Lyrics:

(Chorus:)

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!
Will I play the wild rover
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'.

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

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.'

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

And it's no, nay, never! (clap-clap-clap-clap)
No, nay, never, no more!
Will I play the wild rover
No, never, no more.

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

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

And it's no, nay, never! (clap-clap-clap-clap)
No, nay, never, no more!
Will I play the wild rover
No, never, no more.