I’ve been a wild rover for many a 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

Refrein:
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay, never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

So 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
Such a customer as you I can have every day

Then I took from my pocket ten souvereins bright
And the landlady’s eyes opened wide with delight
She said I have whiskeys and wines of the best
And the answer she gave that was only a jest

I went to my parents, confessed what I’d done
And I asked them to pardon their prodigal son
And soon they caressed me as oft times before
And I never will play the wild rover no more