diff --git a/songbook b/songbook
index ba74e9cc..1a8552b1 100755
--- a/songbook
+++ b/songbook
@@ -124,11 +124,10 @@ def main():
         datadirs = [os.path.dirname(songbook_path)]
 
     if options.datadir is not None:
-        datadirs = [options.datadir[0]].extend(datadirs)
+        datadirs = options.datadir + datadirs
 
     songbook['datadir'] = datadirs
 
-
     try:
         sb_builder = SongbookBuilder(songbook, basename)
         sb_builder.unsafe = True