I've been a wild rover for many's the year
and I've spent all my money on whisky and beer.
But now I'm returning with money in great store
and I never will play the wild rover no more.
And it's no nay never, (right up his kilt!)
no nay never no more
will I play the wild rover no never no more.
I went into an ale-house I used to frequent
and I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, She ordered me out
Such a custom as yours I can sure live without
Then out of my pocket I took sovereigns bright
and the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight;
she said: "I have whisky and wine of the best
and the words that I spoke sure were only in jest".
I'll go home to my parents confess what i have done
and I'll ask them to pardon the prodigal son,
and when they've embraced me as oft-times before,
I never will play the wild rover no more