Silly Wizard- If I Were a Blackbird (A Scottish Ballad)

[@RobMacKendrick]

No matter how often I hear that voice (and I've been hearing it for thirty years now), it's like the Scottish ground itself were singing.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc

[@Bekki369]

Feeling deeply sad for the passing of Andy, such a fine singer, and this has been one of my favorites since they first recorded it.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc

[@francis888ful]

Very haunting song, reminds me of my true love who is no longer with me, god bless my only love.

[@maryl8539]

❤️

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc

[@seandavison9644]

I have to fight back tear almost every time I hear it!

[@pegasusc130]

My Scottish heart weeps hearing this song.

[@jeanfallow281]

Such amazing pitch, vocal control and emotional delivery. RIP Andy.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc

[@maxbladel]

This recording is from Silly Wizard - Live Wizardry 1988 amazing album... highest caliber all the way through.

[@EquestriaNarrator]

I've known this song since the 80s. Saw Silly Wizard in concert in Ann Arbor in the late 80s. As haunting now as it was then.

[@booboo8675]

Hello Officer Rabbit. I never knew the song was haunting, though.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc

[@FeryAndrianus]

I love both Irish and Scottish :) Their music sre touching my heart so deep. Greeting from Indonesia :)

[@congmanguy]

👍

[@mcstabba]

I love that stuff too! Greetings from Sweden (6 years later).

[@dusanradin5868]

Same here! Greetings from Serbia!

[@victordefinitely2165]

@@dusanradin5868 greetings, serbia!

[@dusanradin5868]

@@victordefinitely2165 Thanks,man.

[@drpepperr]

thank you, Andy Stewart.

[@jeanjones3934]

I love the song and the singer and Scottish music in general.

[@sarapinsky315]

Such a beautiful song. Andy M. Stewart was a fantastic singer. May he rest in peace.

[@rosie15615]

This song reminds of a friend who passed away today! we were listening to this tune this morning. thank you for uploading.

[@d.d.soprano2207]

A live performance and perfection, it is! Thank you.

[@jennifercharlton-dennis6763]

My father in law loved this song. Irish all the way. So beautiful

[@steray8one]

My favorite Celtic album is "At it again" and I have close to 100. Andy Stewart and Manus Luny are the timeless troubadours of a time and place that weave into our history like the aorta does to the human heart. Tae the weavers gin ye go - rocks my brain stem - as it will yours.

[@Annie-or6cs]

R.I.P. amazing singer

[@anakinskywalker1344]

😞😩😭🎼👍💙

[@gospelbluegrassblog]

I first heard this sing years ago on Fiona Ritchie's fine "Thistle and Shamrock" radio show (yeah, still a thing). I have played, sung, and listened to a lot of music, so it's almost impossible to pick favorites. This, however, is my favorite folk song. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@graciemuldoon]

beautiful... being scottish... i can certainly say this one sings to my soul.. from far away ancestors' notes.

[@adriennekraft2381]

this song is truly magical !

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc

[@notafifer]

This beautiful song brought tears to my eyes.

[@tipptoggy]

This song is Irish in origin, collected in the 1920s by Colm O Lochlainn in Dublin (Donny Brook is in South Dublin),and recorded by Delia Murphy* in 1939. Was very popular in the early 1950s, the Silly Wizard version is my favourite, has a languid simplicity. The 1950's versions were often over orchestrated. *Delia Murphy was a fascinating character, wife of an Irisj Ambassador, recording star and did some undercover work in Germany during the war.. has to be a film in there somewhere.

[@congmanguy]

Thank you. I love to know the origins. They get lost as time goes by.

[@McConnachy]

Sean Laffey thank you for the information to the origin of the song Sean, kind regards, Angus

[@Gorfell]

You can't for sure say its Irish nor any other, the original author is unknown and the first record of it is from George Barnet Gardiner a Scot but he collected it from England in 1906 source: Roud Folksong Index (S239480).

[@jockmcfrog3747]

So many partings, so many versions. mainlynorfolk.info/folk/songs/ifiwasablackbird.html

[@raedwulf61]

This is one of my favorite songs of any genre.

[@bucklilli9832]

This is a beautiful old song. I love these old love songs. How old is this song? Two hundred years? Goes back to sailing s hips and illiteracy of the masses. These songs are so sweet. How has music degenerated so badly in this day and age?

[@Haggismaker]

One of my favourite songs ever. Used to have an original signed cassette somewhere.

[@LindsayCurran]

LOVE this song!!! ***** Many, many thanks!

