Song Lyrics

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 next
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lilly white breast
Or if I was a scholar and could handle the pen

Once secret love letter to 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 o'er the ocean my fortune to seek

Though 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
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 that me and my false love married should never be
Oh let them deprive me or let them do what they will
While there's breath in my body
She's the one I love still

Freeland Barbour, Andy Stewart, Alistair Donaldson, Manuel Dominguez, Dick Ollet, Gordon Jones, Bob Thomas, Johnny Cunningham

The duration of If I Was a Blackbird is 7:32 minutes and seconds.