Black Velvet Band

In a neat little town they call Belfast

An apprentice to a trade I was bound

And many's an hour's sweet happiness

I’ve spent in this neat little town.

A sad misfortune came over me

Which caused me to stray from the land

Far away from my friends and relations

Betrayed by the black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

I thought her the queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band.

As I went walking down Broadway

Not intending to stay very long

I met with this frolicsome damsel

As she came tripping along

A watch she pulled out of her pocket

And slipped it right into me hand

On the very first day that I met her

Bad luck to the black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

I thought her the queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band.

Oh the judge and the jury next morning

The both of us did appear

And a gentleman claimed his jewellery

And the case against us was clear

Seven long years transportation

Right on down to Van Diemen’s land

Far away from my friends and companions

Betrayed by the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

I thought her the queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band.

So come all you jolly young fellows

A warring take by me

When you are out on the town, me lads

Beware of those pretty colleens

They’ll feed you with strong drink (moyaya)

Till you are unable to stand

And the very first thing that you know, me lads

You’ve landed in Van Diemen’s land.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

I thought her the queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

I thought her the queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band.