I've played the wild rover for many 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.

*Chorus*
And it's no, nay, never (right up your kilt!)
No, nay, never, no more,
Will I play the wild rover,
No, never, no more.

I went into an alehouse I used to frequent,
And I told the landlady me money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me nay,
Such custom as yours I can have any day.

*Chorus*
And it's no, nay, never (right up your kilt!)
No, nay, never, no more,
Will I play the wild rover,
No, never, no more.

I reached into me pocket, pulled out sovereigns bright,
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight.
She said "I have whiskey and wines, all the best,
And the words that I spoke you were only in jest."

*Chorus*
And it's no, nay, never (right up your kilt!)
No, nay, never, no more,
Will I play the wild rover,
No, never, no more.

I went home to me parents, confessed what I done,
And asked them to pardon their prodigal son.
And as they caressed me as oft times before,
I promised to play the wild rover no more.

*Chorus*
And it's no, nay, never (right up your kilt!)
No, nay, never, no more,
Will I play the wild rover,
No, never, no more.