I am a young sailor, my story is sad
Though once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad
I courted a lassie, by night and day
but now she has left me and sailed far away

If I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel, my true love sails in
and in the tall rigging, I would there build my nest
and flutter my wings, o'er her lilly white breast

Or if I were a scholar and could handle a pen
one secret love letter to my true love I'd send
and tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain
since she's gone and left me and yon floaty glen

If I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel, my true love sails in
and in the tall rigging, I would there build my nest
and flutter my wings, o'er her lilly white breast

I sailed o'er the ocean, my fortune to seek
though I missed her caress and her kiss on my cheek
I returned and I told her that my love was still warm
but she turned away lightly and great was her scorn

If I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel, my true love sails in
and in the tall rigging, I would there build my nest
and flutter my wings, o'er her lilly white breast

I offered to take her, to Donnybrook fair
and to buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair
I offered to marry and stay by her side
But she says in the mornin' she sails with the tide

If I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel, my true love sails in
and in the tall rigging, I would there build my nest
and flutter my wings, o'er her lilly white breast

My parents they chide me, oh they will not agree
Saying that me and my false love, married will never be
Oh let them deprive me, let them do what they will
While there's breath in my body
She's the one I love still