I've been a wild rover for manys the year
And I spent all mi money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I'll never will play the wild rover no more.

Refrein:
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 mi money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "nay
Such a custom as yours I can have every day".

Refrein.

I then took from mi 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".

Refrein.

I'll go home to my parents, confessed what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And when they've caressed me as ofttimes before
I never will play the wild rover no more.

Refrein (2×).