I have been a wild rover for manys 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
Wild roving I'll give over
Wild roving I'll give over
And I ne'er shall be called
A 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
Saying, Custom like yours, I can have any day
Wild roving I'll give over
Wild roving I'll give over
And I ne'er shall be called
A wild rover no more
So 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
Wild roving I'll give over
Wild roving I'll give over
And I ne'er shall be called
A wild rover no more
I'll go back to me 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
Than I never will play a wild rover no more
Wild roving I'll give over
Wild roving I'll give over
And I ne'er shall be called
A wild rover no more