DURHOLME - the ley home of the Prince Bishop's Men

The Wild Rover

A traditional one, often played by the Bards

I've been a Wild Rover for many a year
And I spent all my 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.

And it's no, nay, never !
No nay never no more,
Will I play the Wild Rover
No never no more !

I went to an ale-house I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me "Nay;
For such custom like yours I could get any day."

I brought out from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight.
She said "I have whiskey and wines of the best,
And the words that I spoke, they 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 if they forgive me as ofttimes before
Then I never will play the Wild Rover no more.


Traditional, submitted by Jules Fattorini.