If I Was A Blackbird song lyrics and guitar chords

Traditional. The singer in the video is Clary Croft from Novia Scitia. What a lovely rendition of this old classic. It was also recorded by Silly Wizzard, Ronnie Ronalde, Bridie Gallagher and Aude Gagnier. The tin whistle sheet music is included with an mp3.

[G]I am a young sailor, my story is[D] sad 
For once I was carefree and a[G] bold sailor[D] lad 
I[G] courted a lassie by night and by[D] day 
But now she has left me and gone far a[G]way
Chorus: 
Oh[G] if I was a blackbird, could whistle and[D] sing 
I'd follow the vessel my[G] true love sails[D] in 
And[G] in the top rigging I would there build my[D] nest 
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white[G] breast
 
Or if I was a scholar and could handle a pen 
One secret love letter to my true love I'd send 
And I'd tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain 
Since she's gone and left me in yon flowery glen
 
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
 
I offered to take her to Donnybrook Fair 
And to buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair 
I offered to marry and to stay by her side 
But she said in the morning she sailed with the tide
 
My parents they chide me, and will not agree 
Saying that me and my false love married should never be 
Ah but let them deprive me, or let them do what they will 
While there's breath in my body, she's the one that I love still 

Here are the chords in the key of D

[D]I am a young sailor, my story is[A] sad 
For once I was carefree and a[D] bold sailor[A] lad 
I[D] courted a lassie by night and by[A] day 
But now she has left me and gone far a[D]way
Chorus: 
Oh[D] if I was a blackbird, could whistle and[A] sing 
I'd follow the vessel my[D] true love sails[A] in 
And[D] in the top rigging I would there build my[A] nest 
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white[D] breast