To lead a semi-nomadic existence, traveling from town to town, making a living from odd jobs. To be rootless and transient, calling no one place home.
Sung about often in old
folk music, which was written from the perspective of humble, working people, many of whom traveled from town to town in search of work during the
Gread Depression. Often used, particularly in the work of Woody Gutherie, as a metaphor
for life's journey.
"My mother prayed that I would be
A man of some renown
But I am just a refugee
As I go
ramblin' round."--Woody Gutherie, "Ramble Round."
"Now as through this life I ramble
I've seen lots of funny men
Some will rob you with a
six-gun
And some with a fountain pen
And as through this life you ramble
And through this life you roam
You will never see an outlaw
Rob a family of their home."--Woody Gutherie, "Ballad of
Pretty Boy Floyd."