I've been a wild rover for many's a year
And I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer
And now I'm returnin' with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more.
And it's No! Nay! Never!
No nay never no more
And I'll 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
Saying, "Custom like yours
I can have any day!"
And it's No! Nay! Never!
No nay never no more
And I'll play the wild rover
No never no more.
I took from my pocket ten 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 told you were only in jest."
And it's No! Nay! Never!
No nay never no more
And I'll play the wild rover
No never no more.
I'll go home to my parents,
confess what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon
their prodigal son
And when they have kissed me
as oft-times before
I never will play the wild rover no more.
