Alternative words for the Wild Rover??

Subject: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Brack&
Date: 28 Nov 98 - 08:42 PM

Does anyone know alternative versions of this song?

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Click for related thread

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Barbara
Date: 29 Nov 98 - 12:13 AM

Heard an English version, very melancholy, and in minor, done I believe by Robin and Barry Dransfield. The record is no longer in my possession. It might possibly be on Folksongs of Merry old England, Tim Hart and Maddy Prior. Trust the English to take all the fun out of the situation and make it a lugubrious moral lament.
Shall I duck and run now?
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Nov 98 - 12:42 AM

Do duck Barbara, I've never thought of that song as being much fun, only over done. I heard a version like your discribing & since, I've never heard it done better. All I can recall about it was the repeating in the chorus was "I'll give over, I'll give over" no "no nay never" in it. I won't go on about the comment on the Brits, being a Yank but I'm sure their coming & your gonna need the cover, you'll have no where to run, no where to hide, you'll be asking the rock to hide you, OK I'll stop with the cover songs. Barry who's getting carried away.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: gargoyle
Date: 29 Nov 98 - 12:47 AM

Perchance is it Rover?

Or by the Limelighters

I am a rover, down from Dover
I am a rover, bold and free
I am a friend to all the women
Still, there's only one for me

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Barbara
Date: 29 Nov 98 - 01:35 AM

This is reaching, but I think the version I am remembering was called something like "The Prodigal Returns" or the Prodigal Drinker. And I don't recall that chorus, Barry. Obviously the " NO NAY NEVER rap rap rap rap", part wouldn't work, but I think the chorus to the one I heard began with "No Nay Never No more..."
A lot of catchy songs die at least temporarily from overuse. I can actually remember a time when I enjoyed singing 'The Black Velvet Band' about 35 years ago...
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Ian Kirk
Date: 29 Nov 98 - 12:17 PM

I have heard that a group called the Kipper family did a pastiche of this song linked with Spencer the Rover. Soemthing like

These words were composed by Spencer the Rover Who travelled Great Britain and most parts of Wales He had been so reduced which caused such confusion And he never will play the Wild Rover no more

And it's no nay never etc.

Ian

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Martin Ryan.
Date: 29 Nov 98 - 05:13 PM

"Wild roving, I'll give it over, wild roving give o'er
And I ne'er shall be called a rover no more"

As Barry says, a minor-ish, slightly lugubrious melody, and one or two more verses thtn the now standard, rollicking one. My guess is that the sadder, English one is the older. I find I'm often at about verse 3 before an Irish audience recognises it!

Regards

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Nov 98 - 06:17 PM

That's the one Martin, I can still remember the tune for the chorus but don't recall if the verse is the same as the "No Nay Never" version. It's a far more likable version than the widely wildly more common version. I first heard this & a beautiful version of "Lambs On the Green Hills" by a great guitar player, Brian Kelly about 15 yrs ago at a small house party, he claimed he couldn't sing but he was great, guess he still feels that way, never hear him singing with his group. Barry

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: May
Date: 29 Nov 98 - 06:27 PM

I don't have very different words but if you can trace a Kentigern version on an album released in 1979 (their only album) you will find a very different tune - with slightly different words.

It is sung as more of a ballad and is beautiful!

Good luck

May

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Martin Ryan.
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 05:53 AM

Barry,

Basically one exra verse and some minor alterations. Can't remember where I first heard it - John Faulkner certainly recorded one like it, as did the PRess Gnag (Irish) many years ago.
The song is on English and Irish ballad sheets from late 18th C. on, at least.

Regards

Subject: Lyr Add: THE WILD ROVER (additional verse)
From: Håvard
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 07:06 AM

A friend of mine does this extra verse (usually when the song is requested):

I've been a folk singer for many a year
"Can you sching the wild roverrr?" (drunken voice)
is all that I hear
But now I'm retireing to live on the dole
And I NEVER will sing "the Wild Rover" no more!

Håvard

Subject: Add Version: THE WILD ROVER
From: Antaine
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 10:31 AM

THE WILD ROVER

1
I have been a wild rover, this many's the year,
And I've spent all my money, drinking ale and strong beer,
But now for the future, I will take better care,
In case that misfortune shall fall to my share.

Refrain:
Wild roving I'll give it over,
Wild roving give o'er,
And I ne'er will be called the,
Wild rover no more.

2
I went into an alehouse, I used to resort,
And I told the landlady, my money was short,
When she heard of my story, to me she did say,
I can have many customers like you any day.

3
I put my hand in my pocket, some money to find,
And I pulled out the full of, my two fists,…five times,
When she saw that I had the money, and money go leor, (1)
When she saw that I had the money, she called me her stór. (2)
She says, "I have the whiskey, and that of the best,
And the words that I have spoken, were only in jest."

4
If I had all the money, I have placed in your care,
It would till all my lands and, my family rear,
It would thatch all my houses. It would build me a barn.
It would buy me a coat for to keep my back warm.

Nótaí/Notes:
1. go leor = lots of
2. stór = treasure

This song I got from my good friend and great singer Gerry Cullen. He told me at the time that it was a Mary-Ann Carolan song. I like it a lot, particularly the last verse, where the singer addresses the landlady behind the bar. Over the years however, I've got into the habit of singing the song with my fingers crossed during the refrain!

Leagan an-deas é den amhrán coitianta atá ann.

The above version is sung to a different and slower tune than the one usually used. I do not know of any recordings of it.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Martin Ryan.
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 01:16 PM

Antaine,

On the old Press Gang (sic) LP, they sang very much that version under the title "Drogheda Wild Rover" - no doubt the same source as Gerrys.

