The Black Velvet Band In a neat little town they called Belfast, Apprenticed to trade I was bound. And many's an hour of sweet happiness, Have I spent in that neat little town. A sad misfortune came over me, Which caused me to stray from the land. Far away from my friends and relations, Betrayed by the black velvet band. Chorus: Her eyes, they shone like diamonds, I thought her the queen of the land. And her hair, it hung over her shoulders, Tied up with the black velvet band. I took a stroll down Broadway, Needing a pound for to stay. When who should I see, but this pretty fair maid, Come a traipsing along the highway. She was both fair and handsome, Her neck, it was just like a swan, And her hair, it hung over her shoulder, Tied up with a black velvet band. Chorus I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid, And a gentleman passed us by. Well I knew that she meant the doing of him, By the look in her roguish black eye. A gold watch she took from his pocket, And placed it right into my hand. And the very first thing that I said was, Success to the black velvet band. Chorus Before the judge and the jury, Next morning I have to appear. The judge, he says to me young man, Your case it is proven quite clear. We'll give seven years penal servitude, To be spent far away from the land. Far away from your friends and relations, Betrayed by the black velvet band. Chorus So come on you jolly young fellows, A warning you must take from me. When ye are out on the town, me lads, Beware of the pretty colleens. They'll feed you up with strong whiskey, Till you are unable to stand. And the very first thing that you'll know is, You've landed in Van Diemen's land. Chorus
Music; traditional. Content copyright © 2000 held by the author; Ian Hall.
