In a neat little town they call Boston

Apprenticed to trade I was bound

And many an hour's sweet happiness

I spent in that neat little town

Then bad misfortune befell me

That caused me to stray from the land

Far away from my friends and companions

To follow the black velvet band



Well, I was out strolling one evening

Not intending to stay very long

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



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



Before judge and jury next morning

Both of us did appear

A gentleman claimed his jury

And the case against us was clear

Now seven long years transportation

Right down to Van Dieman's land

Far away from my friends and companions

To follow the black velvet band



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



So come all you jolly young fellows

I'd have you take warning by me

Whenever you're out on the liquor

Beware of the pretty colleen



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



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



B