[Verse 1]
In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And many's the hour of happ'ness
I spent in that sweet little town
Till a sad misfortune came over me
That forced me to flee from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
Betrayed by a black velvet band
[Chorus]
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
[Verse 2]
I took a walk with a pretty young girl
When a gentleman chanced to pass by
And I knew she intended the doing of him
By the look in her rogueish black eye
His gold watch she took from his pocket
And pressed it right into my hand
And the very last words I said to her were
"Bad luck to your black velvet band"
[Chorus]
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
[Verse 3]
Before the judge and jury
Next day I was forced to appear
And the judge, he says to me, "Young man
Your case is abundantly clear
I'll give you ten years penal servitude
To be spent far away from the land
Far away from your friends and relations
And the wench with the black velvet band
[Chorus]
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
[Verse 4]
So come all you gay young fellows
A warning take by me
Be sure and stay clear of those pretty, young girls
Whenever you go on a spree
For they'll fill you with strong drink, me boys
Until you're not able to stand
And then when you're trying to get rid of them
They'll land you in Van Dieman's land
[Chorus]
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied back with a black velvet band