If I Was A Blackbird
View chords used in this chart
[Intro]. Dm Am x2
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
I am a young sailor, my story is sad
Dm Am C Dm
For once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad
Dm Am C Dm
I courted a lassie by night and by day
Dm Am C Dm
But now she has left me and sailed far away
[Refrão]
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
Or if I was a scholar and could handle a pen
Dm Am C Dm
One secret love letter to my true love I'd send
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain
Dm Am C Dm
Since she's gone and left me in yon flowery glen
[Refrão]
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
I sailed o'er the ocean, my fortune to seek
Dm Am C Dm
Though I missed her caress and her kiss on my cheek
Dm Am C Dm
I returned and I told her my love was still warm
Dm Am C Dm
But she turned away lightly and great was her scorn
[Refrão]
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
I offered to take her to Donnybrook Fair
Dm Am C Dm
And to buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair
Dm Am C Dm
I offered to marry and to stay by her side
Dm Am C Dm
But she said in the morning she sailed with the tide
[Refrão]
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
Verse
Dm Am C Dm
My parents they chide me, and will not agree
Dm Am C Dm
Saying that me and my false love married should never be
Dm Am C Dm
Ah but let them deprive me, or let them do what they will
Dm Am C Dm
While there's breath in my body, she's the one that I love still
[Refrão]
Dm Am C Dm
Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
Dm Am C Dm
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
Dm Am C Dm
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
Dm Am C Dm
And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lily-white breast
How to play If I Was A Blackbird
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Dm. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.