The Wild Rover is an traditional Australian song but the composer of the song was unknown. This is a great Australian Folk Song which is a favorite of Australians.

What the words mean

• Nugget ~ Newgate Gaol, the English prison in London.

I’ve been a wild rover this many a year
And I’ve spent all my money on whisky and beer
But now I’m returning with gold in great store
And I never shall play the wild rover no more

No, no, never, never no more
Never never again shall I play
The wild rover no more

I dropped into a shanty I used to frequent
And I told the landlady my money was spent
I asked her for credit she answered me nay
Such a custom as yours I can get every day

No, no, never, never no more
Never never again shall I play
The wild rover no more

Then I drew from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
And the landlady’s eyes opened wide with delight
Said she I have whisky and wines of the best
And the words that I told you were only in jest

No, no, never, never no more
Never never again shall I play
The wild rover no more

There was Kitty and Betsy and Margaret and Sue
And three or four more that belonged to our crew
We’d sit up till midnight and make the place roar
I’ve been the wild boy but I’ll be so no more

No, no, never, never no more
Never never again shall I play
The wild rover no more

So now I’m a prisoner to “Nugget” was sent
On a bed of cold straw to lie and lament
At last I have got what so long I looked for
I’ve been a wild boy but I’ll be so no more

No, no, never, never no more
Never never again shall I play
The wild rover 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 if they will do so as often before
Then I never shall play the wild rover no more