I've been a wild rover for many's the year
And I've spent all my money on 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 it's no, nay, never,
No nay never no more,
Will I play the wild rover
No 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 as yours I can have everyday."
Chorus:
I then took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight.
She says "I have whiskeys and the wines of the best
And the words that you told me 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 when they've caressed me as oft' times before
I never will play the wild rover no more.
Chorus: X2