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