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featuring Halifax Camerata - CD available

I once knew a maiden, a maiden so rare

fell in love with a sailor, a young sailor boy

She courted him daily, by night and by day

til at length this young sailor, he sailed far away

For I were a blackbird, I'd whistle and sing 

I'd follow the ship my true love sails in 

And in the top rigging I’d there build my nest 

And I'd fly like a seagull to his lily white breast

I am a young maiden, my story is sad 

For if 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 

My love is handsome in every degree

My parents despise him because he loves me

But let them despise him and say what they will

When there’s life in my bosom, I’d love that boy still

Now if I were a scholar and could handle a pen

One long loving letter, unto him I’d send.

I’d tell him my sorrow, my grief and my woe

If I could but find him I’d crown him with gold