I've been a wild rover for many a year
And I 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 into an ale-house I used to frequent
And I told the landlady me money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me
"Nay, such a custom as yours I could have any day."
And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No, never no more

And out of me pocket I took 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 said sure 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 if they caress (forgive) me as ofttimes 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