An apprentice to trade I was bound
And many's the hours sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town

'Til a sad misfortune came over me
And caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band

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

As I went walking down Broadway
Meaning not long for to stay
When who should I meet but a pretty young dame
Come trippi'n along the pathway

We took a stroll together
And a gentleman passing us by
I knew she meant evil for him
By the look in her rougish black eye

A gold watch she took from his pocket
And she slipped it right into my hand
On the very first day that I met her
Bad luck to her Black Velvet Band

Repeat Chorus

Before the Judge and the Jury
next morning we had to appear
And the Gentleman claimed his jewellery
The case against us was then cleared

So seven long years transportation
Right down to Van Diemen's Land
Far away from my friends and relations
Betrayed by the Black Velvet Band

Repeat Chorus