Lyrics:

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 caress (forgive) me as ofttimes before

Sure I never will play the wild rover no more.



chorus