I've been a wild rover for many a year
I spent all me 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
And it's no nay never, no nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover, no never, no more
I went in to an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady me money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "Nay!"
"Such custom as yours I could 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 out of me pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
She said: "I have whiskeys and wines on 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, confess what I've done
And ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And when they've caressed me as oftimes 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