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 forgive* me as ofttimes before
Sure I never will play the wild rover no more

Chorus