I’ve been a wild rover for many’s the year
And I’ve spent all my 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

And it’s no, nay, never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never, no more

I went into 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 custom as yours I can have any day

And it’s no, nay, never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never, no more

I took from my pocket ten euros bright
And the landlady’s eyes opened wide with delight
She says I’d have whiskies and wines of the best
And the words that she told me were only in jest

And it’s no, nay, never
No nay never no more
Will I 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’ve caressed me as oft times before
Then I never will play the wild rover no more

And it’s no, nay, never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never, no more


(c) Folkaholics (traditional)