Lyrics:

In a neat little town they call Belfast
An apprentice to trade I was bound
And many the hours sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town

'Til a sad 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
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band

As I went walking down Broadway
Meaning not long for to stay
When who should I meet but a pretty young dame
Come trippi'n along the highway
We took a stroll together
And a gentleman passing us by
I knew she meant the doing of him
By the look in her rougish black eye
A gold watch she took from his pocket
And she slipped it right into my hand
On the very first day that I met her
Bad luck to her Black Velvet Band

Repeat Chorus

Next morning before judge and jury
For trial I had to appear
Then the judge he says me young fellow
The case against you is quite clear
And seven long years is your sentence
You're goin' to Van Dieman's land
Far away from your friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band

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

So come all ye jolly young fellows
I'll have yous take warnin' by me
And when ever you're out on the liquor, me lads
Beware of the pretty colleens
For they'll fill you with whisky and porter
'Til you are not able to stand
And the very next thing that you know, me lads
You've landed in Van Dieman's land


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

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