Burl Ives - The Wild Rover



I've played the 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 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 to an alehouse I used to frequent

And I told the landlady my money was spent

I asked her for a Red Stripe, she answered me "nay"

She said, "Patrons 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.



From out of my pockets I took moneys bright

And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight

She said, "I have Red Stripes, and wines of the best,

And the words that I said, son, 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 back to Jamaica and lie in the sun

But I will play the part of the prodigal son

And if my girl loves me, as oft' times before

Then 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.