The Wild Rover [Roud 1173], performed by Norfolk fisherman Sam Larner

The Wild Rover is a traditional English language folk song. Historically, the song has been referred to in Irish folklore and, since the late sixteenth century, it has been noted in written records. The song is a staple for artists performing live music in Irish pubs. It is often considered to be a drinking song rather than a temperance song. "In the nineteenth century, this popular street ballad was issued over and over again on broadsheets by Catnach, Such, Bebbington and other stall-ballad printers. An older song, The Green Bed, describing the adventures of a sailor in an uncharitable boarding house, seems to be the parent of Wild Rover. It appears to have survived better in Australia than in the country of its origin." - A.L Lloyd, 1958 This video was filmed in 1962 and part of the Peter Kennedy collection. The full video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyqsqnKpwEo&t=371s I've been a wild rover for many long year I've spent all my money on wine, ale and beer Now to give up all roving, put my money in store And ne'er will I play the wild rover no more Refr: Nay, no never, never no more Ne'er will I play the wild rover no more I went into an alehouse where I used to frequent And told the landlady my money was all spent I called for a pint, but she says to me, “Nay, Such customer as you I can meet every day” I put my hand in my pocket, drew handfuls of gold And on the round table it glittered and rolled “Now here's my best brandies, my whiskey and all” “Begone, landlady. I'll have none at all” I go home to my parents, tell them what I've done And ask to give pardon to a prodigal son. And if they forgive me, which they've done times before Then ne'er will I play the wild rover no more. For those interested in authentic folk music recordings, I'd recommend exploring the YouTube channel "Reynard the Fox" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr-Yww8BJQcRkZVg78euK_g/playlists

Added 25 Sept 2026