The Black Velvet Band

Her eyes they shone like 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 hours sweet happiness

I spent in that neat little town

Till a sad misfortune came over me

Which caused me to stray from the land

Far away from my friends and relations

To follow the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

You'd think she was queen of the land

And her hair hung over her shoulders

Tied up with a black velvet band

As I was out strolling one evening

Not meaning to go very far

Well I met with this ficklesome damsel

She was selling her trade at the bar

When a watch she took from a customer

And slipped it right into my hand

And the law came and put me in prison

Bad luck to her black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like 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

Well the judge he said "My young fellow

The case against you is quite clear"

"And seven long years transportation

You're going to Van Dieman's Land

Far away from your friends and relations

To follow the black velvet band"

Her eyes they shone like 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 ye jolly young fellows

I'll have you take warning with me

And whenever you're out on the liquor me lads

Beware of your pretty colleen

She'll fill you with whiskey and porter

Till you are not able to stand

And the very next thing that you know me lads

You've landed in Van Dieman's Land