Celtic Folk – Black Velvet Band lyrics

The black velvet band
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V. 1 In a neat little town they call Belfast,
An apprentice to trade I was bound,
And manys the hour of sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town.

V. 2 Til a sad misfortune came over me,
And forced 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 the diamonds
You'd swear she was queen of the land,
And her hair hung over her shoulder,
Tied up with a black velvet band

V. 3 As I went out strolling one evening,
Not intending to stray very far
I met with a frolicsome damsel
Plying her trade in the bar

V. 4 A gold watch she clipped from a customer
And placed it right into my hand
On the very first day that I met her
Bad luck to the black velvet band
Chorus

V. 5 To judge and jury next morning
For trial I had to appear
And the judge he said my young fellow
The case against you is quite clear

V. 6 I give you seven years penal servitude
To be spent far away from the land
Far away from your friends and relations
Your going to *Vandamiens land

Chorus

V. 7 So come all you jolly young fellows
A warning take by me
When ever you're out on the liquor
Beware of the pretty colleens

V. 8 For they will fill you with strong drink
Until your not able to stand
And the very next thing that you know, me lads
You've landed in Vandamiens land

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Note that Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) is no longer an Australian
Penal colony. It's use as such ceased some time ago. (:-)