Regards

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: BAZ
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 04:54 PM

Barbara
Duck -> -> -> -> ->
Trust the English indeed (:~)
If you want a bit of fun with the audience and the Wild Rover try singing it to the tune of Ghost Riders in The Sky complete with Yipee Yi Oh's confuses em no end.
Regards Baz

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: alison
Date: 30 Nov 98 - 07:05 PM

Hi,

I was sure the "Hell's angel" one was in the database.... couldn't see it though

I've been a Hell's angel for many's a year
and I've spent all my money on black leather gear......

There is a new group over here who do that version of the Wild Rover mentioned above....... I think they're putting it on their CD. It's a good tune. Pity I can only remember the chorus.

slainte

alison

Subject: Lyr Add: WILD ROVER parody (Imlach & MacKintosh)
From:
Date: 01 Dec 98 - 03:19 AM

Hamish Imlach and Iain MacKintosh came up with this rewrite:

We've both been folksingers for twenty-five years
We will sing half the night for the fun and free beers
But now that we're older we both know the score
No we never will play the Wild Rover no more

I know it's a song one that pleases the folk
But I have to admit that it just makes me choke
A night with a sore tooth is more fun to me
Than to sing even one verse, never mind two or three

It's a song that's requested again and again
If I hear it once more it'll drive me insane
The words all sound stupid it just makes me wild
And the tune could be learnt by a two-year old child

I'll go to a folk club, take a shotgun along
And I'll shoot the first bastard who asks for that song
And the hangman will say as I fall through the floor
Now you never will play the Wild Rover no more

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Martin Ryan.
Date: 01 Dec 98 - 04:24 AM

Alison

"Hell's Angel" is in there alright!

Regards

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: PHILIPPA
Date: 01 Dec 98 - 06:22 AM

just to reiterate May's recommendation of the Kentigern album, basically same words, but beautiful haunting melody (completely alters character of the song)

Níl sé 'na Lá , many versions recorded by many singers, including Clannad and Jimmy Crowley, is basically the same story, usually rendered in the jolly mode

Subject: Lyr Add: THE HARD DRINKER
From: mikeIreland
Date: 01 Dec 98 - 06:17 PM

Some more words hope they help

THE HARD DRINKER
Sung to the tune of Wild Rover

I've been a hard drinker for many a year,
And I always fall over on ten pints of beer,
So now when I drink, I sit on the floor,
And I never will risk falling over no more.

CHORUS: And it's no, nay, never,
No, nay, never, no more,
Will I drink and fall over,
No never, no more.

I went to a bar that I used to frequent,
Despite having sworn that I'd give up for Lent,
I asked for two pints, but the barman said "Nay!
You'll only fall over like you did yesterday."

I'll pulled from my pocket two shiny gold pounds,
And I managed to do it without falling down,
The barman said "Sir, please choose from this list,
And I'm sorry if just now I thought you were pissed.”

I think that I'll stick now to stiff drinks and shorts,
Like whiskey and ponche and Pernods and ports,
Cut down on the volume of all that I drink,
Then at least when I throw up I won't block the sink.

I'll go back to my girlfriend, confess what I've done,
And if she should hit me I won't turn and run,
I'll promise to give up... but if I should fail...
I'll see you next Thursday for ten pints of ale.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Richard McD. Bridge
Date: 09 Dec 98 - 04:05 PM

Over in the Southern UK a certain Doug Hudson claims and performs a version in mock-German. The trick of the chorus is that he alleges he only had a little German dictionary and he knew that Rover was a dog's name and the only German dog he could find was a dachshund: Thus

Nein, nicht, niemals: Nein nicht niemals kein mehr; Will Ich spiele Das wild Dachshund: Nicht niemals kein mehr.

Also there is the version to the Banana boat song tune

Ive been a wild Rover for many a year/ Daylight come and me wanna go home/ I spent all me money on whisky and beer/ Daylight come etc

There's another niggling at the edge of my memory. Original words and a wholly inappropriate tune - a bit reminiscent of one of the tunes to "The trees they do grow high" (but not that one). I'll keep mulling it over.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 09 Dec 98 - 04:54 PM

I've heard a much better Australian version (about a grogshop) and, Baz, the best set for the Ghost Riders tune is surely "the Wild Colonial Boy" IMHO. Jon the offsider

Subject: Tune/Chords Add: WILD ROVING NO MORE
From: alison
Date: 28 Dec 98 - 09:23 AM

hi,

got the tune off "Holding up the sky - voices of Celtic women".

It's performed by Sylvia Barnes with Kentigern. (As usual... basic tune... left out the twiddly bits.... )Beautiful tune... much nicer than the original.

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Click to play

To play or display ABC tunes, try concertina.net

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ABC format:

X:1
T:Wild roving no more
M:3/4
Q:1/4=100
K:F
D5E|F3A,A,2|C2D2E2|F2A3G|A4FG|A2d2c2|AG3A2|
F2D2EF|D4E2|F3A,A,2|C2D2E2|F2A3G|A4FG|A2d2c2|
A3GA2|F2D2EF|D4E2|F3A,A,A,|C2D3E|F2A2GA|A4FG|
A2d2c2|AG3AG|F2D2EF|D6||

Chords are dead easy. Same the whole way through. and apart from the chorus the verses are basically the same as usual.

I've (Dm) been a wild (C)rover for (Bb)many's (Am)a (Dm) year etc........

Wild (Dm)roving I'll give(C)over,
Wild (Bb)roving (Am)I'll give (Dm)o'er,
And I ne'er shall be (C)called
Wild (Bb)rover (Am)no (Dm)more.

Slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Zel
Date: 28 Dec 98 - 08:44 PM

Nice one Barbara

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Ernie
Date: 04 Jan 99 - 06:03 AM

Some times ago in a pub I heard a different musical version of the original song, played by a group called The Permanent Cure. It starts a little bit like Jazz, hard to recognize, but the chorus again is played like usual. I liked it very much, but unfortunately never could get a copy of the record. Anybody who knows it?

