Black Velvet Band
In a neat little town they called Belfast; apprentice to trade I was bound,
And many an hour sweet happiness I spent in that neat little town.
Till bad misfortune came o'er me that caused me to stray from the land
Far away from me friends and relations to follow the black velvet band.
Chorus:
Her eyes they shown like the diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair fell over her shoulder tied up with a black velvet band.
Well I went out strolling one evening, not meanin to go very far
When I met with a pretty young damsel she was sellin her trade in the bar.
I watched as she took from a customer and slipped it right into my hand
Then the Watch came and put me in prison bad luck to the black velvet band.
(Chorus)
Next morning before judge and jury for trial I had to appear
And the judge he says me young fellow the case against you is quite clear
And seven long years is your sentence you're going to Van Dieman's Land
Far away from your friends and relations to follow the black velvet band.
(Chorus)
So come all ye jolly young fellows I'll have you take warning by me
When ever you're out on the liquor me lads beware of the pretty colleens
For they'll fill you with whiskey and porter till you're unable to stand
And the very next thing that you know me lads you've landed in Van Dieman's Land.
(Chorus) 2x