The Black Velvet Band - Slim Dusty, Barry Thornton

In a neat little town they call Belfast

Apprentice to trade I was bound

And many an hour of sweet happiness

Have I spent in that neat little town

I took a stroll down Broadway

Meaning not long for to stay

When who should I meet but a pretty fair maid

Coming along the pathway

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

I thought her the pride of the land

Her hair, it hung down in long tresses

Tied up with the black velvet band

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid

And a gentleman passing us by

I could see that she meant a doing of him

By the look in her lovely black eyes

His watch she took from his pocket

And slyly placed it in my hand

I was taken in charge by a copper

Bad luck from the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

I thought her the pride of the land

Her hair, it hung down in long tresses

Tied up with the black velvet band

Before the Lord Mayor I was taken

«Your case, Sir, I plainly can see

And if I’m not greatly mistaken

You’re bound far over the sea»

It’s over the dark and blue ocean

Far away to Van Diemens Land

Far away from my friends and relations

Betrayed by the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds

I thought her the pride of the land

Her hair, it hung down in long tresses

Tied up with the black velvet band