I am a young maiden, my story is sad

For once I was carefree and in love with a lad

He courted me sweetly by night and by day

But now he has left me and gone far away



Chorus:

Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing

I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in

And in the top rigging I would there build my nest

And I'd flutter my wings o'er his broad golden chest



He sailed o'er the ocean, his fortune to seek

I missed his caresses and his kiss on my cheek

He returned and I told him my love was still warm

He turned away lightly and great was his scorn



He offered to take me to Donnybrook Fair

To buy me fine ribbons, tie them up in my hair

He offered to marry and to stay by my side

But then in the morning he sailed with the tide



My parents they chide me, and will not agree

Saying that me and my true love married should never be

Ah but let them deprive me, or let them do what they will

While there's breath in my body, he's the one that I love still



Male perspective...



I am a young sailor, my story is sad

For once I was carefree and a bold sailor lad

I courted a lassie by night and by day

But now she has left me and gone far away



Chorus:

Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing

I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in

And in the top rigging I would there build my nest

And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast



Or if I was a scholar and could handle a pen

One secret love letter to my true love I'd send

And I'd 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 said in the morning she sailed with the tide



My parents they chide me, and will not agree

Saying that me and my false love married should never be

Ah but let them deprive me, or let them do what they will

While there's breath in my body, she's the one that I love still