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If I Were a Blackbird

from Of Love and War by Roary Skaista

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about

There exist many versions of this song, sung by artists such as May Bradley, Maggie Boyle and The Askew Sisters. Other versions are told from the sailor's point of view rather than the maiden's. I first heard the song sung by my grandfather, who only seemed to know the chorus, which referred to a "lily white breast" rather than a "broad golden chest".

lyrics

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 my dear sailor has sailed far away.

Oh if I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing,
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in.
And in the top rigging, I'd there build my nest,
And I'd flutter my wings o’er his broad golden chest.

He promised to take me to Donnybrook Fair,
To buy me fine ribbons to tie up my hair.
He promised to marry and to stay by my side,
But then in the morning he sailed with the tide.

Oh if I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing,
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in.
And in the top rigging, I'd 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,
But he turned away lightly and great was his scorn.

Oh if I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing,
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in.
And in the top rigging, I'd there build my nest,
And I'd flutter my wings o’er his broad golden chest.

I sing of my sorrow, my grief and my pain,
Since he’s gone and left me till I know not when.
But let him deprive me, let him go where he will,
While there’s breath in my body he’s my sailor lad still.

Oh if I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing,
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in.
And in the top rigging, I'd there build my nest,
And I'd flutter my wings o’er his broad golden chest.

credits

from Of Love and War, released August 1, 2016
Traditional

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Roary Skaista UK

Roary Skaista is a queer folk musician based in Oxford, performing traditional folk songs as well as their own material on the themes of love, nature and diversity.

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