Subject: Lyr Add: WILD MAJOR (Les Barker)
From: Wolfgang
Date: 20 Jan 99 - 03:27 PM

Here's a parody by Les Barker:

WILD MAJOR

I've been John Major for many a year;
Don't know where I'm going and talk through my rear;
I have my advisors; there's Kenneth and Chris;
I know my own mind, but not where it is.

CHO: No yes maybe
No yes maybe no what?
I think I'm John Major
Or maybe I'm not.

Not at this moment; not in this form;
Maybe in the future; you'd better ask Norm.
In the fullness of time; when I judge it right;
I might if I have to; but no, not tonight. CHO.

The leaders of Europe sit in conference;
The others have armchairs; I have the fence.
Delors is dismayed at the way I demur;
They all understand me; I always say "Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr." CHO.

I get quite upset when they say that I'm grey;
I've got half a mind... but then that's what they say
I will not be pushed you won't shake my resolve;
I know the way forward-, I'm going to revolve. CHO.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: H. King
Date: 21 Jan 99 - 02:19 PM

It works quite well with the tune of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Good". I recall this was done on an album by Fred Wedlock? many years ago.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Need a Song
From: Caseless
Date: 25 Dec 99 - 04:37 AM

May I suggest Wild Rover change the second line in the third verse to

'and the landlady's thighs opened wide with delight'

it should fit the time period too.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 04:28 AM

I found one more verse:

You can keep all your money and your beer likewise too
For not another penny am I spending with you
For the money I've got, I'm taking good care
And I never will play the Wild Rover no more.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Bugsy
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 05:16 AM

Thanks for refreshing this Joe, I've found the verse I was looking for a bit further up. I'll nick yours too, if you don't mind, it fits in really well.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Bagpuss
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 06:47 AM

I remember a rude version of this song - unfortunately I only now remember one line:

"I told the landlady my arse was for rent"

;-)

Bagpuss

Subject: Lyr Add: WOOLY JUMPERS NO MORE (John McCreadie)
From: GUEST,JMCC
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 07:59 AM

Sylvia Barnes also rerecorded it with her next group "Scotch Measure", again only on album om Topic.
Based on Sylvia's version I wrote this for a BBC TV show called "Wooly Jumpers No More"

WOOLY JUMPERS NO MORE
(John McCreadie)

I've been a folk singer, for manys the year,
I sang unacompanied, with my finger in my ear,
But now I get bookings, and I want to get more,
So I never shall wear wooly jumpers no more.

(Ch)Wooly jumpers I'll give over,
wooly jumpers I'll give o'r
And I never will wear, wooly jumpers no more.

I went into a folk club, I used to resort,
With my beard and my jumper, I thought I looked the part.
I asked for a floor spot, they answered me nay,
Saying singers like you, we can get anyday.

(CH)

I ripped off my jumper, plugged in my guitar,
With a shave and haircut, I looked like a star,
The club organiser, gave a squeal of delight,
And gave me a booking, for the next folk club night.

(Ch)

Now I play in the folk clubs, most nights of the week,
with hair gel, an earing, and clothes that are chic,
The audience applaud me, as they ner did before, So I never will weare wooly jumpers no more.

(Ch)

John McCreadie.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Charlie
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 03:53 PM

here's as much as I can remember ... I've been a Hell's Angel for many a year And I spent all my money on hashish and beer .... I went to a garage I used to frequent And I told the mechanic my crankshaft was bent I asked for another - he answered me Nay - He said "Yours is a Triumph - we sell BSA

maybe someone else can fill in the gaps !!

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 05:26 PM

While Drover. From The Mudcat Songbook.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Mrrzy
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 08:02 PM

Heard it sung in Ireland in some pub somewhere with the final verse of the usual 4-claps one as "And I never will play when I'm sober no more!" (I think it was Dublin).

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Jim I
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 09:20 PM

Somewhere I've got a version about the Wild Student. Can't find it at the moment but i'll keep my eyes open

Subject: Lyr Add: WILD ROVER PARODY
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 09:22 AM

This is an alternative version I put it together about 20 years ago, for use whenever I got asked to deliver the original in sessions. However, someone else would usually insist on singing the original afterwards anyway, so now I've more or less dropped it. But anyone else is welcome to sing it, add their own verses, or whatever.

I've been a folksinger for many a year,
And all round this country I've played for my beer.
But now I'm retiring, though I've no gold in store,
And I never will sing 'The Wild Rover' no more...
And it's NO, NAY, NEVER.... (etc.)... will I SING ... etc.

I went into a folk club I used to frequent,
And said to the doorman "My money's all spent."
He said, "I'll stand you a pint, as I have done before,
If only you'll sing 'The Wild Rover' once more."
But it's no, nay never...

I took my guitar out, and tuned up each string,
Then took a deep breath and got ready to sing,
When a voice from the back shouted out this request:
"Won't you give us the chorus we all love the best?"
But it's...

I'll go back to the labour, confess that I'm beat,
And ask for a job sweeping muck off the street.
And if I can get one, as I have done before,
I'll be b******d if I'll sing 'The Wild Rover' once more!
And it's NO, NAY, NEVER ... (etc.)

HTML line breaks added, in place of double spacing. --JoeClone, 26-Jan-02.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: roopoo
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 01:32 PM

The verses are the same, but with the addition of "daylight come and me wanna go home" at the end of each line, and the use of the chorus and version of the tune of the Banana Boat Song.

