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THE BLACKBIRD, traditional

I am but a poor girl; my misfortunes seem sad.
Many months I’ve been courting a young sailor lad.
I’ve courted him truly both noon, night and day.
Now my young sailor has gone far away.

Chorus:
If I were a blackbird, I’d whistle and sing.
I’d follow the vessel my true love sails in.
While in the top rigging, I would there build my nest.
And lie all night long on his lily-white breast.

My love’s tall and handsome with every degree.
His parents despise him because he loves me.
Oh, let them despise him and say what they will
While I’ve breath in my body, I’ll love my man still.

Chorus

If I were a scholar and took up my pen
I’d write a long letter to my true love I’d send.
I’d tell my misfortunes, my sad grief and woe.
If I’d wings like a dove, to my true love I’d go.

Chorus

(this last verse written by Shannon Heaton):
If I were a painter, I’d see my love’s face
On a canvas in colors, warmed by the sun’s rays.
His features so pleasing, his eyes full of love,
Like an eagle I’d soar in the blue skies above.

(from the album "Blue Skies Above")