Black Velvet Band

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

As I was out strolling one evening
Not intending to stay very long
I met a handsome young damsel
As she came tripping along
A gold watch she took from a pocket
And slipped it right into my hand
On the very first night that I met her
Bad luck to the black velvet band.

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

Before judge and jury next morning
The both of us had to appear
A gentleman said 'twas his jewellery
And the case against us was clear
For seven long years transportation
I was sent off to Van Diemen's Land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow this black velvet band

So come all you jolly young fellows
I'll have you take warning by me
Whenever you're out on the liquor me lads
Beware of the pretty colleens
She'll fill you with whiskey and porter
Until you're not able to stand
And the very next thing you'd know, me lads

You've landed in Van Diemen's Land.