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