"Ramblin' Fever" is a song about Merle Haggard's restless spirit and love of traveling. The song is about the desire to constantly be on the move, to always be exploring new places and people. Haggard sings about his hat never staying in one place for too long, his ears craving new sounds and his feet unwilling to get bogged down in the mud. The song tells the story of how Haggard caught this “ramblin' fever” when he first heard a lonesome whistle blow. Since then, he has been unable to shake the desire to travel and explore new places. He talks about how he doesn't let anyone tie him down and how he wants to die on the highway. There is a longing in the song for the comfort of a home and a partner, but ultimately Haggard's love of traveling and exploring is what drives him. The song suggests that this restlessness is not something that can be cured, but instead is a part of who he is. Overall, "Ramblin' Fever" is a celebration of the wanderer's spirit and the love of adventure. It speaks to those who feel the call of the open road and the desire to explore the world around them.
