Wild Roving
Trad/Arr.Aitken, Bridgegate Music
An alternative version of a classic traditional song from the late legendary Scots fiddler and singer Willie Beaton, here given the Tom Boy up tempo approach ! We first learn’t this version by osmosis from the singing of Sylvia Barns and Mick West, two of Scotland’s finest traditional singers, musical companions and friends for more years than we would all care to remember.
I have (Cm) been a wild (Bbm6) rover for (Abm11) many’s a (G7) year And I’ve (Cm)
spent all my (Bbm6) money on (Abm11) whisky (Bbm6) and (Cm) beer
But (Cm) now I’m (Bbm6) returning with (Abm11) gold in great (G7) store And I (Cm) ne’er shall be (G7) called Wild (Abm11) Rover (Bbm6) no(Cm) more.
Wild (Cm) roving I’ll give (Bbm6) over Wild (Abm11) roving I’ll give (G7) o’er
And I’ll (Cm) ne’r shall be (Bbm6) called Wild (Abm11) Rover no (G7) more.
Wild (Cm) roving I’ll give (Bbm6) over Wild (Abm11) roving I’ll give (G7) o’er
And I (Cm) ne’r shall be (Bbm6) called Wild (Abm11) Rover (Bbm6) no (Cm) more.
I went into an ale house, I used to frequent And I told the Landlady all my money was spent
I asked her for credit she answered me nay Saying custom as yours I can have any day
Wild roving I’ll give over Wild roving I’ll give o’er
And I’ll ne’r shall be called Wild Rover no more.
Wild roving I’ll give over Wild roving I’ll give o’er
And I ne’r shall be called Wild Rover no more
I went into my pocket, pulled out sovereigns bright And the Landlady’s eyes opened wide with delight
Says she I have whiskies and wines of the best And the words that I spoke were only in jest
Wild roving I’ll give over Wild roving I’ll give o’er
And I’ll ne’r shall be called Wild Rover no more.
Wild roving I’ll give over Wild roving I’ll give o’er
And I ne’r shall be called Wild Rover no more
I’ll go back to my parents, confess what I’ve done And I’ll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And if they caress me as oft times before Then I ne’er shall be called Wild Rover no more.
Wild roving I’ll give over Wild roving I’ll give o’er
And I’ll ne’r shall be called Wild Rover no more.
Wild roving I’ll give over Wild roving I’ll give o’er
And I ne’r shall be called Wild Rover no more