I've been a wild rover for many a year
And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I promise to 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 credit, she answered me, 'Nay
sure a custom like yours I could get any day'

And it's no, nay, never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover?
No never no more

And from my pocket I took sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes, they lit up with delight
She said, 'I have whiskeys and wines of the best
And the words that I spoke, sure 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 me parents, confess what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they forgive me as oft-times before
Then I promise I'll 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