If I Were a Blackbird

I am a young sailor my story is sad

Though once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad

I courted a lassie by night and by day

Oh but now she has left me and sailed far away

Oh if I was a blackbird could whistle and sing

I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in

And in the top riggin' I would there build my nest

And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lilly white breast

Or if I was a scholar and could handle the pen

One secret love letter to my true love I'd send

And I'd tell of my sorrow my grief and my pain

Since she's gone and left me in yon flowery glen

I sailed o'er the ocean my fortune to seek

Though I missed her caresses, her kiss on my cheek

I returned and I told her my love was still warm

but she turned away lightly and great was her scorn

I offered to take her to Donnybrook Fair

And to buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair

I offered to marry and to stay by her side

But she says in the morning she sails with the tide

My parents they chide me oh they will not agree

Saying me and my false love married should not be

Ah but let them deprive me ah let them do what they will

While there's breath in my body she's the one I love still