Andy Stewart version

I am a young sailor my story is sad
Though once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad
I courted a lassie by night and by day
Ah but now she has left me and sailed far away

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 o'er her lily-white breasts

If I was a scholar and could handle the pen
One secret love letter to my true love I'd send
And I'd tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain
Since she's gone and left me in yon foreign land

I sailed o'er the ocean, my fortune to seek
Tho' I missed her caress and her kiss on my cheek
I returned and I told her my love was still warm
But she turned away lightly and great was her scorn

I offered to take her to Donnybrook Fair
And to buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair
I offered to marry and to stay by her side
But she says in the morning she sails with the tide

My parents they chide me and will not agree
Saying me and my false love never will be
Ah but let them deprive me let them do as they will
While there's breath in my body she's the one that I love still