I previously detailed a Led Zepplin song, Stairway to Heaven, as a tribute to my cousin who passed away too early at the young age of 45. From what I learned, he preferred their song, Ramble On. It is one of Led Zeppelin’s most enduring songs. Once again, upon reflection, I see the depth to the lyrics I never saw before.
Leaves are falling all around
It’s time I was on my way.
Thanks to you I’m much obliged
For such a pleasant stay.
But now it’s time for me to go
The autumn moon lights my way.
It turns out the British have more than one word for walking. There is, of course, a “walk,” something we do to get from the parking lot to the office. There is a “hike,” a long trek of many miles. Then there is a “ramble,” to walk for pleasure, often in the countryside. The concept of the wandering minstrel “rambling on” – going from place to place and constantly moving forward – is one Robert Plant, a British citizen, embraced.
Ramble, as well as its synonym – amble, are words, like cherish, we no
longer use today. We have become wired to move quickly from one thing to another. I need to be intentional and ramble along at a gentle pace. I too often walk in what some call a ‘commuter’s walk’ – head down, quick pace, focused on getting to my destination. I once had a total stranger call out to me ‘Semper Fi’ thinking I was a Marine based on how I walked. I took it as a compliment. However, when I am walking the dog with my wife or enjoying a walk on the beach, this pace works against creating enjoyment. I need to row my boat gently down the stream.
“As you ramble on through life, brother, whatever be your goal: keep your eyes upon the donut, and not upon the hole.” – Murray Banks
In some circles, ramble on is another expression for ‘get going’ and to an extent ‘farewell’ – “Sorry dude, I’ve got to ramble on.” My cousin was aware of his situation and the length of time he had left. His focus was not on the length, but the width of his life; to ramble being fulfilled as well as pouring 
into others. The sci-fi action film, Oblivion, starring Tom Cruise, includes Zepplin’s “Ramble On.” The song stands in sharp contrast to the rest of the post-apocalyptic film. It plays on an antique record player in a remote cabin while our protagonist questions his purpose as well as who he is.
I am not sure Rascal Flatts carried as much weight with my cousin as it does with me, but ‘Ramble On’ in so many ways reminds me of their song, ‘Stand.’ It is an inspiring song about facing problems in our lives, overcoming them, and moving on. It’s a theme common to many Rascal Flatts songs: the power of perseverance mixed with a little faith.
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you’re made of
You might bend till you break
‘Cause it’s all you can take
On your knees, you look up
Decide you’ve had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you stand, then you stand
These songs remind me that my track record for getting through bad days is 100 percent and that life offers endless mountains to scale. Beyond this mountain will be …. more mountains. Ever onward, ever forward, ever higher. H. Jackson Brown, an American author who was best known for his New York Times Best Seller inspirational book, Life’s Little Instruction Book, said: “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins . . . not through strength but by perseverance” – by rambling on.
In the Acts of the Apostles (8:26-39), Philip, one of the seven deacons, is called to get up and go (ramble on) and accompany an Ethiopian eunuch on both his physical journey, along the road to Gaza, and on his journey of faith. Philip, in relaying his account of the journey to Luke, reported that he was “found” at Azotus. Some scholars believe that in a state of ecstasy from his encounter with the eunuch, he rambled on with a suspension of the normal activity of consciousness, arriving at Azotus with no recollection of how. He then continued his journey from Azotus to Caesarea, a distance of about 53 miles, and stopping at every city along the way to tell everyone who would listen about Jesus.
Rambling on allows for reflection. Reflection allows us to see deeper, beyond first appearances and sound bites; to see the fullness of God’s blessings. We are called to Philip’s example to walk alongside those in our community to serve and witness our faith. We need to be deliberate about our pace so we can walk, and ramble on, alongside others, as the autumn moon lights our way.
