If I were a blackbird, I’d whistle and I’d sing
And I’d follow the ship that my love he sails in.
And in the top rigging I’d there build my nest
And I’d pillow my head on his lily-white breast. He promised to take me to Donnybrook Fair
to buy me red ribbons to tie up my hair.
And when I do see him, I’ll crown him with joy
And I’ll give all my love to my sailor boy. If I were a scholar, a letter I would write.
In line after line I would call him sweetheart.
And then at the end to him I would
Say that he’ll be my true love till my dying day. My parents, they slight me,they drive me from my home.
Let them do what they like,love, let them do what they will.
While there’s breath in my body,l this I can say:
That you’ll be my true love till my dying day. I know not the reason why women love men
And I know not the reason why men do love them.
For a man’s been my ruin. He’s been my downfall
And he’s caused me to sleep under slimy cold walls. | 
