Lyrics:

I am a young maiden and my story is sad
For once I was courted by a bold sailor lad
He courted me dearly by night and midday
Ah, but now he has left me and he's gone far away
So if I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
And I'd follow that ship where my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And I'd pillow my head on his lily white breast
He promised to take me to Donnybrook Fair
And he'd buy me red ribbons to tie in my hair
And I know that someday he'll come back o'er the tide
And then surely he'll make me his own darling bride
His parents they chide me and they will not agree
That I and my sailor boy married should be
Ah, but let them deride me and do what they will
While there's breath in my body, he's the one I love still
So if I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
And I'd follow that ship where my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And I'd pillow my head on his lily white breast