If I Were a Blackbird...

I am a young sailor my story is sad
Though once I was a carefree and brave sailor lad
I courted a lassie by night and by day
But now she has left me and sailed far away

If I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
And follow the ship that my true love sails in
And in the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And lay down my head on her lilly white breast

If I were a scholar and could handle a pen
One secret love letter my true love I'd send
And tell of my sorrow my grief and my pain
since she's gone and left me in yon flowery glen

I sailed over ocean my fortune to seek
I missed her caress and 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

If I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
And follow the ship that my true love sails in
And in the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And flutter my wings on her lilly white breast

I offered to take her to Donnybrook fair
and buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair
I offered to marry and stay by her side
but she says in the morning she sails with the tide

My parents they chide me they will not agree
Say married to my false love I never should be
but let them deprive me and do what they will
while there is breath in my body she's the one I love still

Andrew M. Stewart