I've been a wild rover for many a year

And I spent all my money on whisky and beer.

But now I'm returning with gold in great store

And I swear I will play the wild rover no more and its

 

Chorus :

No nay never - no, nay never no more,

will I play the wild rover, no never no more.

 

I went into an ale-house I used to frequent,

And I told the land-lady my money was spent.

I asked her for credit but she answered me nae,

Such custom as yours I can get any day.

 

I took from my pocket a handful of gold,

And on the round table it glittered and rolled,

I asked her for whisky and beer of the best,

What I told you before, it was only in jest.

 

I'll go back to my parents, confess what I've done

And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son.

And when they forgive me as oft times before,

Then I swear I will play the wild rover no more.