I've been a wild rover for many a year
And I've 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
And I'll play the wild rover
No never, no more

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"
Saying, "Custom like yours, I can have any day"

And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
And I'll 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 of the best
And the words that I told you were only in jest"

And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
And I'll 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 when they have kissed me as oft-times before
I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
And I'll play the wild rover
No never, no more