The Wild Rover (Live In Carre)
The Wild Rover
The Dubliners Lyrics
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And I've spent all me 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
I went into an alehouse I used to frequent
And I told the landlady me money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "nay"
"Such a custom as yours I can have every day"
And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover
No, never, no more
I then took from me pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
She says "I have whiskeys and wines of the best"
And the words that you told me 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 home to my parents, confess what I've done
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And when they've caressed me as ofttimes before
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
The Dubliners' song "Wild Rover" is a cautionary tale about the perils of alcohol and the need for redemption. The singer, who has been a "wild rover," spending all his money on whiskey and beer, has now returned with "gold in great store." He vows never to play the "wild rover" again, clearly recognizing that his past behavior had negative consequences for himself and those around him. The chorus reinforces this sentiment, as the phrase "no, nay, never" is repeated several times, emphasizing the singer's newfound determination.
The second verse illustrates the consequences of the singer's past choices, as he returns to an alehouse where he used to spend his money. He is now broke and asks for credit, but the landlady refuses, recognizing that this behavior is a pattern for him. However, when he pulls out ten sovereigns, the landlady's attitude changes, and she offers him the best whiskey and wine in her establishment. The singer realizes that his earlier request for credit was just a "jest," and he is now in a position to pay for his drinks.
In the final verse, the singer vows to go home to his parents and ask for forgiveness for his past behavior. He recognizes that his parents have forgiven him before and will do so again. He vows to never play the "wild rover" again and is clearly on a path of redemption.
Overall, the song is a powerful reminder of the dangers of alcohol abuse and the need for reconciliation with those we have hurt in the past.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been a wild rover for many's the year
I've been leading a reckless and carefree life for a long time.
And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
I wasted all my money on drinking and partying.
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
Now, I'm coming back with a lot of money.
And I never will play the wild rover no more
I have no intention of leading a wild and reckless life anymore.
And it's no, nay, never
I will never do it again.
No, nay, never, no more
I have changed my ways and will not go back to my old lifestyle.
Will I play the wild rover
I won't live a reckless life anymore.
I went into an alehouse I used to frequent
I visited a pub where I was a regular.
And I told the landlady me money was spent
I informed the landlady that I had no money.
I asked her for credit, she answered me 'nay'
I requested for money on credit but the landlady refused.
'Such a custom as yours I can have every day'
The landlady reminded me of my habit of drinking on credit.
I then took from me pocket ten sovereigns bright
I showed ten gold coins to the landlady.
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
The landlady was happy and excited with the coins she saw.
She says 'I have whiskeys and wines of the best'
The landlady boasted of having excellent drinks.
And the words that you told me were only in jest
I told the landlady that I had no money as a joke.
I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done
I will tell my parents about my past mistakes.
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
I will ask my parents for forgiveness for my reckless past.
And when they've caressed me as ofttimes before
After my confession, my parents will embrace me as they have always done.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CIARAN PADRAIG MAIRE BOURKE, RONALD JOSEPH DREW, ROBERT ANTHONY LYNCH, BARNEY MCKENNA, JOHN EDMUND SHEAHAN, LUKE KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@isaiahsolomon2315
Imagine not doing the claps
@ckeilah
Isaiah Solomon it’s like The Eyes of Texas without the claps! Harsh! 🤪
@patantdel
Not clapping is the height of notions.
@matteobadin
Been in Ireland and I understand what you mean hahahahaha ♥️
@frederikhyrup2871
Well I got the claps more than once...
@AcesH1gh
I rike crapping
@springfieldterritory2142
I remember when I went to Ireland, I went on a tour and the bus driver sang this song, and he invited other people to come up and sing songs from their countries as well.
Hands down, the best tour I’ve ever been on.
@HaradaTaro1
If you havent song that one in an irish pub then you have never been to Ireland
@christtoon4427
M
@heavygamer93
Irish Bus drivers are the best.