Intro. Dm Am x2
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
I am a young sailor, my story is sad
Dm Am C Dm
For once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad
Dm Am C Dm
I courted a lassie by night and by day
Dm Am C Dm
But now she has left me and sailed far away
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
Or if I was a scholar and could handle a pen
Dm Am C Dm
One secret love letter to my true love I'd send
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain
Dm Am C Dm
Since she's gone and left me in yon flowery glen
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
I sailed o'er the ocean, my fortune to seek
Dm Am C Dm
Though I missed her caress and her kiss on my cheek
Dm Am C Dm
I returned and I told her my love was still warm
Dm Am C Dm
But she turned away lightly and great was her scorn
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
I offered to take her to Donnybrook Fair
Dm Am C Dm
And to buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair
Dm Am C Dm
I offered to marry and to stay by her side
Dm Am C Dm
But she said in the morning she sailed with the tide
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
My parents they chide me, and will not agree
Dm Am C Dm
Saying that me and my false love married should never be
Dm Am C Dm
Ah but let them deprive me, or let them do what they will
Dm Am C Dm
While there's breath in my body, she's the one that I love still
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast