I've been a wild rover for many's the year

I've spent all me 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

I went into an ale-house I used to frequent

I told the landlady me money was spent

I asked her for credit, she answered me, "Nay

Such a custom as yours I can have any day"

I took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright

And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight

She says, "I have whiskeys and wines of the best"

And the words that she told me 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 when they've caressed me as oft' times before

Then I never will play the wild rover no more