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 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