I've been a wild rover for many's the year,
And I've spent all me 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
Chorus:
And it's no, nay, never! (clap-clap-clap-clap)
No, nay, never, no more! (clap-clap)
Will I play the wild rover (clap)
No, never, no more.
I went into an alehouse I used to frequent,
And I told the landlady me money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me, "Nay.
Such a custom like yours I could have any day".
(Chorus)
I took from me pocket ten sovereigns bright,
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight.
She says, "I have whiskeys and wines of the best,
And those words that you told me were only in jest."
(Chorus)
I go home to my parents, confess what I've done
And I ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And when they've caressed me as oft times before
I never will play the wild rover no more