[@CelticMaggi]

I have loved this song for years! I wish I could find sheet music for this one. My fondest wish is to hear my daughter sing it.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc

[@catSkyeMc]

beautiful, simply beautiful, thank you for putting it up

[@Panzersoldat]

Thank you so much for uploading this song! Been looking for it for ages.

[@DudeFarooqi]

Celtic Folk music is just amazing

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I included this recording in my latest "Phonograph to Folk Revival" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKuranuXiLlogKM The series compares similar recordings of the same traditional songs by traditional singers and popular folk revival musicians. This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc Feel free to subscribe to my channel if you're interested in traditional folk music!

[@melpratt6261]

I heard Andy sing this many years ago at a concert in Columbus OH. Beautiful song, beautiful voice.

[@TastemyVirus]

thanks for posting its my favorite song now. its nice to listen to beautiful music and remember the past instead of listening to this party music all the time. TY for posting

[@peterderiemer3854]

I am a silly wizard! Andy sends love💖

[@detroitboy1217]

The (too soon) late great Andy Stewart. Incomparable voice. Like Roy Orbison, Gene Pitney. I show my age... ;)

[@marcoquelicot]

vu en France au siècle 20 ... d'excellents souvenirs et les disques sont dans ma collection ! j'aime

[@tipptoggy]

For those who would like to trace origins of songs, Google for Mudcat Cafe, loads of info there. Or try to locate the Roud Number, a classification of songs by a Librarian who has done years of research on song titles from the folk tradition.

[@manuelabruni6204]

Sean Laffey

[@electronictonalities7949]

In the book Irish Street Ballads by Colm O Lochlainn Copyright 1939 there is a song called 'If I Was A Blackbird" with near identical lyrics; I am a young maiden my story is sad For once I was courted by a brave sailor lad. He courted me strongly by night and by day, But now my dear sailor is gone far away. (Chorus) If I was a black bird, I'd whistle and sing And I'd follow the ship that my true love sails in And on the top riggings I'd there build my nest, And I'd pillow my head on his lily white breast. He promised to take me to Donnybrook fair To buy me red ribbons to bind up my hair. And when he'd return from the ocean so wide, He'd take me and make me his own loving bride. (Chorus) His parents they slight me and will not agree That I and my sailor boy married should be. But when he comes home I will greet him with joy And I'll take to my bosom my dear sailor boy (Chorus) In my opinion based off of what I read this is an Irish ballad. Also it makes more sense than Silly Wizards lyrics. Why would a sailor lads lassy sail away? it would make more sense if it was the bride to be singing that she wanted to follow her sailor lad on his travels. As well the quoting of Donnybrook Fair, in my opinion it makes no sense for someone in Scotland to sail all the way to Dublin to buy red ribbons. I would suggest listening to Delia Murphy's version but the she is still not the original as the song is far older.

[@aboibrahimalsolami7171]

@@electronictonalities7949 I was looking for this info. Thank you!

[@simonidastankovic2627]

Ooooooh.....the best version of this song so far

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I included this recording in my latest "Phonograph to Folk Revival" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKuranuXiLlogKM The series compares similar recordings of the same traditional songs by traditional singers and popular folk revival musicians. This recording is based on a version known by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, which Silly Wizard learnt from her great-niece. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc Feel free to subscribe to my channel if you're interested in traditional folk music!

[@TheOmaga13]

There is a very similar song in Canada from Nova Scotia, Black bird. The tune is different but the words are very close. It is told from a girl's point of view about her sailor boy. I love these songs.

[@dcfox77]

Do you know what Nova Scotia means? New Scotland.. so it'll be very similar

[@drewaitken9601]

It is an old Irish ballad of which there are two versions and Andy added two verses and slightly adapted the tune.

[@scotrelf]

as Maxblade says, it's on Wizardy, but it was originally on the stdio album Wild and Beautiful, which is available on cd

[@mohurley2]

