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 to his broad golden chest

He sailed o'er the ocean, his fortune to seek
I missed his caresses and his kiss on my cheek

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 to his broad golden chest

Then he offered to marry and to stay by my side
But then in the morning he sailed with the tide

I am a young maiden, my story is sad

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 to his broad golden chest