I've been a wild rover for many's a year
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, no, never no more

I went into an alehouse that I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "nay
Such a custom as yours I can have any day"
"Nay, such a custom as yours I can have every day."
          And it's no, nay, never . . .

Then out of my pockets I took 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 said, they were only in jest"
"Nay, such a custom as yours I can have every day."
          And it's no, nay, never . . .

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
Then I never will play the Wild Rover no more
"Nay, such a custom as yours I can have every day."
          And it's no, nay, never . . .