Lyr Req: If I Was a Blackbird (from Silly Wizard)

14 Mar 98 - 01:41 AM (#23756)
Subject: Silly Wizard lyrics
From:

I am hoping someone can point me to lyrics for a song I heard by Silly Wizard. It's called Blackbird. Don't know if they wrote it but they perform it splendidly. In case you're not too familiar with it (there are several songs out there called "Blackbird") the lyrics start out like this:

If I was a Blackbird who could whistle and sing I'd follow the vessel My true love sails in. And in the tall brigands I would there build my nest And I'd flutter my wings O'er her lily white breasts

A great tune but I need the rest of the lyrics.

Anyone???

Thanks

Jeff Kennedy [e-mail]

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14 Mar 98 - 03:02 PM (#23777)
Subject: RE: Silly Wizard lyrics
From: Barry Finn

In the upper right hand corner, enter into the search box, If I Was A Blackbird, it's in there. Barry

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14 Mar 98 - 06:36 PM (#23792)
Subject: RE: Silly Wizard lyrics
From: Tim Jaques [e-mail]

Therese Doyle from Prince Edward Island does a very nice version of this song.

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14 Mar 98 - 06:37 PM (#23793)
Subject: RE: Silly Wizard lyrics
From: Tim Jaques [e-mail]

I think it is "top rigging", not tall brigands. A tall brigand would be an oversize robber.:)

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14 Mar 98 - 06:45 PM (#23794)
Subject: Lyr Add: IF I WAS A BLACKBIRD
From: Tim Jaques [e-mail]

Doyle's lyrics are slightly different than those in the database, in that it is a woman who is seeking after her sailor love.

Here is Doyle's version, from her CD "Forerunner":

IF I WAS A BLACKBIRD

I once knew a maiden, a maiden so rare
Fell in love with a sailor, a young sailor boy
He courted her truly by night and by day
Til at length that young sailor he sailed far away.

CHORUS:
And if I was a blackbird who could whistle and sing
I'd follow the ship that my true love sails on
And in the top rigging I'd there build my nest
To fly like a seagull to his lily white breast.

My love he is handsome in every degree
My parents despise him because he loves me
But let them despise him and say what they will
While there is life in my bosom I'll love that boy still.

(Chorus again)

And if I was a scholar who could handle a pen
A long loving letter unto him I'd send
I'd tell of my sorrows, my griefs and my woes
If I could but find him I'd crown him with gold

(Chorus again, last line repeated twice)

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16 Mar 98 - 12:57 AM (#23878)
Subject: RE: Silly Wizard lyrics
From: Alex

There is a Silly Wizard site with lyrics, discography at http://www.mindspring.com/~cwalters/swlyrics.html

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