In a neat little town they call Belfast,
apprentice to trade I was bound.
Many an hour's sweet happiness,
have I spent in that neat little town.
A sad misfortune came over me,
which caused me to stray from the land.
Far away from my friends and relations,
betrayed by a black velvet band.

I took a stroll down Broadway,
meaning not long for to stay.
When who should I meet but this pretty fair maid,
comes walking along the highway.
She was both fair and handsome.
Her neck, it was slim like a swans'
and her hair hung over her shoulder,
tied up with a black velvet band.

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid,
and a gentleman passing us by.
Well, I knew she meant to steal from him
by the look in her roguish black eye.
A gold watch, she took from his pocket
and placed it right into my hand.
Then the guards came and put me in prison,
bad luck to the black velvet band.

So, in front of the judge and the jury,
next morning I had to appear.
The judge said to me: "Young fellow,
your case it is proven quite clear
and seven long years is your sentence.
You're going to Van Diemen's Land."
Far away from my friends and relations,
betrayed by the black velvet band.

So, come all you jolly young fellows,
I'd have you take warning by me.
When you are out on the town, my lads,
beware of them pretty colleens.
For they feed you with strong drink, my lads,
'til you are unable to stand,
and the very next thing that you'll know, my boys,
you've landed in Van Diemen's Land.