1. 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 But now, she has left me, And sailed far away.
Oh if I was a blackbird, And could whistle and sing I'd follow the vessel, My true love sails in And in that top riggin', I would there build my nest And I'd flutter my wings O'er her lily white breast.
2. Or if I was a scholar, And could handle the pen One 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 floating land
Oh if I was a blackbird, And could whistle and sing I'd follow the vessel, My true love sails in And in that top riggin', I would there build my nest And I'd flutter my wings O'er her lily white breast.
3. I've sailed on the ocean, My fortune to seek Oh, I miss 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
Oh if I was a blackbird, And could whistle and sing I'd follow the vessel, My true love sails in And in that top riggin', I would there build my nest And I'd flutter my wings O'er her lily white breast.
4. I offered to take her, To Donneybrooke fair And to 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
Oh if I was a blackbird, And could whistle and sing I'd follow the vessel, My true love sails in And in that top riggin', I would there build my nest And I'd flutter my wings O'er her lily white breast.
5. My parents, they chide me, They will not agree Saying that me and my false-love, Married shouldn't never be Ah, but let them deprive me, And do what they will While there's breath in my body, She's the one I love still
Oh if I was a blackbird, And could whistle and sing I'd follow the vessel, My true love sails in And in that top riggin', I would there build my nest And I'd flutter my wings O'er her lily white breast.