WILD ROVER

I've been a wild rover for many a long year
And I've spent all my money, bots, in fine girls and strong beer
So for my part I will lay up my money in store
And it's never will I play the wild rover no more
CHORUS
Wild rover, wild rover, wild rover no more
And it's never will I play the wild rover no more

I called at some alehouse where I used to resort
The liquor was good but my money run short
I asked them to trust me but their answer was "nay"
Such a customer as you, my boy, we may have any day

Then I pulled out my handfuls of money straightway
It was only to try them to hear what they'd say
"You're welcome, kind sir, to liqour of the best
What I told you before was only in jest"

"Oh no," I replied,"that never will be,
I'll see you all hanged if I spend one penny For a man that's got money, he may sing and may roar,
but a man that's got none must be turned out of doors"

You should see the landlady, at ease in her chair
With her ruffles round her wrists, fine curls in her hair
It's got by our money, boys, as you very well know
And for to maintain them - well, we're fools if we do

Collected by Hammond and Gardiner in 1906 from Henry Lee of Whitchurch, Hants.
Published by the EFDSS in Constant Lovers - 1972