In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And many's an hour's sweet happiness
I've spent in that neat little town
A sad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
Betrayed by 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

I took a stroll down Broadway
And 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 shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band

(Chorus)

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid
And a gentleman passing us by
Well I knew she meant the undoing of him
With a look in her rovish black eye
A gold watch she took from his pocket
And placed it right into my hand
And the very next thing that I said was
Bad cess to the black velvet band

(Chorus)

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
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

(Chorus)

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 colleens
They'll feed you with strong drinks me lads
Till you are unable to stand
And the very first thing that you know is
You've landed in Van Dieman's Land

(Chorus)