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 forgive* me as ofttimes before Sure I never will play the wild rover no more.