This is a traditional Nova Scotia folk song, collected by Helen Creighton in 1959 in Lunenburg County. It appears to have originated in Ireland. The Irish folk song of the same name is sung to a different melody and lyrics.
Credits:
Vocals, piano - Sue McBride
https://suemcbridemusic.com
Tin Whistle - Rosie Brownhill
Midi instruments, mixing, mastering - Aaron Klingbeil (SpacefoodAV) https://spacefood.ca
Video graphics and editing - Aaron Klingbeil (SpacefoodAV)
(SpacefoodAV) https://spacefood.ca
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If I Were a Blackbird folk song is a song about a young maiden who falls in love with a sailor against her parents wishes. In the end, the sailor sails away and leaves her alone. In Celtic culture, Celtic traditions are considered deep and sacred, and Celtic music is no exception. Sue McBride's performance of this Nova Scotian folk song was meant to encapsulate the spirit of the Nova Scotian people; and, hopefully, If I Were A Blackbird will continue to be embraced by Nova Scotians and continue to be sung by young and old for decades to come.
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Lyrics:
If I Were a Blackbird - Traditional
Verse 1:
I am a young maiden, a maiden so fair
Fell in love with a sailor, a young sailor boy
And we courted in secret, by night and by day
'Til at length that young sailor, oh he sailed far away.
Chorus:
If I were a blackbird, I'd whistle and sing
I'd follow the ship that my true love sails in
And in the top rigging, there I'd build my nest
And flutter my wings o'er his broad golden chest.
Verse 2:
My true love is handsome, in every degree
And my parents despise him, because he loves me
Well, let them despise him and say what they will
For as long as I'm living, I'll love that boy still. (Chorus)
Verse 3:
And if I were a scholar who could handle a pen
A secret love letter unto him I would send
And I'd tell him my sorrows, my pain, and my woes
Should the day come I find him, I'll crown him with gold. (Chorus)
Verse 1: (repeat and fade)
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