I am a young sailor, my story is sad,
Though once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad,
I courted a lassie by night and by day,
Oh but now she has left me, and sailed far away.

Oh, if I was a blackbird could whistle and sing,
I'd follow the vessel my [bad word] love sails in,
And in the top riggin' I would there build my nest,
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lilly white breast.

Or if I was a scholar and could handle the pen
Once secret love letter to my [bad word] love I'd send
And tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain
Since she's gone and left me in yon flowery glen.

Oh, if I was a blackbird could whistle and sing,
I'd follow the vessel my [bad word] love sails in,
And in the top riggin' I would there build my nest,
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lilly 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.

Oh, if I was a blackbird could whistle and sing,
I'd follow the vessel my [bad word] love sails in,
And in the top riggin' I would there build my nest,
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lilly white breast.