Wild Rover

Performed by Marc Gunn
From: Irish Drinking Songs: A Cat Lover's Companion

Wild Rover Lyrics and music traditional

I've been a wild rover for many a year,
And I spent all my money on whiskey and beer,
But now I've returned 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 rover
No never, no more.

I went down to an ale house I used to frequent,
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, but she answered me "Nay.
Such custom like yours I could have any day."

I took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright,
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight,
She said, "I have whiskeys and wines of the best,
And I'll take you upstairs, and I'll show you the rest.

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 caress me as oft times before,
I never will play the wild rover no more!

Chords: KEY F

verse

[F]I've been a wild rover for many a [Bb]year,
And I [F]spent all my money on [C]whiskey and [F]beer,
But now I've returned with gold in great [Bb]store,
And I [F]never will play the wild [C]rover no [F]more.

chorus

[C]And it's no, nay, [C7]never
[F]No, nay, never, no [Bb]more,
Will I [F]play the wild [Bb]rover
No [F]nev-[C]er, no [F]more.

 

Background

"Wild Rover" is arguably the most famous Irish drinking song. Though that is contested. Is it an Irish drinking song or a temperance song? Is it Irish or was it written in Scotland or England?

It is song number 1173 in the Roud Folk Song Index. It dates back to the sixteenth century with numerous versions found in Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada and Australia.

The best place to learn to play Wild Rover is right here. You'll find the lyrics and chords, plus an audio recording and videos so you can sing and play along.

 

Wild Rover Videos

from video single

 

from the Irish Drinking Songs CD

from St Patrick's Day Top 5