I Could Have Been a Sailor is a 1979 album by singer-songwriter Peter Allen, released on A&M Records.

It is notable as containing Allen's versions of his songs "Don't Cry Out Loud" and "I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love", which were major successes, as covered by others.

"Don't Cry Out Loud" had been popularized by Melissa Manchester prior to Allen's release.

Manchester's recording of the song was released in late 1978 and spent 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love" was popularized by Rita Coolidge in 1979, as well as being recorded by Dusty Springfield, among others.