The song "I've Been Walkin'" by Ernest Tubb tells the story of a person who couldn't sleep and started walking in their house, feeling restless and troubled by someone's absence. The protagonist indicates that they have been walking throughout the night, trying to understand where the person they are singing about has gone and what is keeping them away. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist's lover or someone they deeply care about has left without any explanation or farewell. The person left it up to the protagonist to figure out what happened and why they are no longer around. This sudden departure has left the protagonist feeling confused and lost. Throughout the song, the protagonist emphasizes their restlessness by saying that they have walked a significant distance without even leaving their house. They mention wearing out their new Sunday slippers, creating a hole in them, and destroying their new carpet by walking back and forth repeatedly. The lyrics also mention smoking numerous cigarettes, perhaps as a way to cope with their emotions and pass the time. The overall tone of the song is one of longing, frustration, and a desperate desire for answers. Ernest Tubb's "I've Been Walkin'" captures the feelings of confusion, abandonment, and the internal struggle experienced when someone close disappears without a trace. The song conveys the restless journey of the protagonist as they try to make sense of the situation, and highlights the emotional toll it takes on them.
