I've been a wild rover for many a year; I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer. But now I'm returning with gold in great store And never I'll play the wild rover no more
Chorus: And it's no, nay, never, No nay never no more, I'll 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 can get any day.”
[Chorus]
Then out of my pocket I took sovereigns bright, And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight. She said, “I have whiskeys and wines of the best, And the words that I spoke sure were only in jest.”
If I had all the money I'd left in your care, It would plow all my lands and my family rear. It would thatch all my houses, it would build me a barn, It would buy me a coat for to keep my back warm.
I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done And ask them to pardon their prodigal son. And if they'll forgive me, as they've oft done before, I never will play the wild rover no more.
