If I Were a Blackbird

If I were a blackbird, the wind beneath my wing

I would follow the vessel my true love sails in

In the top rigging, I'd there build my nest

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

My words they are simple, my story is true

Once I was carefree, my own path to choose

I courted a lady by night and by day

But now she has left me and gone far away

If I were a blackbird, the wind beneath my wing

I would follow the vessel my true love sails in

In the top-rigging, I'd there build my nest

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

She followed me gladly to Donnybrook Fair*

I bought her fine ribbons to tie in her hair

She offered to marry and stay by my side

But then in the morning she sailed with the tide

My parents they chide me and will not agree

Saying me and my true love, never married should be.

But let them deprive me, let them do what they will

While there's life in my spirit, she's the one I'll love still

If I were a blackbird, the wind beneath my wing

I would follow the vessel my true love sails in

In the top-rigging, I'd there build my nest

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