Black Velvet Band Lyrics - Singles - Celtic Folk

THE BLACK VELVET BAND 

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v.1 In a neat little town they call Belfast, 

An apprentice to trade I was bound, 

And manys the hour of sweet happiness 

I spent in that neat little town. 

v.2 Til a sad misfortune came over me, 

and forced me to stray from the land, 

far away from my friends and relations 

Betrayed by the black velvet band 

Chorus: 

Her eyes they shone like the diamonds 

You'd swear she was queen of the land, 

and her hair hung over her shoulder, 

tied up with a black velvet band 

v.3 As I went out strolling one evening, 

not intending to stray very far 

I met with a frolicsome damsel 

Plying her trade in the bar 

v.4 A gold watch she clipped from a customer 

and placed it right into my hand 

On the very first day that I met her 

Bad luck to the black velvet band 

Chorus 

v.5 To judge and jury next morning 

for trial I had to appear 

and the judge he said my young fellow 

the case against you is quite clear 

v.6 I give you seven years penal servitude 

To be spent far away from the land 

Far away from your friends and relations 

your going to *VanDamiens land 

Chorus 

v.7 So come all you jolly young fellows 

A warning take by me 

When ever you're out on the liquor 

Beware of the pretty colleens 

v.8 For they will fill you with strong drink 

until your not able to stand 

and the very next thing that you know, me lads 

you've landed in VanDamiens land 

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Note that Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) is no longer an Australian 

penal colony. Its use as such ceased some time ago. (:-)