Lyr/Tune Req: If I Were a Blackbird

Subject: Blackbird lyrics
From: Wildcare
Date: 24 Jun 98 - 10:42 PM

I was at a renaissance festival and heard a song about a young woman who sent a blackbird to watch over her lover who was at sea. I would appreciate any information regarding lyrics and tune. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Blackbird lyrics
From: Barry Finn
Date: 25 Jun 98 - 12:13 AM

If it has a refrain that goes

If I were a blackbird & could whistle & sing
I'd fly o're the vessel my true love sails in
& in the top rigging I'd there build my nest
I'd flutter my wings o're his lily white breast

if this seems like the one, it's in the database, enter into the search box in the uper right corner If I Were A Blackbird. Barry

Subject: Lyr Add: IF I WERE A BLACKBIRD
From: Kiwi
Date: 25 Jun 98 - 09:04 AM

I heard a slightly different version by a local group called Double Indemnity:

IF I WERE A BLACKBIRD

I am a young sailor, my story is sad
Oh once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad
I courted a lassie by night and by day
Ah but she's gone and left me here and sailed far away

CHORUS: Oh, if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
And in the top riggin' I will there build my nest
And I'd flutter my wings over her lily-white breast

I sailed o'er the ocean, my fortune to seek
Though 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

Chorus

Or if I was a scholar and could handle a pen
One secret love letter to my true love I'd send
I'd tell of my sorrow, my grief, and my pain
Ah, since she's gone and left me here in yon fern glen

Chorus

My parents they chide me, they will not grieve
Sayin' me and my false love married should never be
Ah, but let them deprive me, let them do what they will
While there's breath in my body, she's the one that I love still

Chorus

Subject: RE: Blackbird lyrics
From: Wildcare
Date: 25 Jun 98 - 12:45 PM

Thanks for the help. I will try to order the recording by Double Indemnity, but if the information is handy, I would appreciate that, too.

Thanks to you both.

Subject: RE: Blackbird lyrics
From: rosebrook
Date: 25 Jun 98 - 03:28 PM

This song has also been recorded by Silly Wizard (all-time favorite!), although in the last verse, I believe the correct lyrics are: My parents they chide me, they will not "agree" as opposed to grieve. Sounds like they're doin' plenty of grievein'! ; )

rosebrook

Subject: RE: Blackbird lyrics
From: kiwi
Date: 26 Jun 98 - 05:59 PM

Whoops.. you're right.. "agree", not "grieve".. finger slip.

Wildcare - The only info I have is that the song is on the album "Songs that Get You In the Heart" (They've also done another album called "Soul of the Wild Seed" which is also very good), produced by

Bedlam Boys Productions 7201 Keystone Street #118 Phila, PA 19135 609-652-5506

Unfortunately, i bought the tape two years ago, and I have no idea how current the information is now. Good luck!

Sla/n, Kiwi