For years and years I've rambled,
Drank my wines and gambled
But one day I thought I'd settle down
I met a perfect lady
She said she'd be my baby
We built a cottage in the old hometown.

But somehow I can't forget
My good old rambling days
Now the railroad trains are calling me away
Well, I may be rough, I may be wild
I may be tough and out of style
But I can't give up my good old rough and rowdy ways.

--- Instrumental ---

Now sometimes when I meet a bounder
Who knew me when I was a rounder
He grabs my hand and says, ''Boy have a drink.''
We'd go down to the poolroom
Get in the gang and then soon
The daylight comes before I've had a wink.

But somehow I can't forget
My good old rambling days
Now the railroad trains are calling me away
Well, I may be rough, I may be wild
I may be tough and out of style
But I can't give up my good old rough and rowdy ways...