In a neat little town they call belfast, apprentice to trade i was bound
Oh many an hour sweet happiness have i spent in that neat little town.
When 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.


Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land,
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band.


I took a stroll down broadway oh meaning not long for to stay
When who should i meet but this pretty fair made come a trapsing along the high way
She was both fair and handsome, her neck it was just like a swans,
And her hair hung over her shoulder tied up with a black velvet band

(CHORUS)


So i took a stroll with this pretty fair maid, and a gentleman passing us by.
Oh i knew that she meant the undoing of him by the look in her roguish black eye.
A gold watch she took from his pocket and slipped it right into my hand
And the very first thing that i said was sest to the black velvet band

(CHORUS)


Seven long years being a servitude i spent down in vandemons land
Faraway from my friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band


Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land,
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band.


Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land,
And her hair it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band.



----------------------
Thanks to (S. O Brien) for correcting these lyrics. May 3, 2008