I’ve been a wild rover for many a year
I’ve spent all my money on whiskey and beer
Now Ill save up my wages, keep money in store
And I never will play the wild rover no more
And its no, nay, never
No, nay never, no more
For I’ve played the wild rover
But Ill never no more
I went to an alehouse I used to frequent
I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her to trust me, her answer was “Nay
such a custom as yours we can get any day”
Then out of my pockets I took sovereigns bright
And the landladys eyes opened wide with delight
She said “I have whiskeys and wines of the best
Come on upstairs and Ill show you the rest”
Ill go home to my parents and Ill tell what Ive done
And Ill ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they forgive me, as theyve oft done before
O its neer will I play the wild rover no more