Black Velvet Band Song Lyrics: 
Learn Them and Sing Along!

Black Velvet Band song lyrics tell the tale of a young man who is betrayed by a woman with a black velvet band in her hair, leading to his penal transportation to Australia. The song's origins are ambiguous, but it is widely understood to have originated from the early 19th century in Ireland. 

The lyrics and melody reflect the universal theme of betrayal and the plight of the Irish diaspora. The most famous recording of the song might arguably be by The Dubliners, an Irish folk band that played a significant role in popularizing Irish music around the world.

Tell me if you've 'heard' this one:

Her eyes they shone like diamonds,
I thought her the queen of the land
Her hair it 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,
I spent in that neat little town.

If you want the full lyrics right now, feel free to jump ahead here.

If you would like to know a bit more about Black Velvet Band song lyrics, then check this out.

Fun Facts About The Song

Black Velvet Band song lyrics are a common staple in the repertoire of Irish folk musicians and are commonly performed in Irish pubs across the globe. They capture a pivotal historical moment when many Irish were transported to penal colonies, making it a song of both cultural and historical significance. 

The song's catchy melody and poignant lyrics ensure its continued popularity.  It is frequently shared  on festive occasions as well as in more reflective, melancholic settings.

10 Interesting Things to Know About Black Velvet Band Song Lyrics

1. The song likely dates back to the early 19th century during a period when transportation to Australia was a common punishment for various crimes in Ireland and the UK.
2. There are different versions of the song that mention various cities like Belfast in Northern Ireland and London in England.
   
3. Apart from The Dubliners, bands such as The Irish Rovers and Dropkick Murphys have popularized the song with their unique renditions.
   
4. The black velvet band in the song symbolizes the betrayal and deceit that lead to the young man’s downfall.
   
5. This song has been used in theatrical performances around the world, often in plays dealing with Irish history and emigration.
   
6. The song's narrative has been referenced in several novels and history books related to Irish history and diaspora.
   
7. Black Velvet Band is often included in collections and anthologies of Irish folk songs, emphasizing its importance in the Irish musical canon.
   
8. The song is sometimes used in schools to teach about the history of Irish emigration and transportation to penal colonies.
   
9. This song has transcended its Irish roots to become popular in folk music circles worldwide, illustrating the global appeal of Irish folk music.
   
10. The song has been recorded in various styles over the decades, including rock, folk, and punk versions, showcasing its versatility.
    

Black Velvet Band Lyrics:  The Full Song

Here are the full lyrics to "Black Velvet Band", as commonly sung:

In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice to a trade I was bound
And many's an hour's sweet happiness
Have I spent in this neat little town.
A sad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band.

I took a stroll down Broadway
Meaning not long for to stay
When who should I meet but this pretty fair maid
Came a traipsing along the highway
She was both fair and handsome
Her neck it was just like a swans'
And her hair is hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band.

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid
And the gentleman passing us by
Well I knew she meant the doing of him
By the look in her roguish black eye
A gold watch she took from his pocket
And placed it right into my hand
And the very first thing I said was
Bad 'cess to the black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Before the judge and the jury
Next morning I had to appear
And the judge he said to me 'Young man
Your case is proven clear'
We'll give you seven years penal servitude
To be spent far away from the land
Far away from your friends and companions
Betrayed by the black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Damien Leo Leith / Traditional
The Black Velvet Band lyrics © Embassy Music Publishing Pty Ltd, Carlin Music Corp

My Favorite Performance

It's hard to go wrong with the Dubliners.  The exuberant voices and lilting melody are a contrast to the somewhat dark subject matter, wouldn't you say?

Here is Another Version

The whole point of this page is to entice you to learn and sing the song.  What better way to do that than to ... listen to it again! :-)  If you've been with us for awhile, you know we enjoy Celtic Thunder.  Here is their version of Black Velvet Band.

Bruce's Thoughts on The Black Velvet Band

Here are some questions I've heard about The Black Velvet Band song lyrics and why we've chosen to share them with the Irish Expressions community.  

Question:  What is your experience with The Black Velvet Band?
Answer:  Truthfully I had never even heard of it before doing research for Irish Sounds.  I'm very glad we discovered it!

Question:  Why did you decide to include The Black Velvet Band song lyrics in Irish Expressions.com?
Answer:  I love the stark contrasts I see in Irish culture, particularly in art, music and literature.  This song is both uplifting and despairing.  It speaks to a dark moment in Irish history and makes you want to sing and dance to it at the same time.

Question:  What is your recommendation for including this song in our own day to day Irish expressions?
Answer:  I look for opportunities to sing along, whether by attending a concert, requesting a song from a live Irish band playing at our local pub, or finding the song on YouTube and playing it during our St Patrick's Day party.

ENJOYING IRISH EXPRESSIONS?  PLEASE SHARE US WITH OTHERS!