Wild Rover
The Seekers Lyrics


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I've been a wild rover this many a year
Spent all my money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
Never to be a wild rover no more

And it's no no never
Never never no more
Never never again will I be
A wild rover no more

I went to a shanty I used to frequent
I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for credit she answered me nay
Saying customers like you I can get any day

And it's no no never
Never never no more
Never never again will I be
A wild rover no more

I pulled from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
The landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
Saying I've got whiskey and wines of the best
And the words that I uttered were only in jest

And it's no no never
Never never no more
Never never again will I be
A wild rover no more

I'll go home to my parents tell them what I've done
I hope they will pardon their prodigal son
And if they will do as so often before
I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's no no never
Never never no more
Never never again will I be
A wild rover no more

And it's no no never
Never never no more




Never never again will I be
A wild rover no more

Overall Meaning

The Seekers’ song “Wild Rover” tells the story of a man who has spent many years living a wild and carefree life, spending all his money on whiskey and beer. However, he has now changed his ways and is returning home with newfound wealth. He is determined to never again be a “wild rover” and is seeking forgiveness and redemption from his family.


In the first stanza, the man declares that he has been a “wild rover” for many years, spending all his money on alcohol. However, he has now returned with “gold in great store,” implying that he has become successful and wealthy. He is determined to never again be a “wild rover,” suggesting that he has learned from his past mistakes and is ready to lead a more responsible life.


In the second stanza, the man visits a shanty where he used to spend his time and tells the landlady that he has run out of money. When he asks for credit, she refuses, telling him that she can get customers like him any day. However, the man pulls out ten sovereigns and offers to buy the best wine and whiskey. He is only joking, but this shows that he is now able to afford the things he could not before.


In the final stanza, the man decides to return home to his parents and seek their forgiveness. He hopes that they will “pardon their prodigal son” and promises that if they do, he will never again play the “wild rover” and will live a responsible life.


Overall, the song “Wild Rover” is a story of redemption and the desire to change one’s ways. The man has spent many years living a reckless and wild life, but is now seeking forgiveness and is determined to live a better life.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been a wild rover this many a year
I've lived my life recklessly and without any regard for the future for a long time


Spent all my money on whiskey and beer
I wasted all my wealth on drinking and partying


But now I'm returning with gold in great store
I am coming back a changed man with a substantial amount of wealth


Never to be a wild rover no more
I vow to never live recklessly like I did before


And it's no no never
I will never do it again


Never never no more
I am done with my old ways


I went to a shanty I used to frequent
I visited a place that I used to go to often


I told the landlady my money was spent
I informed the owner that I had no more money


I asked her for credit she answered me nay
When I requested to borrow some money, she refused


Saying customers like you I can get any day
She pointed out that she could easily find other customers like me


I pulled from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
I then took out ten gold coins from my pocket


The landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
The owner was surprised and pleased to see that I had so much money


Saying I've got whiskey and wines of the best
She boasted about having the finest selection of drinks


And the words that I uttered were only in jest
But my words were merely a joke, and I didn't really want to drink


I'll go home to my parents tell them what I've done
I plan to confess to my family about my reckless past


I hope they will pardon their prodigal son
I am hopeful that my family will forgive me for my past errors


And if they will do as so often before
If they accept me back as they have always done in the past




Contributed by John N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@ton4347

I really love the seekers but I love the version of the dubliners more

@misterdakman

this is a fun song - can I be the No. 2 fan?

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