In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And many an hour sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little townTill a sad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from this land
Far away from me friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet bandI took a stroll with that pretty fair maid
When a gentleman passes me by
I knew that she had the doing in him
By that look in her rovish black eyeA gold watch she took from his pocket
And placed it right into my hand
The very next thing I said was
Bad luck to the black velvet bandHer eyes they shown like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet bandBefore the judge and the jury
Next morning I had to appear
The judge he said to me
Young lad, your case it is proven clearWe'll go seven years penal servitude
And take you away from this land
Far away from me friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet bandHer eyes they shown like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet bandSo come all ye jolly young fellas
Who warning, take by me
When you are out in the town, me lads
Be aware of them pretty colleensFor they'll feed you with strong drink me lads
Till you are unable to stand
And the very next thing you know is that
You've landed in Van Diemen's landHer eyes they shown like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet bandHer eyes they shown like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band