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
