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