A bit of nostalgia swept over me as this St. Patrick’s Day approached. I recalled my last trip to the Emerald Island in 2009.
We spent a few days on the Dingle Peninsula. It’s one of the two projection that extends into the ocean like fingers (the other is Kerry) making those areas the eastern-most part of Europe.
The Dingle Pub
Robin outside the Dingle Pub
Our first evening in Dingle we went to a local pub, because they were having folk music, including group singing. One of the songs stuck in my head like the proverbial brain worm and played there for days.
I made a video, but the sound wasn’t nearly as good as what I found on YouTube.
You can follow the printed lyrics below the video clip. I dare you not to be humming this catchy little ditty hours from now.
I’ve been a Wild Rover for many’s the year,
And I spend all my money on whiskey and beer,
And 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 (clap, clap, clap) no, nay, never no more,
Will I play the Wild Rover; no, never no more.
I went into an alehouse I used to frequent,
And I told my landlady my money was spent,
I asked her for credit, she answered me, nay,
Such a customer as yours I could have any day.
And it’s no, nay, never (clap, clap, clap) no, nay, never no more,
Will I play the Wild Rover; no, never no more.
I took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright,
And the landlady’s eyes opened up with delight.
She said she had whiskeys and wines of the best,
And the words that she told me were only in jest
And it’s no, nay, never (clap, clap, clap) no, nay, never no more,
Will I play the Wild Rover; no, never no more.
I went home to my parents confessed what I’d done,
And I asked them to pardon their prodigal son,
And when they’d caressed me as oft times before,
I never will play the Wild Rover no more
And it’s no, nay, never (clap, clap, clap) no, nay, never no more,
Will I play the Wild Rover; no, never no more.
