(Traditional)

I've been a wild rover for many's a year,

And I've 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



And it's no, nay, never!

No nay never no more

And I'll play the wild rover,

No never no more



I went to an alehouse I used to frequent,

And I told the landlady my money was spent

I asked her for credit, she answered me, "Nay",

Saying, "Custom like yours I can have any day"



And it's no, nay, never!

No nay never no more

And I'll 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 have whiskeys and wines of the best,

And the words that I told you were only in jest"



And it's no, nay, never!

No nay never no more

And I'll 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 have kissed 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

And I'll play the wild rover,

No never no more