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BLACK VELVET BAND
[Van Diemen's Land was named after the Dutchman who discovered it, later it
was renamed Tasmania. It is an island south of the Australian mainland. Many
people were transported there by the British often for petty crimes.]

In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And many an hour of sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town
Till bad misfortune befell me
And caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band

Chorus:
And her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair 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 comes a tripping along the highway
She was both fair and handsome, her neck it was just like a swans
And her hair it hung over her shoulder, tied up with a black velvet band

Chorus:
And her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid, when a gentleman's passing us by
Well I knew she meant the doing of him, by the look in her rougish black eye
A goldwatch she took from his pocket and placed it right into my hand
And the very first thing that I said was bad luck to your black velvet band

Chorus:
And her eyes they shone like 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 the judge and the jury, next morning I had to appear
The judge he says to me: Young man, your case it is proven clear
I'll give you seven years penal servitude, to be spent faraway from the land
Far away from your friends and companions, betrayed by the black velvet band

Chorus:
And her eyes they shone like 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 ye jolly young fellows a warning take by me
When you are out on the town me lads, beware of them pretty colleens
For they feed you with whiskey and porter, 'til you are unable to stand
And the very next thing that you'll know you're landed in Van Diemens land

Chorus:
And her eyes they shone like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band


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