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

And it's no (clap clap) nay (clap clap) never (clap clap, clap clap)
No nay never no more (clap clap)
Will I play the wild rover, (clap)
No never, no more

I went in to an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady me money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "Nay!"
"Sure it's custom like yours I could have any day!"

And it's no (clap clap) nay (clap clap) never (clap clap, clap clap)
No nay never no more (clap clap)
Will I play the wild rover, (clap)
No never, no more

Well I took from me 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 spoke, they were only in jest!"

And it's no (clap clap) nay (clap clap) never (clap clap, clap clap)
No nay never no more (clap clap)
Will I play the wild rover, (clap)
No never, no more

I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done
And ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they caress me as oft times before
I never will play the wild rover no more.

And it's no (clap clap) nay (clap clap) never (clap clap, clap clap)
No nay never no more (clap clap)
Will I play the wild rover, (clap)
No never, no more

And it's no (clap clap) nay (clap clap) never (clap clap, clap clap)
No nay never no more (clap clap)
Will I play the wild rover, (clap)
No never, no more