Black Velvet Band

In a neat little town they call Belfast
An apprentice to trade I was bound
And many's an hours sweet happiness
I've spent in that neat little town
Til 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 the disfrolicsome damsel
As she came tripping along
A watch she pulled out of her pocket
And sent 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

For the judge and jury next morning
The both of us did appear
And a gentleman claimed his jewelry
And the case against us was clear
Seven long years transportation
Ride 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 warning take by me
When you are out on the town, me lads
Beware of those pretty cailíns
They'll feed you with strong drink (Oh yeah!)
Til you are unable to stand
And the very first thing that you'll 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