In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprenticed to trade I was bound
And many an hour’s sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town
Till bad misfortune came over me
And caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band

chorus

 

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up in a black velvet band

 

 

When I was walking one evening
Not meaning to stray very far
When I met with a pretty young damsel
A walking along the highway
A watch she took from her pocket
And slipped it right into my hand
But we ended up in prison
Bad luck to the black velvet band

 

 

Before the judge and jury
For trial we had to appear
The judge, he said, Young fellow
The case against you is clear
And seven 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"

 

 

So come all you jolly young fellows
a warning take by me
When ever you're out on the town me boys
Beware of the pretty colleen
They'll fill you with strong drink and whisky me boys
Until Your unable to stand
And the very next thing that you know is
You're landed in Van Dieman's Land