Lyrics:

In a neat little town they call Quincy

Apprenticed in trade I was bound

And many an hour of sweet happiness

I spent in that neat little town

Then bad misfortune befell me

And caused me to stray from the land

Far away from my friends and companions

To follow the black velvet band



As I was out strolling one evening

Not intending to stay very long

I met a frolicsome damsel

As she came tripping along

A watch she pulled out her 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

Both of us did appear

A gentleman claimed his jewelry

And the case against us was clear

Now seven long years transportation

Right down to Van Dieman's land

Far away from my friends and companions

To follow the 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

Beware of the pretty Colleen

She'll fill you with whiskey and porter

Untill you're not able to stand

And the very next thing you'd know

You've landed in Van Dieman's Land