I once knew a maiden whose fortune was so.
She courted a sailor a young sailor boy.
She courted him dearly by night and by day
Until that young sailor he sailed miles away.

CHORUS: And if I were a blackbird I'd whistle and sing.
I would follow the ship that my true love sailed in,
And on the top rigging, I'd there build my nest.
Like an eagle I'd fly on his lily-white breast.

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

And if I were a scholar could handle a pen,
A letter of love to my sailor I'd send.
I'd tell him my sorrows my griefs and my woes,
And when I would find him, I'll crown him with gold. CHORUS