If I Were A Blackbird
Composer(s): Alister Armstrong; Judson Armstrong
Performer(s): Helen Creighton



I once knew a maiden, a maiden so rare
Fell in love with a sailor, a young sailor beau
She courted him dearly, by night and by day
Til at length this young sailor, he sailed far away

And if I were a blackbird, I'd whistle and sing
I'd follow the ship that my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And I'd fly like a seagull to his lily white breast

My true love is handsome in every degree
My parents despise him because he loves me
Well, let them despise him, or say what they will
While there's life in my bosom, I'll love the lad still 

And if I were a blackbird, I'd whistle and sing
I'd follow the ship that my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And I'd fly like a seagull to his lily white breast

If I were a scholar, I could handle a pen
One long, loving letter unto him I'd send
I'd tell him my sorrow, my grief and my woes
If I could but find him I'd crown him with gold 

And if I were a blackbird, I'd whistle and sing
I'd follow the ship that my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And I'd fly like a seagull to his lily white breast

I’m just a young sailor and my story is sad
For once I was happy and a brave sailor lad
I courted a lassie by night and by day
But now she has left me and gone far away

And pillow my head on her lily white breast
Whistle and sing, whistle and sing
I’ll follow the ship that my true love sails in