I'd be surprised if Bill Sables hasn't done it at some time during the "Great Adventure" 'cos he's the person I first heard it from, along with his good mate and Mudcatter, Eric.

mouldy

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: john c
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 06:04 PM

I can (only just) remember a wonderful version which used to be knocking around the folk clubs of Edinburgh, beautifully entitled The Wee Raver. The line that really has stuck in my mind had something to do with the landlady´s thighs opening wide with delight. Aye, it was high-class stuff! Now, if anyone knows how the rest went......????
See ya
J.

Subject: ADD: the Wild RAVER ^^
From: Lox
Date: 27 Aug 00 - 10:07 PM

I don't know any dodgy versions of "the Irish Rover", but here's one of "the wild rover".

The Wild RAVER.

I've been the wild raver
for many's the year
I've spent all my money
on well dodgy gear

But now I'm returning
with dope in great store
and I never will play
the wild raver no more

And it's no, nay, never
no nay never no more
will I plaaay
the wild raver
no never, no more

I went into a warehouse
I used to frequent
and I told my main dealer
my money was spent

I asked him for credit
he answered me nay
such custom as yours
I have every day

And its...etc....

I pulled from my trainers
ten pills of white
and my main dealers pupils
glazed over with fright

He said I have ganga
and this gears all the best
and those words that I told you
were only in jest

And its ...etc...

I'll confess to my parents
just how much I've done
and I'll ask them to detox
their prodigal son

And when they've subdued me
as oft times before
I never will play
the wild raver no more

And it's no ... etc...

(Is this the kind of thing you're looking for?)

lox ^^

Subject: R: The Wild Raver
From: GUEST,Hoot & Fidget
Date: 28 Aug 00 - 05:11 AM

lox: Right on the mark!!

I sing at -- and host -- a monthly sea chantey sing. Sometimes we get songs that have been done to death that aren't chanteys. The Irish Rover and for that matter the The Wild ROver are two I wish I could very occasionally "respond" to.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 03 - 05:52 AM

I've been a floor singer for many a year
Till my index finger stuck fast to me ear
I've had free admissions, been bought beer instead
but one song put me in this hospital bed

It goes "No nay never,
no nay never no more"
I won't sing "wild rover"
No never no more.

Whatever I sang it was always in G
Cos the three chords I knew were just that C and D
I knew there were others, I'd heard them you see
But anything more's a big puzzle to me
I sang etc.

On Mudcat & Olga I searched for new songs
But the tabs that I found there always sounded wrong
So I did "Waxies Dargle" and "dirty old town"
"Streets of London" and "Blow the man down"

I went to the (name of pub being sung at) and opened the door
They told me "you are the bloke we've waited for'
The act has just phoned up - his car's broken down
You do a floor spot, while I fetch him from town"
I sang…

I sang all me numbers, then I sang them all twice
The noise from the audience just wasn't nice
When I started a third time they went mad with rage
Jumped out of their seats and all rushed the stage
They sang…

The ambulance came to collect me and my axe
which they'd used to give me numerous whacks
When I recover, my singing will stop
and my dreadnought will go to the charity shop.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,pavane
Date: 18 Dec 03 - 07:21 AM

Re Antaine's post in 1998 (!)
I believe the Dransfields may have recorded this version, c1971
I think I remember them singing it (Herga, 1971)
Would have been their 2nd LP probably (but has it been Bulmerised?)

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 Dec 03 - 04:11 AM

You can't knock a song that has generated so much life. Am I correct in thinking:
1. It is English rather than Irish
2. It is a temperance song rather than a drinking song?

I confess that I joined the thread to see if anybody quoted my version. Needless to say they did't. But lots of people have obviously stolen my far sighted and original chorus of ..........

.......... I never will sing the Wild Rover no more!

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Julianpct
Date: 20 Dec 03 - 06:34 AM

Of much more fun is finding different tunes to fit the usual words.

Enda Kenny has been creating a list of possibilities including the Banana Boat song and various Christmas carol tunes. The last time I saw him three years ago the list was well over 200.

Merry Christmas everyone

Julian Weaver

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 Dec 03 - 07:16 AM

One somg to the tune of another?

As a comic idea it will never catch on........ and even if it did it would be far too complicated to explain on radio.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 20 Dec 03 - 11:37 AM

This is a version i have heard over here (rep of IRL)Charlie referred to it above.

THE HELLS ANGEL.

I've been a hells angel for many the year,
Squandered me money on black leather gear,
But after a row in my local bike store,
I never will play the hells angel no more

CHOURUS
And it's No Nay Never (Rev up your bikes)
No nay never no more
will i play the hells angel
no never no more.

While inside this bike shop I often frequent,
I said to the boss man, me crankshaft is bent
I asked for a new one, he answered haha
Go To F**k with your Triumph, we stock Yamaha

Chourus

I took from my pocket, a swiss army knife,
His eyes opened wide, then he fled for his life
He shouted I'M SORRY, TAKE WHAT YOU LIKE
Ta very much,sure I'll have a new bike

Chourus

Well this bike needed a service, A polish and clean
So i took it outside, to the suns merry gleam,
Custom painted angels on the fuel tank, 2 beauts
What appeared then before me but two big black boots

Chourus

Now as I do lie here in the intensive care ward.
Every bone has been broken, I'm battered and sore,
When i think of the bike shop, How I cursed and I swore
Ah go F**k the hells angels, I'll be one no more

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Any improvements on the following?
Date: 18 Mar 07 - 03:46 AM

I went to a toilet that I used to frequent,
And I told the attendant my penny was bent,
I asked him for credit, he shook his bis nig mitt!
"If you ain't got a penny you can't have a shit."

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 18 Mar 07 - 04:24 AM

I went to a Folk Club on a fine sunny day
A chummy litle place down ........... way
I sang out a chorus and felt sort of chuffed
When the audience stood up and said go and get stuffed

So it's no nay never ..........................
.....................

