Standard (EADGBE)

 In a neat little town they call Belfast apprenticed to trade I was bound

 And many an hour of sweet happiness I spent in that neat little town

 Till bad misfortune came over me and caused me to stray from the land

 Far away from me friends and relations me followed the Black Velvet Band

 Her eyes they shown like the diamonds

 You'd think she was queen of the land

 And her hair hung over her shoulder

 Tied up with a Black Velvet Band

 Well I went out strolling one evening not meaning to go very far

 When I met with a fickle-some damsel she was plying her trade in a bar

 When a watch she took from a customer and slipped it right into me hand

 And the law it came and arrested me bad luck to your Black Velvet Band

 Her eyes they shown like the diamonds

 You'd think she was queen of the land

 And her hair hung over her shoulder

 Tied up with a Black Velvet Band

 This mornin' before judge and jury a trial I had to appear

 And the judge he says "me young fellow" the case against you is quite clear

 And seven long years is your sentence you're going to Van Daemons Land

 Far away from your friends and relations and follow the Black Velvet Band

 Her eyes they shown like the diamonds

 You'd think she was queen of the land

 And her hair hung over her shoulder

 Tied up with a Black Velvet Band

 So come all ye jolly young fellows I'll have you take warnin' from me

 Whenever you're into the liquor me lads beware of the pretty colleen

 For they'll fill you with whiskey and porter till you are not able to stand

 And the very next thing that you know me lads you've landed in Van Daemon's Land

 Her eyes they shown like the diamonds

 You'd think she was queen of the land

 And her hair hung over her shoulder

 Tied up with a Black Velvet Band