I've been a wild rover for many a year,
and I spent all me money on whiskey and beer,
whle me brother invested, with caution and care,
now he's on the scrapheap, and I'm in the clear.
And it's no, no never - I'm saving no more
I'll drink it and spend it and give to the poor.

He went into a bank that he used to frequent,
And he asked that bank teller for a couple of cents.
And she said "Now be off, your account's in the red,
All that money you gave us, it's upped and it's fled."

He went out on the street and came into the pub,
So I bought him a drink, and I gave him a sub.
I said "Money's for spending, and handing it out,
And for buying your brothers a malt or a stout".

And the banks are the temples of sin and despair,
And you're much better off when you're drinking a beer.
We'll go home to our parents, when you've finished your half,
The Mammy's prepared us a fine fatted calf.
And it's no, no never - I'm saving no more
I'll drink it and spend it and give to the poor.