I’ve been a wild rover for many’s the year
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
And it’s No, Nay, never
No, nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
I went in to an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady me money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me nay
Such a customer as you 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 up from my pocket, ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady’s eyes opened wide with delight
She says «I have whiskeys and wines of the best
And the words that you 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
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