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. 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. 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.