I've been a wild rover for many a year
And I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer,
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And never I'll play the wild rover no more.
I went to a shanty, I used to frequent
And told the landlady my money were spent,
I asked her for credit, she answered me «Nay»
Saying, «Customers like you I can get any day».
And it's no nay never,
No nay never no more,
Will I play the wild rover?
No never no more!
I drew from my pocket ten sovereigns bright,
The landlady's eyes opened wide with delight,
Saying, «I have the whiskey and wine 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 hope they will pardon their prodigal son
And if they will do as so often before
No never I'll 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!