Chorus (after each verse):
And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover
No, never, no more

I've been a wild rover for many's a 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 went into an alehouse 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 could have any day"

Then out of my pocket 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 spoke, they 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
I never will play the wild rover no more

(Chorus 3x)