In a neat little town they call Quincy
Apprenticed in trade I was bound
And many an hours of sweet happiness
I spent I that neat little town
Then bad misfortune befell me
And caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and companions
To follow the black velvet band
As I was strolling one evening
Not intending to stray very long
I met a frolicsome damsel
As she came tripping along
A watch she pulled from her pocket
And slipped it right into my hand
One that verty first night that I met her
Back luck to the black velvet band
Her eyes, they shone like the diamond
You'd think she was queen of thel and
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up in a black velvet band
Before judge and jury next morning
Both of us did despair
A gentleman claimed his jewelry
And the case against us was clear
Now seven long years transportation
Right down to Van Dieman's land
Far away from my friends and companions
To follow the black velvet band
So come all you jolly young fellows
I'll have you taking warning by me
Whenever you're out on the liquor
Beware of the pretty Colleen
She'll fill you with whiskey and porter
Until you're not able to stand
And the very next thing you'd know
You've landed in Van Dieman's land
