it’s the most common change in the song; practice it slowly until it’s automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Ramblin’ Man"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Ramblin’ Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Ramblin’ Man" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Ramblin’ Man"?

It was written by Dickey Betts, and released in 1973.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Ramblin’ Man Chords – Mandolin

The Allman Brothers Band’s classic Southern rock anthem about a wandering soul. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, relaxed tempo to capture the song’s rolling feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 2

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 3

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Bridge

C G

Please don’t you worry about me

C G

’Cause I’m as happy as a man can be

C G

I’m a rambler, I’m a gambler

C

I’m a long way from my home

G

And I don’t care

Verse 4

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Outro

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Practice tip: Master the G to C transition, as it’s the most common change in the song; practice it slowly until it’s automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Ramblin’ Man"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Ramblin’ Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Ramblin’ Man" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Ramblin’ Man"?

It was written by Dickey Betts, and released in 1973.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Amtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D · Em · Am

Ramblin’ Man Chords – Harmonica

The Allman Brothers Band’s classic Southern rock anthem about a wandering soul. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Rock Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep a steady, relaxed tempo to capture the song’s rolling feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 2

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Verse 3

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Bridge

C G

Please don’t you worry about me

C G

’Cause I’m as happy as a man can be

C G

I’m a rambler, I’m a gambler

C

I’m a long way from my home

G

And I don’t care

Verse 4

G C G

I’m on my way to New Orleans this mornin’

Leavin’ out of Nashville, Tennessee

G

They’re always havin’ a good time down on the bayou

C G

Lord, and them Delta women think the world of me

Chorus

C G

My father was a gambler down in Georgia

C G

He wound up on the wrong end of a gun

C G

And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus

C G

Rollin’ down Highway forty-one

Outro

G C G

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man

C

Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can

G

And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand

C G

That I was born a ramblin’ man

Practice tip: Master the G to C transition, as it’s the most common change in the song; practice it slowly until it’s automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Ramblin’ Man"?

You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D, Em and Am.

Is "Ramblin’ Man" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Ramblin’ Man" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Ramblin’ Man"?

It was written by Dickey Betts, and released in 1973.