Black Velvet Band  
The penal colonies in Australia and on  
Van Diemens Land between 1788 and  
1868 were usually picked for these  
ballads as historical examples of  
“convict labor.” In this period of time  
thousands of convicts were transported  
there as “laborers,” many of whom  
received harsh sentences for minor  
misdemeanors in both Britain and  
Ireland.  
Reforms to the penial servitude system  
began in 1885, and 75% of all prison  
inmates were involved in some sort of  
productive endeavor, mostly in private  
contract and leasing systems. By 1935  
the portion of prisoners had fallen to  
44%, and almost all prisoners (90%)  
worked in state-run programs rather  
than for private contractors.  
Map of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) circa 1850s.  
With this historical backdrop, one gets a better understanding of the lyrics for this  
seafaring/folk ballad. See the YouTube link of the KDM Broadside on the next  
page.  
Next morning before judge and jury  
While in the town they call Belfast  
For the trial I had to appear.  
And the judge he says  
Apprentice to trade I was bound.  
And many the hours of happiness  
Did I spend in that neat little town.  
“Now look here me lad,  
Your case has proven quite clear.  
‘Till a sad misfortune came o’er me  
And seven long years is your sentence.  
Which caused me  
You’re going to Van Damein’s Land.  
to stray from the land,  
Far away from your friends and relations,  
Far away from me friends and relations  
To follow her black velvet band.  
Betrayed by a black velvet band.  
Chorus  
Chorus  
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds,  
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds,  
You’d think she was the queen of the land  
You’d think she was the queen of the land  
And her hair flung o’er her shoulder  
And her hair flung o’er her shoulder  
Tied up with a black velvet band.  
Tied up with a black velvet band.  
So come all you jolly young fellows  
As I was strolling one evening  
This warning be taken from me,  
Not meaning to go very far  
Whenever you’re on the liquor me lads,  
When I met with this pretty fair maiden  
Beware of them pretty colleens.  
Who was selling her trade in a bar.  
For they’ll fill you with liquor and porter  
‘Til you are unable to stand,  
And the very next thing  
that you’ll know me lads,  
You’ve landed in Van Diemens Land.  
A gold watch she took from a customer  
And slipped it right into my hand  
Then the law came and put me in prison  
Bad luck with that black velvet band.  
Chorus  
Chorus  

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