I am a young maiden
My story is sad
For once I was carefree
And in love with a lad

He courted me sweetly
By night and by day
But now he has left me
And gone faraway

(Chorus 1)
Oh, if I was a blackbird
Could wistle and sing
I would follow the vessel
My true love sails in

(Chorus 2)
And in the top rigging
I would built there my nest
And I'd flutter my wings
To his broad golden chest

He sailed o'er[over] the ocean
His fortune to seek
I missed his caresses
And his kiss on my cheek

(Chorus 1)
(Chorus 2)

Then he offered to marry
And to stay by my side
But then in the morning
He sailed with the tide

I am a young maiden
My story is sad...

(Chorus 1)
(Chorus 2)