I've been a wild rover for many the years And I've spent all my 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 Nay, never, no more I went to an ale house I used to frequent And told the landlady my money was spent I asked her for credit, she answered me, "Nay, Such a customer as yours I could have any day." I took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight She said, "I have whiskey and wines of the best, And the words that I spoke sure were only in jest." I'll go home to my parents confess what I've done And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son And if they caress me, as oft times before Sure I'll never will play the wild rover no more