Will I sing the Wild Rover, no never, no more

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Parodeee
Date: 19 May 07 - 12:06 PM

Someone complained about a miserable English version of the Wild Rover. Perhaps they would prefer this parody version, entitled Young Rover.

My dog's name is Rover and he drinks real beer, he sings songs in folk clubs with a paw in one ear, you can't stop him drinking he's drunk every night, and he chases every young female creature in sight. And it's no, nay, never, no, nay never no more, will I play with yiung Rover, no never no more.

I went to a pig farm and old sow to see, and I took my dog Rover along there with me, he jumped in the pig-pen just for a lark, now the old sow's got piglets with fangs and a bark. And it's no, nay, never ...etc.etc

It goes on in increasingly non politically-correct fashion, and finishes with the verse -

Now Rover's in heaven or maybe in hell, he was so young to die it pains me to tell, it wasn't pneumonia or hard-pad or fleas, no Rover he died of a social disease. And it's no, nay, never ...etc.etc

I could post the missing verses, if anyone was really interested!

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Bernard
Date: 19 May 07 - 03:13 PM

Go for it! I'm all agog!!

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Sooz
Date: 19 May 07 - 03:16 PM

Me too!

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST
Date: 19 May 07 - 06:36 PM

Les, yes if you check the link about origins it seems clear this was more an English song than an Irish one (if that is a real distinction.) There's certainly an 'up yours if my money isn't good enough' gesture and I suppose the implication of the 'confess what I've done' and 'pardon their prodigal son' implies a temperance message.

I have gone beyond being fed up with the song. The joy that greets it in non-folk circles is so overwhelming that I find I do it just for the audience. It takes quite an effort to make it fresh but hey, that's what being an entertainer is about! I wouldn't claim that it is art but if it makes people happy that's good enough for me.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST
Date: 19 May 07 - 10:43 PM

Noel Murphy used to sing "I went into an ale house and asked for some nails" and "I went into an ale house I used to frequent; and told the landlady her husband was bent".

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Flash Company
Date: 20 May 07 - 05:30 AM

I went into a toilet that I used to frequent,
And told the attendant me penny was bent,
I asked him for credit, he said not a bit,
Yuo must go somewhere else if you want a free.............

I'll get me coat!

FC

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: s&r
Date: 20 May 07 - 05:36 AM

and we all love clover
it's the way that it's churned...

Stu

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: danensis
Date: 20 May 07 - 03:34 PM

Geoff, the sound man at the Attic Folk Club, sings the Wild Rover backwards, which is quite an intereeting variation,

John

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Wilhelm
Date: 20 May 07 - 04:33 PM

Why not stick to the original?

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 21 May 07 - 08:36 AM

Third verse for Flash Company.

He teased and he taunted inspite of my cries,
and he dangled the bogroll in front of my eyes.
At last came the moment I could stand it no more.
I said "Balls to you mister" and p****d on the floor.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 05:13 AM

This is a dirty version i heard a few years ago'

I've been a muff diver for many a year
and i spent all my money on muff divin gear
the goggles, the snorkle, the muff divin tank
if im not out muff divin im havin a w@nk

---

Please note that anonymous posting is no longer allowed at Mudcat. Use a consistent name [in the 'from' box] when you post, or your messages risk being deleted.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Girl Friday
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:47 PM

Tone Deaf Leopard do a version called "Wild Rabbit" about a lab rabbit.
http://www.tonedeafleopard.bravehost.com/lyrics.html

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Parodeee
Date: 16 Aug 07 - 08:14 AM

Two requests are enough encouragement for me! The full lyrics of the politically non-correct version I mentioned are as follows -

My dog's name is Rover and he drinks real beer
And he sings songs in folk clubs with a paw in one ear
You can't stop him drinking, he's drunk every night
And he chases every young female creature in sight

And it's no, nay, never, no, nay, never no more
Will I play with Young Rover, no never no more

I went to a pig farm an old sow to see
And I took my dog Rover along there with me
He jumped in the pig pen just for a lark
Now the old sow's got piglets with fangs and a bark

And it's no, nay, never etc etc

Whilst walking in Soho one Saturday night
I looked round but Rover was nowhere in sight
Then I heard someone shouting "I've just been laid
it was a big dog wot done it an' I haven't been paid!"

And it's no, nay, never etc etc

At last I got married and on the first night
When I came in from the bathroom she had turned out the light
I slipped in beside her, she said with surprise
"Just now you were hairy and three times the size!"

And it's no, nay, never etc etc

So I went to the vet's house to get Rover done
And I went back to fetch him at a quarter to one
Things had gone badly, it was easy to tell
He'd rogered the vet and his assistant as well!

And it's no, nay, never etc etc

Now Rover's in heaven, or maybe in hell
He was so young to die, it pains me to tell
It wasn't pneumonia, or hard-pad, or fleas
No, Rover he died of a social disease

And it's no, nay, never etc etc

- I'll get my coat as well!

Subject: Lyr Add: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 06:10 AM

The following is topical as there is talk of a new version of "The Prisoner" being made with Jim Caviezel as No6 & Ian McCellan as No2.

WHITE ROVER
Words Peter Dunn

I've been a White Rover for many's a year
And I've made ev'ry number a-tremble with fear.
But my workload's increasing, (It's made me quite sick)
Ever since the arrival of that damn Number Six.

    And it's no, nay, never. No, nay, never no more
    Will I play a White Rover, no never, no more.

I roared & I wailed as I bounced down the beach.
No running number was safe from my reach.
You'd thnk that would stop him, you'd think he'd give in.
But that damn Number Six was determined to win.

    And it's no, nay, never. No, nay, never no more
    Will I play a White Rover, no never, no more.

You wouldn't like it, if you were like me,
A six-foot balloon with no vocab'lary.
Constantly bearing a great fear within.
That that damned Number Six would appear with a pin.

