Here's what I remember..probably off an Anne Bryne record (the finest of all fine singers)

If I was a blackbird I'd whistle and sing
And follow the ship that my true love sails in
And on the top rigging I'd there build my nest
And lay down my head on his lily white breast

I am a young maiden my story is sad
For once I was courted by a _____ sailor lad
He courted me fondly by night and by day
And now my poor sailor has sailed far away

He promised to take me to Donneybrook fair
to buy me red ribbons to bind up my hair
And when he returned from the ocean so wide
He'd take me and make me his own loving bride


His parents they spite me and do not agree
that I and my sailor lad married should be
But when he returns he will greet me with joy
and I'll take to my bosom my ______ sailor boy