I've been a wild rover for many the year
And I spent all my money for whiskey and beer,
But now I'm returning with gold in great store,
And I never will play the wild rover no more.
Chorus:
And itÂ’s no nay never, no nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover, no nay never no more.
I went into an ale-house I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me "nay
Such a custom like yours I could have any day".
Chorus
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 word that I spoke sure were only in jest".
Chorus
I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they caress me as oft times before
Sure I never will play the wild rover no more.
Chorus
