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 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 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 sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
She said I'd have whiskey 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