I've been the wild rover for many years,
And I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer
And now I'm returning with gold in great store,
And I never will play the wild rover no more.
And it's no, nay, never!
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover?
No, never, no more.
I went to an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me “Nay”,
Saying “Custom like yours I can have any day”.
And it's no, nay, never!
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover?
No, never, no more.
I took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight.
She said “I have whiskeys and wines of the best,
And the words that I told you were only in jest.”
And it's no, nay, never!
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover?
No, never, no more.
I'll go home to my parents, tell them what I've done,
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son,
And when they have kissed me, as oft-times before,
I never will play the wild rover no more.
And it's no, nay, never!
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover?
No, never, no more.
And it's no, nay, never!
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover?
No, never, no more.