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 me 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