In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And the many an hours sweet happiness
Have I spent in that neat little town

A sad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from the land
Far away from me 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, it 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
Come a-trade sing along the highway

She was both fair and tan sunned
Her neck it was just like a swan
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

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid
And a gentleman passing us by
Well, I knew she meant the doing of him
By the look in her rougish black eye

A gold watch she took from his pocket
And placed it right into my hand
And the very first thing that I said was
Bad luck to 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

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

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

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 drink and liquor
'Til you're not able to stand
And the very first thing that you'll know is
You've landed in Van Dieman's Land

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
Her neck it was just like a swan
And her hair, it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band