V.1 In a neat little town they call Belfast, An apprentice to trade I was bound, And manys the hour of sweet happiness I spent in that neat little town. V.2 Til a sad misfortune came over me, and forced me to stray from the land, far away from my friends and relations Betrayed by the black velvet band Chorus: Her eyes they shone like the diamonds You'd swear she was queen of the land, and her hair hung over her shoulder, tied up with a black velvet band V.3 As I went out strolling one evening, not intending to stray very far I met with a frolicsome damsel Plying her trade in the bar V.4 A gold watch she clipped from a customer and placed it right into my hand On the very first day that I met her Bad luck to the black velvet band Chorus V.5 To judge and jury next morning for trial I had to appear and the judge he said my young fellow the case against you is quite clear V.6 I give you seven years penal servitude To be spent far away from the land Far away from your friends and relations your going to *VanDamiens land Chorus V.7 So come all you jolly young fellows A warning take by me When ever you're out on the liquor Beware of the pretty colleens V.8 For they will fill you with strong drink until your not able to stand and the very next thing that you know, me lads you've landed in VanDamiens land ******************************************************************************* Note that Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) is no longer an Australian Penal colony. Its use as such ceased some time ago. (:-)