    And it's no, nay, never. No, nay, never no more
    Will I play a White Rover, no never, no more.

With Fall Out the series it came to an end,
And a film called Dark Star did my agent me send.
I'm sure I was typecast, it just wasn't fair.
The part was an alien ball filled with air.

    And it's no, nay, never. No, nay, never no more
    Will I play a White Rover, no never, no more.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
Sourced from "The NICon Files" a brief song sheet from a Northern Irish science fiction convention of several years ago. NP

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 06:26 AM

But now they are filming a modernised run.
Number two is quite wizard(1), and there's plenty of sun(2).
And whilst all their contracts may be overpriced,
Number Six (like the old one) still thinks he is Christ(3)

          And it's no, nay, never. Don't say never my friend
          'Cos my semi-retirement has come to an end.




(1)Ian McKellan who played Gandalf
(2)Filming in S.Africa & Namibia rather than Portmeirion
(3)Jim Caviezel had the lead role in "The Passion of Christ"

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Severn
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 12:29 PM

I always envisioned an animal control version, as might be sung by the rogered vet in the example above, whereas:

"I never will spay the wild rover no more....."


Or the alternative words of the landlady, after finding her customer is solvent after all:

"....She said 'I have whiskey and wines of the best
And the words I must eat, now, I'll surely ingest'...."

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Acorn4
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 02:49 PM

I've posted this one before but it seems quite relevant to the thread.

Range Rover.

I've been a total airhead for many a long year,
And medical science can find no known cure,
But somehow I've gathered up gold in great store,
So I've gone out and bought a bloody great 4 x 4

And it's Sod The Planet,
Bugger posterity, I will drive my Range Rover,
So the neighbours can see.

Though I work in an office from morning till late,
You'd think that I came off my country estate.
And my credit rating means I've got a huge loan,
Like Toad of Toad Hall, I'm God on his throne.

And it's Sod The Planet...

If a Range Rover's slightly out of my price range
A Daihitsumishibishiboshi will do just the same,
See my radiator full in your rear view,
I'll be right up your backside a tailgating you..

And it's Sod The Planet..

As a lifestyle statement, I need this beast,
Though the fuel consumption's prodigal to say the least,
On a narrow country road, I won't budge an inch,
As straddling the white line I drive you in the ditch.

And it's Sod The Planet...

Now the wife's got one too, for the school run it's great,
Though we only live twenty five yards from the gates.
Watch her mounting the kerb, with shopping on her mind,
Scattering children and cones across the double yellow lines…

And it's Sod The Planet

Perched up on high, King of all that I survey,
Annoyed when the world won't get out of my way.
My garage mechanic he doesn't miss a trick,
And he always knows where he can find the dipstick..

And it's Sod the planet (King of the raod!!)etc

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 08:14 PM

Scansion (along with ecology) is clearly a dying artform!

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Fidjit
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 03:20 PM

Flemmings has his own way of doing it.

Chas

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,rafflesbear
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 04:40 PM

how about the German version by Klaus & Klaus - An der Nordseeküste

it's on youtube

Subject: ADD Parody: Wild Rover, No More
From: goatfell
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 05:15 PM

WILD ROVER, NO MORE
(words/ Jimmy MacGregor)

I've sung the Wild Rover for many s a year
There's some folk would boo and there's others would cheer
I sang it so often it gave me a pain
So I'm no gonna sing the Wild Rover again

Chorus:
And it's no, nay, never No, nay, never no more
Will I sing the Wild Rover No, nay, never no more


Well I know it's a good song for pleasing the folk
But I have to admit that it gives me the boke
A night with a tooth ache is more fun to me
Then to sing even one verse for less two or three

Chorus
I sang it that often from midnight to dawn
There's many the time I could see the folk yawn
Cause the words are a scunner there right down the drain
And the tune could be learned by a three year old Wean

Chorus
Well I went to a party it soon became plain
I was gonna be lumbered with that song again
Well I sang forty verse they shouted for more
So I grab my guitar and I went for the door

Chorus

I got this from the balladers website

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Mr Red
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 06:11 AM

I am sure the bawdy verses will (or have been) well represented.

But one to keep in mind is the Shrovetide/pancake day whimsy.
"I've been a Wild Shrover for many a Year" &co. I doubt there is more, let alone a full set of verses - but an amusing little number......

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Dave Illingworth
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 07:16 AM

When I was a member of the now defunct AUNT FORTESCUE's BLUESROCKERS
(with my good friends Graham Larkbey, John Simms and Simon Brown) in the 1980s, we took a different direction.                         At every gig, we performed "The Wild Rover" with usual words, but to a different tune. I have forgotten many of the versions, but I do remember "I only want to be with you" (Dusty Springfield) and "Runaround Sue" (Dion). This had begun quite independently from (and coincidentally to) "One song to the tune of another" on "I'm sorry I haven't a clue" radio programme.
There was talk once of recording a whole album of all the different versions - that might have been going a bit too far, so maybe lucky it never happened.
Incidentally, for those who never heard AFB, we sounded nothing like the name of the band, and played mainly folk clubs (especially Christmas parties).

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,JonnyD
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 02:51 AM

Les in Chorlton said:

Am I correct in thinking:
1. It is English rather than Irish
2. It is a temperance song rather than a drinking song?

======================================================================

1. Yes
2. Yes - or at least a morality song


======================================================================
Barbara said:

Trust the English to take all the fun out of the situation and make it a lugubrious moral lament.

