If I was a blackbird, I'd whistle and sing And I'd follow the ship that my true love sails in And on the top riggings, I'd there build my nest And I'd pillow my head on his lily white breast I am a young maiden and my story is sad For once 1 was courted by a brave sailor lad He courted me strongly by night and by day But now my dear sailor is gone far away If I was a blackbird He promised to take me to Donnybrook fair To buy me red ribbons to tie up my hair And when he'd return from the ocean so wide He'd take me and make me his own loving bride If I was a blackbird His parents they slight me and will not agree That I and my sailor boy married should be But when he comes home I will greet him with joy And I'll take to my bosom my dear sailor boy If I was a blackbird