The Black Velvet Band

from roots to fly (online version) by FlatlandersFolk

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lyrics

THE BLACK VELVET BAND

As I went walking down Broadway
Not intending to stay very long
I met with a frolicsome damsel,
That came tripping along.
A watch she pulled out of her pocket,
And slipped it right into my hand
On the very first day that I saw her,
Bad luck to her black velvet band.

Cause her eyes they shone like diamonds
You would think she was Queen of the land
With her hair, it hung over her shoulder,
Tied up with a black velvet band.

It was in the town of Tralee,
An apprentice to trade I was bound,
With a plenty of brightest amusement
To see the days go round.
Till misfortune and trouble,
They caused me to stray from my land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow her black velvet band.

So before the judge and the jury
Both of us had to appear
And a gentleman swore to the jury
The case against us seemed clear.
For seven years transportation
Right unto Van Diemens Land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow her black velvet band.

Now all you brave young Irish lads
Come, hear what I got to say
Beware of those frolicsome damsels
That are knocking around in Tralee.
They'll treat you with whisky and porter
Until you're unable to stand
And before you have time to leave them,
You'll be unto Van Diemens Land.

credits

from roots to fly (online version), released May 2, 2014

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about

FlatlandersFolk Germany

Fabian - vocals, guitar
Martin - mandolin, vocals

We're a folk-duo from the Lower Rhine area in the West of Germany.

These are recordings from our latest album, live recorded and produced by FLF in 2014.
It's mainly containing traditional Irish folk songs and tunes. We did several cover versions of newer songs, too, but these are only included on the physical CD. ... more

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