If I were a blackbird, the wind 'neath 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
O, 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 'neath 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 ne'er 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 'neath 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
