On today's program , we will talk about the expression : A rolling stone gathers no moss . Most of you probably know that a stone is the same thing as a rock . But what about moss ? Well , moss is a very soft , green plant . It has very small leaves and does not flower . It loves shade and water . So , moss grows well on wet ground , trees and rocks . In fact , rocks and stones that line shady creeks and rivers are often mossy . Moss grows slowly and is a rootless plant . In fact , to prevent moss from growing on stones in your garden , you can just move the rocks around , turning them over now and then . Because “A rolling stone gathers no moss .” That story explained the expression's connection to rock-and-roll . Writer Shelley Gollust explained that "a rolling stone gathers no moss " can be understood in a couple of ways . It can mean that a person who never settles down in one place will not gather wealth or long-lasting relationships . The moss that slowly spreads across the rock represents the money and friends we make over time . But there is another way we use this expression . Think about a rolling stone . People who are “rolling stones ” live without the restrictions that come with responsibilities . They go where they choose when they choose . And , they don't stay anywhere long enough to form attachments . A free spirit is also a term we use to describe such a person . They are not tied down with lots of traditional responsibilities . A rolling stone could also be described as “nomadic ,” often moving . Experts at the Merriam-Webster online dictionary define a nomad as a “member of a group of people who move from place to place .” Often nomads move around to find food . However , these days we can use the word “nomadic ” to describe anyone who moves around a lot . Now , the rolling stone lifestyle has been explored in many songs including work by Muddy Waters and Bob Dylan . One of the best came from The Temptations in 1972 . “Papa Was a Rolling Stone ” is about a man who leaves his family . In the song the mother tries to explain the father her son never knew .