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. 

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. 

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.

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

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.