In a neat little town they called Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And many an hour sweet happiness

Have I spent in that neat little town
As sad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from the land

Far away from me friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band


Her eyes they shown like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder

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
Come a-traipsing along the highway

She was both fair and handsome
Her neck it was just like a swan
And her hair it hung over her shoulder

Tied up with a black velvet band

Her eyes they shown like diamonds

I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid
And a 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 that I said was
Bad 'cess to the black velvet band


Her eyes they shown like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder

Tied up with a black velvet band

Before the judge and the jury

Next morning I had to appear
The judge he says to me:
"Young man you're case it 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 relations

Betrayed by the black velvet band"

Her eyes they shown like diamonds

I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band


So come all you jolly young fellows
A warning take by me

When you are out on the town me lads
Beware of the pretty cailns
They'll feed you with strong drink me lads

'Till you are unable to stand
And the very first thing that you'll know is
You've landed in Van Diemens Land


Her eyes they shown like diamonds
Her neck it was just like a swan

And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band