Black Velvet Band

Her eyes they shone like the diamonds

You'd think she was queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band

In a neat little town they call Belfast

Apprentice to trade I was bound

And many's an hour's sweet happiness

I spent in that neat little town

'Til bad misfortune came o'er me

That caused me to stray from me land

Far away from me friends and relations

To follow the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like the diamonds

You'd think she was queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band

When I was out strolling one evening

Not intending to go very far

I met with a frolicsome damsel

Selling her trade in the bar

Well a watch she took out of her pocket

And placed it right into me hand

Then the watch came and put me in prison

Bad luck to the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like the diamonds

You'd think she was queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band

Next morning before judge and jury

For trial I had to appear

And the judge he swore to the jury

The case against you is quite clear

Seven long years transportation

Right into Van Dieman's Land

Far away from your friends and relations

To follow the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like the diamonds

You'd think she was queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band

So come all you brave Irish lads

Warning take by me

Beware of the frolicsome damsels

Walking around in Tralee

Because they'll treat you to whiskey and porter

Until you're unable to stand

And the very next thing that you'll know, me lads

You're landed in Van Dieman's Land