The Music Of Ireland
      Black Velvet Band

       

      In a neat little town they call Belfast
      Apprenticed to trade I was bound
      And many an hour's sweet happiness
      I spent in that neat little town.
      Till 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.

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

      Well, I was out strolling one evening
      Not meaning to go very far
      When I met with a pretty young damsel
      Who was selling her trade in the bar.
      When I watched, she took from a customer
      And slipped it right into my hand
      Then the Watch came and put me in prison
      Bad luck to the black velvet band.

      Next morning before judge and jury
      For a trial I had to appear
      And the judge, he said, "You young fellows...
      The case against you is quite clear
      And seven long years is your sentence
      You're going to Van Dieman's Land
      Far away from your friends and relations
      To follow the black velvet band."

      So come all you jolly young fellows
      I'd have you take warning by me
      Whenever you're out on the liquor, me lads,
      Beware of the pretty colleen.
      She'll fill you with whiskey and porter
      Until you're not able to stand
      And the very next thing that you'll know, me lads,
      You're landed in Van Dieman's Land.

       

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