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