Wild Rover Lyrics: Clap Along With a Beloved Folk Song

Wild Rover lyrics tell the story behind a wildly popular Irish song. It's so popular, in fact, that it's sometimes referred to as Ireland's second national anthem.  The song is about a man drinking in a pub who, at the last verse, decides to change his ways and leave alcohol behind. 

Does this "sound" familiar?

I've been a wild rover for many a year
And I've 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
And I'll play the wild rover
No never, no more

In a hurry?  Tap here to see ALL Wild Rover lyrics, plus two examples of our favorite performances of the song.

Interested in few more fun facts and ideas?  Read on for some really interesting information about this beloved "Irish" song.

Things to Know About Wild Rover

Here are five fun facts about the "Irish" song - Wild Rover.  Hopefully they will entice you to sing along next time you hear it!

1. Interestingly, it seems that The Wild Rover was intended to be a song about temperance. Most people today, however, think that the song's verse about reform is just said in jest. Its origins are funny when you consider that it is now such a popular drinking song in Ireland and around the world.
2. There is plenty of debate about whether the song is originally English or Irish. Early written copies were found around the globe in places like the United States, England and Australia.
3. Even before there were written or recorded versions of Wild Rover lyrics, it was sung around the globe. Some of the earliest singers of the song, and perhaps some of the people responsible for spreading its popularity, where fishing crews in the Atlantic who traveled extensively. 
4. The Wild Rover is now a song closely associated with soccer in Europe. At away games, the Celtic Football Club sing the song, and it is sung at many soccer games in England. The lyrics are sometimes adapted to suit the specific location or team in question.
5. While The Wild Rover has long been associated with Ireland, new audiences experience the song thanks to new recordings. Some of the notable acts who have sung The Wild Rover include The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, The Pogues, Burl Ives and Dropkick Murphys.

Wild Rover Lyrics

I've been a wild rover for many a year
And I've 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
And I'll play the wild rover
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"
Saying, "Custom like yours, I can have any day"

And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
And I'll 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 said, "I have whiskeys and wines of the best
And the words that I told you were only in jest"

And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
And I'll 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 have kissed me as oft-times before
I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
And I'll play the wild rover
No never, no more

Songwriters: Frank Ifield / Norrie Paramor

Wild Rover lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Our Favorite Performance of Wild Rover

We enjoy the live stage performance and audience participation from - The High Kings!

Another Version - Which Do You Like Better?

And you can't go wrong with - the Dubliners!

How to Use Irish Rover Lyrics

Well it probably goes without saying, but the best way to express your Irish Side using Wild Rover lyrics is ... to SING!  Visit a favorite Irish pub that offers live music.  Involve your guests in a sing-along at your next St Patrick's Day Party.

Want More Irish Song Lyrics?

It is probably obvious - at Irish Expressions, we love Irish songs!  The music of the Emerald Isle brings people together, telling stories that touch every human emotion.

Learning the lyrics and singing these songs gives us a deeper sense of connection with Ireland, wherever in the world we happen to be!

To help you build your own personal Irish songbook, we have over the years created many downloadable, share-able Irish games, puzzles, recipes, song lyrics, quizzes, and much, much more.

Want them right now?  Keep reading to learn about "Your Irish Expressions Playbook."

More Fun With Irish Expressions

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