The Black Velvet Band

As I went walking down Broadway,
Not intending to stay very long,
I met with a frolicsome damsel,
As she came a-tripping along.
She was both fair and handsome,
Her neck it was white as a swan,
And her hair hung over her shoulder,
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Chorus

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid
When a gentleman passed us by,
I knew she had the taking of him
By the look in her roguish black eye.
A gold watch she took from his pocket
And put it right into my hand
On the very first day that I met her,
Bad luck from the black velvet band.

Chorus

Before the judge and jury next morning
Both of us had to appear
The judge he said to me, 'Young man,
Your case is proven clear.'
Seven long years' transportation,
Right on down to Van Diemen's Land
Far away from my friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band.

Chorus

From A Little Irish Songbook