The Wild Rover
I've been a wild rover for many a year
And I spent all my 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.
And it's no, nay, never,
No nay never no more,
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more.
I went to an ale-house I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me "nay
Such customs as 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 whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that I spoke sure 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 have none of your whiskeys nor fine Spanish wines,
For your words show you clearly as no friend of mine.
There's others most willing to open a door,
To a man coming home from a far distant shore.
And it's no, nay, never,
No nay never no more,
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more.
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 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.