Black Velvet Band

Black Velvet Band

CHORUS
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
you'd think she was queen of the land
and her hair hung over her shoulder
tied up with a black velvet band


In a neat little town they call Belfast, apprenticed to trade I was bound
and manys the hour of sweet happiness I spent in that neat little town
till bad misfortune came o're me which sent me away from the land
far away from my friends and relations to follow the black velvet band


As I went strolling down Broadway not intending to stray very far
I met with a frolicksome damsel applying her trade in a bar
a watch she stole from a customer and slipped it right into my hand
the very first day that I met her, bad luck to the black velvet band


Before judge and jury next morning, both of us were to appear
a gentleman claimed to his jewelry and the case against us was clear
seven long years transportation right down to Van Dieman's Land
far away from my friends and relations to follow the black velvet band


So come all ye jolly young fellows I'll have you take warnin' by me
whenever you're out in the liquor me lads beware of the pretty colleens
for they'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