I've been a wild rover for many a year

And I spent all my money on whiskey and beer,

And 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 to 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 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 words 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 ofttimes before

Sure I never will play the wild rover no more.



Chorus: