| lyric | 1. As I went walking down broadway,
not intending to stay very long
I met with a frolick some damsel
as she came atripping along.
A watch she pulled out of her pocket
and slipped it right into my hand.
On the very first day that I met her,
bad luck to the black velvet band.
Chorus:
Her eyes they shone like diamonds
you’d think she was queen of the land.
With her hair thrown over her shoulder
tied up with a black velvet band.
2. ’T was in the town of Tralee
an apprentice to trade I was bound
with a-plenty of bright amusement
to see the days go round,
till misfortune and trouble came over me,
wich caused me to stray from my land,
far away from my friends and relations,
to follow the Black Velvet Band.
3. Before the judge and the jury
the both of us had to appear,
a gentlemen swore to the jewellery,
the cause against us was clear,
for seven years transportation
right unto Van Dieman’s Land
far away from my friends and relations,
to follow the Black Velvet Band.
4. Oh all you brave young Irish lads,
a warning take by me,
beware of the pretty young damsels
that are knocking around in Tralee,
they’ll treat you to whiskey and porter,
until you’re unable to stand,
and before you have time to leave them,
you are unto Van Dieman’s Land. |