by the sweet bay of dublin while carelessly strolling i sat myself down by a green myrtle shade reclined on the beach as the wild waves were rolling in sorrowful condoling i saw a fair maid her robes changed to mourning that once were so glorious i stood in amazement to hear her sad wail her heartstrings burst forth with wild accents uproarious saying where where is my blackbird of sweet avondale in the fair counties meath wexford cork and tipperary the rights of old ireland my blackbird did sing ah but woe to the hour with heart light and airy away from my arms to dublin took wing the fowlers waylaid him in hopes to ensnare him while i here in sorrow his absence bewail oh it grieves me to think that the walls of kilmainham surround my dear blackbird of sweet avondale oh ireland my country awake from your slumbers and give back my blackbird so dear unto me and let everyone know by the strength of your numbers that we as a nation would wish to be free the cold prison dungeons is no habitation for one to his country was loyal and true then give him his freedom without hesitation and remember he fought hard for freedom and you oh heaven give ear to my consultation and strengthen the bold sons of old granuaile and god grant that my country will soon be a nation and bring back the blackbird to sweet avondale 