Blackbird Lyrics

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
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