The Wild Rover is an old folk song that’s been around for hundreds of years. It’s most famous in Ireland, but it actually started in England back in the 1600s. Over time, it became one of the best-known Irish pub songs – all about a man who says he’s done with his wild ways (though no one’s really sure he means it).
It’s been sung by bands like The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers, and it’s still a favorite at pubs and folk sessions everywhere.
Hope you enjoy my version! If you do, give it a like and tell me what song I should try next. 🎶
The Wild Rover
Original author: The song’s origins can be traced to a 17th-century English broadside by Thomas Lanfiere.
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
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover
No, never, 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”
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 says, „I have whiskeys and wines of the best”
And the words that she told me 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 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
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover
No, never, no more
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover
No, never, no more