If I Were A Blackbird RIP Andy M. Stewart, (1952-2015) I am a young sailor, my story is sad, Though once I was carefree and a brave sailor lad, I courted a lassie by night and by day, Oh but now she has left me, And sailed far away. CURFA: Oh, if I was a blackbird could whistle and sing, I'd follow the vessel my true love sails in, And in the top riggin' I would there build my next, And I'd flutter my wings o'er her lilly white breast. CURFA: Or if I was a scholar and could handle the pen Once secret love letter to my true love I'd send And tell of my sorrow, my grief and my pain Since she's gone and left me In yon flowery glen. CURFA: I sailed o'er the ocean, my fortune to seek Though I missed her caress and her kiss on my cheek I returned and I told her my love was still warm but she turned away lightly And great was her scorn. CURFA: I offered to take her to Donnybrook Fair And to buy her fine ribbons to tie up her hair I offered to marry and to stay by her side But she says in the morning She sails with the tide. CURFA: My parents, they chide me, oh they will not agree Saying that me and my false love, married should never be Oh let them deprive me, or let them do what they will While there's breath in my body She's the one I love still

[@manuelabruni6204]

mohurley2 👎

[@francis888ful]

Listening and thinking of someone, heartbroken.

[@nicolareddwoodd4681]

My favorite song.

[@DylanFreak263]

@rarelyzippo The song's on 'Wild and Beautiful' by Silly Wizard. You should be able to get it through Amazon

[@misterdabalina4694]

For me and ma true love will never meet again!

[@ThomReed]

I am selling a Silly Wizard Vinyl LP, from 1978. I no longer have a record player. This song I like a lot. SILLY WIZARD CALEDONIA'S HARDY SONS. It's in great shape.

[@claoftheninesausages]

Have you not heard of EBay?

[@rarelyzippo]

I can't find this song on any cd anywhere. so sad cause it's one of my favorites...

[@sophiesfarm1363]

Reminds me a little bit of a German song: If I were a bird and had two little wings, I would fly to you. But because it can't be, but because it can't be. I have to stay here.

[@Feinwerkmechanikerme]

Super!!!

[@TyroneWells-z5d]

That's deep that's fly

[@maddemon1098]

good

[@alexandermuir3119]

RIP Andy.

[@bobknightfolk]

@MrTwelveinchdick Well actually Andy M. Stewart was the singer with Silly Wizzard, so I'm right. :)

[@hoterebel]

I am looking for the song : »AA Cameron’s Strathsprey ... The new shillin’” from the album “so many partings” Ce groupe est venu chanter dans mon village de 300 hab. en 1979, ou 1980 je crois!!! eh oui j'étais enfant mais jamais je ne n'oublierai !! Que d'émotion pour mon 1er concert ! J'ai encore le disque ! La jacquette et celle là même (photo plus haut) : « So many partings » Trop fun de re écouter leur album now

[@savageminstrel]

I love this tune, and play it very much like they do, but it is originally an old Irish song.

[@neonmoon82]

Actually Andy M. Stewart wrote this one. This is according to the liner note on the cd. Andy was always very good about giving credit if the song was traditional or based on a traditional song and rearranged by Silly Wizard, therefore I tend to believe him.

[@ThyGeekGoddessMuze]

It seems to point to the True Love Fleet in the 1600s leading up to Culloden. (Great Migration) The songs blended quite a bit. Heartbreak translates.

[@liwerd1016]

Oh, someone help me! Almost every song i've heard that was somehow famous and was said be scottish, someone would always say that originally it is irish!!!! I love irish culture and i play/sing a lot of this melodies and songs. Now i am going to live in Scotland for almost a month, and i am kinda worried- what is their attitude to those irish man? And are there songs that are originally SCOTTISH ? I always though that were... but now i am no shure at all..

[@jockmcfrog3747]

Don't worry we sing each others songs and songs from all over, you'll find Scots songs to irish tunes and vice vesra. Sometimes the words are changed to echo the life of the singer or audience. There are many fine Scots songs and Irish songs Andy sang both beautifully. I hope you have a fine time in Scotland.

[@liwerd1016]

jock mcfrog thank you:)

[@whataboutsky]

@krs10ec thanks for clearin that up

[@olivijadevill]

♫♥♫ thanks!!

[@tomoole]

Pedro is correct - taken from an old Irish air, and better known as The Bold Fenian Men

[@bobknightfolk]

@Robloxianguard It is indeed Andy M Stewart.

[@grandmasterm1784]

RIP Andy

[@isobelisobelisobell]

🩷💙so beautiful 💙🩷

[@Uisdein]

@Chikadeeda. You are right, the Welsh do seem to get left out which is wrong. Too close to England for too long I think!!

[@OldSchl4evr]

Cecile Corbel also does a version of this song.

[@manuelabruni6204]

Sembra anche se non tradotta il suono della mia vita

[@Sharkbyte1000]

this was used in the movie braveheart? I don't remember that...

