In the neat little town they call Belfast

An apprentice to trade I was bound

And many's the hours sweet happiness

I spent in that neat little town



'Til a sad misfortune came over me

And caused me to stray from the land

Far away from my friends and relations

To follow the black velvet band



Chorus

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



As I went walking down Broadway

Meaning not long for to stay

When who should I meet but a pretty young dame

Come trippi'n along the pathway



We took a stroll together

And a gentleman passing us by

I knew she meant evil for him

By the look in her rougish black eye



A gold watch she took from his pocket

And she slipped it right into my hand

On the very first day that I met her

Bad luck to her Black Velvet Band



Repeat Chorus



Before the Judge and the Jury

next morning we had to appear

And the Gentleman claimed his jewellery

The case against us was then cleared



So seven long years transportation

Right down to Van Diemen's Land

Far away from my friends and relations

Betrayed by the Black Velvet Band



Repeat Chorus