I've been a wild rover

for many a year
I spent all me 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 to an alehouse

I used to frequent
I told the landlady

my money's all spent
I asked her for credit,

she answered me "Nay!"

Such 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 whiskeys

and wines on the best! 

And the words that I told you

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

x2

​

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 oftimes before

Then 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

x2

​