1.
I've been a wild rover for many's the year,
and I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer,
but now I'm returning with gold in great store,
and I never will play the wild rover no more.
Refrain:
And it's no, nay, never, no, nay, never, no more
will I play the wild rover, no, never no more.
2.
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,
such customs as yours could I have every day."
Refrain:
3.
I brought up from my pockets ten souvereigns 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."
Refrain:
4.
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've caressed me as oft times before,
I never will play the wild rover no more.
