Though this song is very popular in Ireland, it is possibly of Scottish origin, and written as a temperance song in the early nineteenth century, rather than a drinking song. It has also been known in the USA since 1845. It is a staple of most Irish groups, including The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners and The Pogues.
Lyrics and chords:
....... G ................................................. C
I've been a wild rover for many's the year
.................. G ................ D ............ D7 .............. G
And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
...................................................................... C
And now I'm returning with gold in great store
.......... G ............. D ................ D7 .......... G
And I never will play the wild rover no more.
................... D ......... D7
And it's it's no, nay, never
... G .......................... C
- No nay never no more
........... G ................ C
Will I play the wild rover.
...... D7 ........... G
No never no more.
I went to an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit. She answered me, \"Nay,
Such custom as yours I could have every day.\"
I brought from my pocket ten sovereigns bright,
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight.
Says she, \"I have whiskeys and wines of the best,
And the words that I spoke, sure, 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 have done so as oft times before
I never will play the wild rover no more.
Lyrics and chords of many of my songs are no longer available, as my website has expired. I am currently posting lyrics to the information panels on all my videos and those that are too long to post in full will be found here: https://raymondsfolkpage.wordpress.com
