We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

If I Were A Blackbird

from Over the Main by Dorain

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Our limited first edition of 100 copies, with cover art by Iain Dove Lempke and photography by Arielle Johnson.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Over the Main via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days
    edition of 100 

      $12 USD or more 

     

about

This is a traditional Irish song recorded and popularized by many artists including Delia Murphy in 1939. Singers many times will change the lyrics slightly to match the gender they identify with. We thought it would be even more interesting for both partners to tell their side.

lyrics

I am a young maiden, my story is sad
For once I was carefree with a young sailor lad.
He courted me sweetly, by night and by day,
But now he has left me and gone far away

I am a young sailor, my story’s sad too
For once I was carefree with a lass of full bloom.
I courted this lassie by night and by day,
But now she won’t have me, and I’ve gone far away.

Chorus:
Oh if I were a blackbird, I’d whistle and sing.
I’d follow the vessel my true love sails in
And in the top rigging, I’d there build my nest
And flutter my wings over the one I love best.

He offered to take me to Donnybrook Fair
To buy my fine ribbons, tie them up in my hair.
He offered to marry and to stay by my side,
But then, in the morning, he sailed with the tide.

I sailed o’er the ocean my fortune to seek,
Though I missed her caresses and her kiss on my cheek.
I went and I told her that my love was still strong,
But she turned away lightly, and great was her scorn.

Chorus

My parents, they chide me and will not agree
Saying, me and my true love, married we’ll never be,
But with my true love gone, let them do what they will.
While there’s breath in my body, he’s the one I love still.

Oh if I were a scholar and could handle the pen
One secret love letter to my true love I’d send
And I’d tell her my sorrow, my grief and my pain
Since my love’s gone and left me in yon flowery glen.

Chorus

credits

from Over the Main, released January 28, 2017

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Dorain Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dòrain is a folk quartet based in the Twin Cities, playing both Scottish and Irish traditional music. They perform songs in English, Scots, and Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), frequently incorporating complex vocal harmonies, and mix in a hearty dose of energetic dance tunes. ... more

contact / help

Contact Dorain

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Dorain, you may also like: