Burl Ives — The Wild Rover
I’ve played the Wild Rover for many a year
And I’ve spent all my 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 to an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for a Red Stripe, she answered me «nay»
She said, «Patrons like you, I can get any day!»
And it’s no, nay, never
No nay never no more
Will I play the Wild Rover
No never, no more.
From out of my pockets I took moneys bright
And the landlady’s eyes opened wide with delight
She said, «I have Red Stripes, and wines of the best,
And the words that I said, son, 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 back to Jamaica and lie in the sun
But I will play the part of the prodigal son
And if my girl loves 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.
