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

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."

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 have whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that I spoke 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 me as ofttimes before
Sure I never will play the wild rover no more