Actually the Blackbird the set dance HAS lyrics - they are in Joyce I think - it's a typical highly allegorical Jacobite song. Paddt Tunney does a nice rendition on one of his albums - can't remember which one though...

As far as the 'Blackbird and the Hen' goes - Blackbirds are all overtheplace in traditional music it's true - the only way to know would be to check the musical notation and see if it's the same as the air. (But I don't think a hen would make a great mate for a blackbird *grin*)

So what is the refernce on the hairstyle thing? Or do you just expect me to take your word for it *wink*

Seriously folks - thanks for the help