======================================================================

Trust the Irish to take anything with any depth & character from another culture & turn it into some kind of diddly diddly drunken crap for the tourists ;-)

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Snuffy
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 08:53 AM

Trust a Guest to ... [insert behaviour complained of here]

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,JonnyD
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 09:14 AM

Snuffy said:

Trust a Guest to ... [insert behaviour complained of here]

=======================================================================

Well I wasn't really expecting anybody to take it seriously though it's enlightening that you take offence at my post but not Barbara's

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Mr Happy
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 09:28 AM

Wild:

Undomesticated, Uncultivated, Natural, Feral, In their natural habitat, Fierce, Rowdy, Furious, Outrageous, Stormy, Untamed

Rover:

Rambler, Nomad, Vagrant, Itinerant, Traveller, Drifter, Rolling stone


Take your pick!

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Grant
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 07:36 AM

I went to the market with my brother Tim,
And somebody threw a tomato at him,
Now tomato's are squishy,
And soft with a skin,
But the one it wasn't it came in a tin!

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Steve
Date: 10 Sep 09 - 03:45 PM

I've been a Land Rover for many a year,
And I've spent all my time on steep hills in low gear.
But then something happened, shocked me to the core:
It was Steve at the wheel with his foot on the floor.

And it's no, nay, never.
No nay never no more,
will I be a Land Rover,
No never, no more.


Can't remember if I made up that verse just before or just after writing off an army Land Rover back in 1982.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Tootler
Date: 10 Sep 09 - 07:14 PM

Go to the Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads website:

www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ballads/ballads.htm

and search for "Wild Rover". You should get about 7 hits mostly dating from the second quarter of the 19th century.

The style of the song is clearly one aiming to convey a moral message and there is no hint of the "no nay never" chorus. Where did that chorus come from?

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST, Alan
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 07:47 AM

There's a great mad-axeman version that surely deserves a mention, though I can only recall bits of it - anyone know the rest?

I've been a mad-axeman for many a year,
And I've killed lots of people and quite a few deer,
I've tried killing babies, it's just not the same,
They die far too quickly with not enough pain

And it's NO NAY NEVER (chop off your head!)
Will I play the mad-axeman, no never no more

I went to an alehouse I used to frequent,
I killed so many people my axe it got bent,
They begged me for mercy, I answered them nay,
...
[Bits missing from my memory]

I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done,
And I'll try not to kill them before half past one,
If I should do so it'll be such a chore,
For I'll have to wipe all of their blood off the floor

And it's NO NAY NEVER (chop off your head!)etc

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Mr Happy
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 08:44 AM

There's a band round here that's been doing 'Riders in the Sky' using the words of WR, & its always a crowd pleaser!

Subject: Lyr Req: alternative version of wild rover
From: GUEST,brooko
Date: 11 May 10 - 05:05 PM

does any one have the alternative verse about the cuckoo
thanks
brooko

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: alternative version of wild rover
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 10 - 03:16 PM

can anyone translate the wild rover into french please

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: alternative version of wild rover
From: GUEST,madauntiecat
Date: 27 May 10 - 03:28 AM

I know versions about white Rovers, re-enactors and persons of dubious morals if any of those would help...

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 05:00 PM

origins of WildRoverAccording to Professor T. M. Devine in his book The Scottish Nation 1700 - 2000 (Penguin, 2001) the song was written as a temperance song.[1] The song is found printed in a book, The American Songster, printed in the USA by W.A. Leary in 1845, and spread from Scotland to America from the Temperance movement. There is another USA printed version in the "Forget-Me-Not Songster" (c 1850), published by Locke. An alternative history of the song is suggested by the fact that a collection of ballads, dated between 1813 and 1838, is held in the Bodleian Library. The printer, Catnach, was based in the "7 Dials" area of Covent Garden, London. The Bodleian bundle contains "The Wild Rover".[2] The Greig-Duncan collection contains no less than six versions of the song. It was compiled by Gavin Greig 1848–1917.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: pavane
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 09:52 AM

see The Goodfellows Resolution, Thomas Lanfiere c1682, discussed in another thread

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: pavane
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 09:54 AM

see here

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,daveyboyunders
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 04:42 AM

I went to an Whorehouse I used to frequent
And told the madam my money was spent
When I asked her for credit, she answered me "Nay"
So I shat on the door step and then ran away .

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Mull music festival
Date: 04 Jan 11 - 08:26 PM

Many years ago I was at the Mull music festival and in the Mishnish Hotel, Tobermory there was a band called the claymores. I can't quite remember it all but I still find it funny...

I've been muff diver for many a year
But I've spent all my money on muff diving gear

I will try remember the rest.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,yo
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 09:06 AM

i drove a white rover for many a year
and i spent all my money on clutches and gears
but now i am driveing a datson 4 door
and i never will drive the white rover no more

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: scouse
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 11:00 AM

Mick Ryan who I used to sing and play with had this verse

"Well, out of me pocket I pulled ten Guilders bright,
"An the Landladies legs opened wide with delight,
"She said "I have Whiskey and a 40 inch Chest."
"An the words she spoke were not in jest."

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Patrick
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 12:08 AM

There is a Local band named "Kevin McCormack" up here in Renton, WA. He covered this song. He and his friend (Of whos name escapes me) play at the Irish pub/ restaurant, " A Terrible Beauty" On Sundays and thursdays i believe. They also play at the noly other Terrible Beauty, in West Seattle. Just ask about Kevin McCormack. Here is their site (With free song downloads)

http://www.kevinmccormackmusic.com/fr_home.cfm

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Don Wise
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 10:49 AM

I once 'sang' the obligatory version as a Rap/Hip-Hop number..........Otherwise I sing the smashing version from "The Life of a Man" by Ken Subbs.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 01:39 PM

Then in walked the Land lady
I ordered some rum
I said come on now darling,
And Show us your bum

She said to me Mister
If you've got the cash
I'll have a large gin and tonic
And I'll give you a flash

then in walked the landlord
His name was Bob
he said, but me a guinness
An' i show you me nob

Then in walked the Barmaid
and her name was Annie (pause)
And i must say
i liked the look of her....Grannie

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Apr 12 - 02:14 AM

from the LeGrande Twins album -

I walked into the shanty I used to fre-quent
and I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "Nay!
Such a custom as yours I can get every day!"

