Upon a fine morning for soft recreation
I heard a fair damsel making much moan
Sighing and sobbing with sad lamentation
And saying :" My blackbird most royal has flown"

My thoughts they deceive me, reflection it grieves me
And I'm overburdened with sad misery
But if death should bind me as true love inclines me
I'll seek out my blackbird wherever he be."

The birds of the forest they all flock together
The turtle has chosen to dwell with the dove
And I am resolved in fair or foul weather
Once more in the springtime to seek out my love

He is all my heart's treasure, my joy without measure
Oh, love me, my love, for my heart is with thee
He is constant and kind and courageous of mind
And I'll seek out my blackbird wherever he be."

"But if by the fowler my blackbird is taken
Then weeping and wailing will be all my tune
But if he's alive, and I'm not mistaken
I surely will see him in May or in June

For him through hell-fire, though the journey be dire
I'll go, for I love him to such a degree
Who is faithful and kind and so noble of mind
That he carries a blessing wherever he be."

And not the wide ocean can fright me with danger
For though like a pilgrim I wander forlorn
I may meet with some friendship from one that's a stranger
Before anyone that in England was born

Oh, Heaven, so spacious, to England be gracious
Though some there be odious to both him and me
For her bay of renown and laurel, shall crown
My blackbird with honor wherever he be