The Wild Rover

I've been a wild rover for many a year

And I spent all me money on whiskey and beer

But now I've returned with gold in great store

And I ne'er 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 down to an ale house I used to frequent

And I told the landlady my money was spent

When I asked her for credit, she answered me: Nay

Such custom like yours I could have any day

And it's no, nay, never

No, nay, never, no more

Will I play the wild rover

No, never, no more

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

The words that I spoke, sir, were only in jest*

And it's no, nay, never

No, nay, never, no more

Will I play the wild rover

No, never, no more

I'll come home to me parents, confess what I've done

And hope they will pardon their prodigal son

And if they embrace me as oft times before

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

*alternate line for the end of this verse: And I'll take you upstairs to show you the rest