[@curvyblonde33]

Beautiful song. Tis a pity bout the braveheart poster though. I lovely image from somewhere up the highlands would be much more fitting......

[@gaconnochie]

@bobknightfolk Singer and song writer too :-)

[@legandrydirk]

@Krzyszczynski I believe about 90 per cent off it.The rest was poetic liecence,to put bums on seats at the cinema

[@ae96k]

@graciemuloon: totally agree 100% and I'm scottish too(:

[@llainc259]

Nice but the song Irish. Donnybrook fair took place on the outskirts of Dublin

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc

[@nh6music]

What dreg of humanity voted this down? One hates to imagine, one does... ;

[@Scribblerjohnny]

I love this song. Irish Makeup does a nice female version.

[@NiennaLion]

wish this was a direct part of my culture

[@jt0851]

I agree, haunting song who care about the poster

[@blitherbox7467]

In god's right hand is a raven who reports what he has seen. He goes to and fro between the earth and heaven. He saw it all. He even knows their names.

[@legandrydirk]

@TheSmartOfWar It was a yank that wrote the movie not the English

[@irelandserverferrersegura4021]

i love ireland but this melody is great

[@DP-pg5md]

Oh and what's wrong a Scot?

[@semimorrell]

@heehawluck i may not know the man but I do know that the Braveheart poster should not be anywhere near anything that is ACTUALLY scottish

[@pedrolourenco5489]

im confused is this the song "The Bold Fenian Men" or "If I Were a Blackbird"????

[@legandrydirk]

@TheSmartOfWar Bannorkburn was 13 14 so get your facts right.They would have known each other,as Wallace lived in the Bruce Ayrshire lands.

[@gaspode18]

Well, let me see....... The title says 'If I Were a Blackbird', the lyrics say 'If I Were a Blackbird'........ Um, what do YOU think?

[@geoffbishop6549]

savageminstrel version of this is different but also v good

[@keir193]

@TheSmartOfWar ... braveheart was not robert the bruce... thats just inaccurate. the movie was bollocks but im saying.

[@eldradulthran6482]

This is actually an Irish song.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

The song was popular throughout Britain and Ireland. I included this recording in my latest "Phonograph to Folk Revival" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKuranuXiLlogKM The series compares similar recordings of the same traditional songs by traditional singers and popular folk revival musicians. This recording is based on a version sung by the traditional singer Belle Stewart, who was Silly Wizard frontman Andy Stewart's great aunt. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iXlJiJhrGKorc Feel free to subscribe to my channel if you're interested in traditional folk music!

[@VestinVestin]

♫ Oh, if I was a stalker... ♫

[@WhatIAm99]

Scottish,are they? Know what this needs? GIANT LOW RESOLUTION BRAVEHEART POSTER.

[@Hwyadylaw]

@rojolane Totally

[@irelandserverferrersegura4021]

scotland an ireland are sisters

[@DP-pg5md]

Aye we are.

[@irelandserverferrersegura4021]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🤗

[@andrewx7806]

Beautiful. But the words are “if i was ....”. not “if i were....”. Also in the lyrics it’s nest ....not next.

[@harrymason1053]

If I "were" a blackbird ... grammatically speaking. Look it up. Otherwise, I love this song and his arrangement of it.

[@Ahairinthegate]

Hardd

[@Gilnar13]

Sad that two top comments are about the only thing they don't like about this. Forget about Mel and listen...

[@semimorrell]

@heehawluck

[@oisinolochlainn4437]

Its Irish not Scottish

[@nottalackey4046]

Why would anyone listen to Lady Gaga when this is available?

[@Gwid01]

Please no Mel pix!! How about a pic of Johnny Cunningham instead? (RIP, John).

[@whataboutsky]

i thought this was an irish balled ?

[@SyawnFox]

@heehawluck1 Say what you wish of Gibson's nature, but this much is true; he butchered Scottish history in his gratingly incorect rendition of William Wallace's life. @theceltichobbit Thanks for posting the song and the lyrics! I would, however, recommend that you change the bkgrnd pic. :)

[@ae96k]

*muldoon ... sorry

[@heehawluck1]

@snarlacarla You talk as if you know the man. More likely you, like countless others, get your knowledge from those ever so accurate and unbiased journalists who wouldn't know the truth if it smacked them full in the face. You should take your bellyaching and belicose nonsense to some other forum....and leave the rest of us to enjoy this music.

[@Krzyszczynski]

Change the poster. If you believe Mel Gibson's version of "history", I've got some sub-prime debts I'd like to sell you.