Name: If I was a Blackbird
Duration: P00H04M38S
Description: 'If I was a Blackbird' is a traditional song which tells the story of a young woman whose love has left her to make a new life in America and she wishes that she could transform into a Blackbird and follow after him. Elír's arrangement of this well known song is poignant and leaves room for the story and the music to breathe.

If I was a Blackbird

by ELÍR

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isaacstanesby Naimh you've got a crackin set of pipes

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about

'If I was a Blackbird' is a traditional song which tells the story of a young woman whose love has left her to make a new life in America and she wishes that she could transform into a Blackbird and follow after him. Elír's arrangement of this well known song is poignant and leaves room for the story and the music to breathe.

lyrics

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 far away

Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
And I'd flutter my wings o'er his broad golden chest

He sailed o'er the ocean, his fortune to seek
I missed his caresses and his kiss on my cheek
He returned and I told him my love was still warm
He turned away lightly and great was his scorn

He offered to take me to Donnybrook Fair
To buy me 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

Oh if I was a blackbird, could whistle and sing
I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in
And in the top rigging I would there build my nest
And I'd flutter my wings o'er his broad golden chest

credits

released October 24, 2019
David Lombardi - Fiddle
Niamh MacKaveney - Vocals
Jean Damei - Guitar

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about

ELÍR Glasgow, UK

ELÍR is a contemporary folk trio based in Glasgow who merge together a variety of folk traditions, genres and styles to create a musical landscape rich in colour and layers of sound.

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