In a neat little town they call Brockton

Apprenticed in trade I was bound 

And many an hour of sweet happiness 

I spent in that neat little town 

Then bad misfortune befell me 

And caused me to stray from the land 

Far away from my friends and companions 

To follow the black velvet band 



As I was out strolling one evening 

Not intending to stay very long 

I met a frolicsome damsel

As she came tripping along 

A watch she pulled out her pocket

And slipped it right into my hand

On the very first night that I met her

Bad luck to the black velvet band 



   Chorus:

   Her eyes, they shone like the diamond 

   You'd think she was queen of the land 

   And her hair hung over her shoulder 

   Tied up in a black velvet band 



Before judge and jury next morning 

Both of us did appear 

A gentleman claimed his jewelry 

And the case against us was clear 

Now seven long years transportation 

Right down to Van Dieman's land 

Far away from my friends and companions 

To follow the black velvet band



[Chorus]

 

So come all you jolly young fellows 

I'll have you take warning by me 

Whenever you're out on the liquor 

Beware of the pretty Colleen 

She'll fill you with whiskey and porter

Untill you're not able to stand

And the very next thing you'd know

You've landed in Van Dieman's Land