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.”

[Chorus]

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.

[Chorus]

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.

[Chorus]

[Chorus]