I am writing a thesis about the character of the "rambler" or "ramblin' man" in American music. The rambler seems to be a unique character in American mythmaking, holding a special place in folk and blues.

So far, I have found that American rambler songs are more tragic than British and Irish rambler songs. Old world songs were more comedic and sexual. (Did you know "ramble" probably comes from an old Dutch word for an animal roaming in heat?) This difference seems to grow during and after the Dust Bowl, turning the rambler into the lost, dusty character we know today.

I would be interested to hear other people's thoughts on the rambler. Why has he become such a popular character in American folk music? What real-life characters or stories gave rise to this character? What were the key songs in the creation of this character? (So far my key songs are "Rude and Rambling Man," "Oh, Didn't He Ramble," "Ramblin' Round," "House of the Rising Sun," and both the Hank Williams and Allman Brothers' "Ramblin' Man.") Thanks!