And it's no, nay, never! No, nay, never, no more,
Will I play the wild rover. No never no more!
I've been a wild rover for many's the year,
And I spent all me money on whiskey and beer.
And now I'm returning with gold in great store,
Ad I never will play the wild rover no more.
I went to an alehouse I used to frequent,
Ad I told the landlady me money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me «nay,
Such a custom as yours I could have any day».
I took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight.
She said «I have whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that I spoke sure were only in jest».
I'll go home to me parents, confess what I've done,
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son.
And if they forgive me as oft times before,
I never will play the wild rover no more.