Her eyes shone 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.
In a neat little town they call Belfast,
Apprenticed to trade I was bound,
And many an hour's sweet happiness,
That I spent in that little town,
Till sad misfortune came o'er me,
And I had to flee from the land,
Away from my friends and relations,
To follow the black velvet band.
As I went strolling one evening,
Not meaning to go very far,
I spied a pretty young damsel,
Parading her wares in the bar,
A watch she took from a customer,
And she slipped it right in my hand,
And the law came and put me in prison,
Bad luck to her black velvet band.
Next morning before judge and jury,
For trial I had to appear,
And the judge said 'Me fine young fellow,
The case against you is quite clear,
For seven long years is your sentence,
You're going to Van Diemen's Land,
Away from your friends and relations,
To follow the black velvet band.
Now come all you jolly young fellows,
And a warning take from me,
And whenever you go out for liquor, lads,
Beware of the pretty colleen,
She'll fill you with whisky and porter,
Until you're unable to stand,
And the very next thing that you know me lads,
You've landed in Van Diemen's Land
Traditional Australian Folk Song
"Van Diemen's Land" was the original name for the Australian Island that is a modern day Tasmania
A penal colony was set up at Port Arthur, which gained the reputation as the worst of the British Penal Colonies in the world. Punishment was severe and it was used for the most incorrigible of convicts. To be sentenced to a period at Port Arthur in Van Diemen's Land was one of the worst punishments that could be given to any individual (other than death).
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"Black Is All I See"
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Main Image, Backgrounds, Borders And Divider By
Dark Blue Knight
Main Image Used Is A
Water Colour Over Pencil And Paper Of Jane Scott
1826~1909
Irish Convict Gate Keeper
Painted By
Thomas Griffiths Wainewright
1794~1847
Smaller Image Is
Thomas Francis Meagher
Irish Convict
Transported 1848
Escaped To U.S.A. In 1852 And Fought In American Civil War Achieving Rank Of Brigadier General
(No Copyright Infringement Intended)
Music Playing Is
"Black Velvet Band"
Traditional Australian Tune
Music Is Played For Your Listening Pleasure Only
Please Do Not Copy Music From This Site
Web Master ~ Dark Blue Knight
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