THE BLACK VELVET BAND
It was in the town of Tralee, an apprentice to trade
I was bound
We had plenty of happy amusement to make the long evenings go
'round
'Till misfortune and ruin came o'er me, which caused me to leave
from the land
Far away from my friends and companions to follow the black velvet
band
Chorus:
And her eyes they shone like the diamonds, you'd think she was
queen of the land
With her hair hanging over her shoulder, tied up with a black
velvet band
As I dandered along on the highway, not intending to
stay very long
I met with a sweet little damsel and she coming tripping 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
Before judge and jury next morning, the both of us
we did appear
And the gentleman swore to the jewelry, the case against us, it
was clear
For seven long years transportation, I was hunted to Van Dieman's
land
Far away from my friends and relations to follow the black velvet
band
Chorus
Now, come all you sporting young fellows, a warning
be taking from me
And beware of the sweet little damsels that are hanging around
in Tralee
They'd treat you to whiskey and porter until you're not able to
stand
And before you have time to get sober, you're landed in Van Dieman's
land
Chorus