If I Were a Blackbird

Also known as "I Am a Young Maiden"
Can be sung from the male point of view "I am a young sailor....."
I thought this was a VERY old folk song but now I'm more confused than ever.  It may have been circulated as a BROADSIDE (printed sheet of music, sold in the streets).  Most references tie it to Ireland but could possible be from Scottish origin.  If someone finds some history of this song, I'd love to hear from you. 

My YouTube video
If I Were a Blackbird - dulcimer with vocals

Here are written materials I've provided if you care to learn this song on dulcimer.

If I Were a Blackbird. PDF Dulcimer Tab

If I Were a Blackbird.pdf Lyrics and chords

For further study:

An academic look at the many versions, recordings etc. of this song
Norfolk Folk Songs discussion

A collection of NUMEROUS videos of people performing this song
-a-blackbird-many-versions-

a beautiful harp version by Kim Roberts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cher8d4N8zc

a delicate and beautiful vocal version by Owain Phyfe that was my inspiration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sEY7tPO96U