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 will do so as they've done before
Then I never shall play the Wild Rover no more

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,curt
Date: 30 May 14 - 01:27 AM

i have a good recording of this exact song. its done by patrick street on thair live album from 98 i believe. its played to a slow air on violin that seems to have been written for the song

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Howard Jones
Date: 30 May 14 - 04:18 AM

I sing the Sam Larner version (which is on VOTP and can be heard on Spotify). It's a slower, more thoughtful version which brings out that it's really a temperance song about giving up drinking and wild behaviour, something the well-known jolly sing-along chorus version somehow obscures.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 30 May 14 - 04:39 AM

This is there version mentioned earlier; In my opinion it captures the atmosphere of the song which was bulldozed out of existence by the folkie ham-fisted treatment.
Sam Larner's version does reflect the (I believe) original intention of the song.
Jim Carroll

THE WILD ROVER
From Pat Usher (Brother of Mary Anne Carolan), Co Louth

I've been a wild rover for many a long year
And I spent half my money drinking strong ale and beer,
Ah, but now for the future I will take better care,
In case that misfortune may come to my share.

Wild roving I'll give over, wild roving I'll give o'er,
And I never shall be called a wild rover no more.

I went to the alehouse where I used to resort
And I told the landlady that my money was short,
But when she heard my story these words she did say,
I can get many customers like you any day.

Wild roving…..
        
I put my hand in my pocket some money to find,
And I pulled the full of my hands out five times,
When she saw I had money and money galore,
When she saw I had money she called me her dear,
And she said, I have liquor, and that of the best,
These words I have spoken were only in jest.

Wild roving…….
        
If I had all the money that I left in your care,
It would till all my land and my family rear,
It would thatch all my houses and build me a barn,
It would buy me a coat for to keep my back warm.

Wild roving I'll give over, wild roving I'll give o'er,
And I never shall be called a wild rover no more.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: MartinRyan
Date: 30 May 14 - 05:53 AM

Some gigging friends of mine, when bored with singing the standard version, used to throw in -

She said "I have whiskey and wines of the best"
Then she whipped off her tee-shirt and showed me her chest!

- just to see if anyone was listening!

Regards

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Mike Murray (The Netherlands)
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 05:36 PM

Well I've been a wild drinker for many a year,
I spent all my money on on whisky and beer,

My first time in Belfast, and what do you know,
a bluddy blue Escort shows up on the road,
well he told me and ask me a question or two,
he said that I think that you've had quite a few,
I said oh no sergeant, I do not think so,
but he gave me the bag and said I should blow,

and its no nee never,
no nee never no more,
wil I be a drunk driver,
no never, no more,

He gave me this thing, it was like a balloon,
and he said its me bagpipes, will ye play me a tune,
I blew in the bag and what do you think,
it turned a strange colour and it wasn't pink,
so its off to the station, a blood sample to give,

and its no nee never,
no nee never no more,
wil I be a drunk driver,
no never, no more,

no doctor was in, so they called in the vet,
he used to volume, so what could I do,
just to pass them a sample of the pure morning due.

and its no nee never,
no nee never no more,
wil I be a drunk driver,
no never, no more,

And now I am waiting , my case has come up,
I am facin two policemen the judge and the court,
now listen all drivers, this moral is clear,
don't drive that old car, when your out on the bier,

and its no nee never,
no nee never no more,
wil I be a drunk driver,
no never, no more,

and if you go drinking, leave the keys with the wife,
or else you will thumb it, for the rest of your life,

and its no nee never,
no nee never no more,
wil I be a drunk driver,
no never, no more,

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 05:35 AM

The standard version is so overdone that I am utterly fed up with it. Worse, the original meaning of the song is subverted by the jolly, rollicking, "right up yer kilt" approach. It was a temperance song, not a drinking song. However it is wildly popular so I suppose we are stuck with it.

I've started to do Sam Larner's version. The words aren't so much different from the well-known version, but after he has pulled out handfuls of gold the wild rover rejects the landlady's offer of brandy and whisky - "oh no, landlady, I'll have none at all". The slower tune makes it altogether more reflective and brings out the meaning. It's on VOTP and can be heard on Spotify.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Kathleen
Date: 24 May 23 - 12:21 AM

My parents had a record, and the lyrics were: I am a rover down from Dover. I am a rover, bold and free. I am a friend to all the women still, there’s only one for me. Nancy, Nancy, whiskey, Nancy. I truly believe the Irish rovers saying this, but when I hear their version It is completely different lyrics. I would love some guidance so that I could find this album as I am now getting older and I would love to hear it one more time. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 24 May 23 - 06:22 AM

I humbly submit my own perversion variant:

Turn the Page Over

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,Guest, Mom K
Date: 08 Apr 24 - 10:11 AM

Kathleen, I too heard the same version on a folk song album in 1967. I also wish to hear this group of songs again. You wrote "lyrics were: I am a rover down from Dover. I am a rover, bold and free. I am a friend to all the women still, there’s only one for me..." Don't know if Whisky Nancy was in the same song or another. Also on the same album were Loch Lomand, Gypsy Davy, Raggle Taggle Gypsies, and more. Is there a musicologist out there who can locate this album compilations of songs that was pre 1967?

Subject: RE: Alternative words for the Wild Rover??
From: GUEST,PjWhoopie
Date: 09 Nov 24 - 03:41 PM

I like to throw in...

From Ale House, to Whore House, that Night I sped
Was looking for someone to join me in bed
The Madame, and her Daughter, they both looked quite fine
I had the money, and they had the time