When I was a young girl my fortune was sad
I once went a-courting a true sailor lad
I courted him dearly by night and by day
But now for a sailor he's gone far away
If I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
I'd follow that vessel my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And lay there all night on his lily-white breast
My love's tall and handsome in every degree
His parents despise him because he loves me
Although they despise him and say what they may
With breath in my body I'll love him always
If I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
I'd follow that vessel my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And lay there all night on his lily-white breast
He promised to meet me at Donnybrook Fair
And buy me blue ribbons to tie in my hair
And if I should meet him I'd crown him with joy
And kiss the sweet lips of my true sailor boy
If I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
I'd follow that vessel my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And lay there all night on his lily-white breast
If I was a scholar, could handle my pen
Just one private letter to him I would send
I'd write and I'd tell him of my grief and woe
And follow the oceans, to him I would go
If I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
I'd follow that vessel my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And lay there all night on his lily-white breast

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