The Wild Rover ✧
A rousing folk-song melody with a broad, memorable chorus.
Sheet music
Tap a staff note or finger tab to hear it.
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D whistle · G major · 3/4 · 120 BPM · + upper octave
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Lyrics
Traditional · T. Batchelar broadside (1817–1828)
An early broadside version. Repeat the two-line chorus after each verse; the familiar modern “no, nay, never” chorus is different.
I have been a wild rover these dozen long years I have spent all my money in ale, wine, and beer Therefore will I lay up my money in store And I never will be a wild rover no more
Chorus Wild rover, wild rover, wild rover no more And never will be a wild rover no more
From alehouse to alehouse I have spent all my pay I have spent all my money and good time away Therefore will I lay up money and good time And never will be a wild rover no more
I went to an alehouse where I used to resort And called for some beer, my cash they thought short I’d ask them to trust me, their answer was nay Such customers as you I can have every day Therefore will I lay up my money in store And never will play the wild rover no more
I pulled out my handful of silver straightway It was only to try them and hear what they’d say They said I was welcome to liquor of the best For all that they said was just only in jest
O no, sir, said I, now that never can be I’ll see you all hang’d if I spend one penny Therefore will I lay up my money in store And never will play the wild rover no more
About this tune
The Wild Rover is a traditional song with many sung versions. Its narrator looks back on a life of roaming and drinking and announces an intention to change.
The story unfolds in verses before returning to an emphatic chorus. Its steady three-beat movement and repeated refrain make it especially suited to group singing.
Performances
Watch musicians play this tune on tin whistle. Keys and arrangements may differ from the tabs above.
The Wild Rover
CutiePie
Tin whistle performance and tab tutorial
Watch on YouTube — The Wild Rover by CutiePie (opens in a new tab) ↗