The Black Velvet Band

In a neat little town they call Belfast Apprentice to a trade I was bound And many's an hour's sweet happiness Have I spent in this neat little town. A sad misfortune came over me Which caused me to stray from the land Far away from my friends and relations Betrayed by the black velvet band. 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. I took a stroll down Broadway Meaning not long for to stay When who should I meet but this pretty fair maid Came a traipsing along the highway She was both fair and handsome Her neck it was just like a swans' And her hair is hung over her shoulder Tied up with a black velvet band. 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. I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid And the gentleman passing us by Well I knew she meant the doing of him By the look in her roguish black eye A gold watch she took from his pocket And placed it right into my hand And the very first thing I said was Bad 'cess to the black velvet band. 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. Before the judge and the jury Next morning I had to appear And the judge he said to me 'Young man Your case is proven clear' We'll give you seven years penal servitude To be spent far away from the land Far away from your friends and companions Betrayed by the black velvet band. 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.