It was in the town of Tralee, an apprentice to trade I was bound We had plenty of happy amusement to make the long evenings go 'round 'Till misfortune and ruin came o'er me, which caused me to leave from the land Far away from my friends and companions to follow the black velvet band Chorus: And her eyes they shone like the diamonds, you'd think she was queen of the land With her hair hanging over her shoulder, tied up with a black Velvet band As I dandered along on the highway, not intending to stay very long I met with a sweet little damsel and she coming tripping along A watch she pulled out of her pocket and slipped it right into my hand On the very first day that I met her, bad luck to the black velvet band Chorus Before judge and jury next morning, the both of us we did appear And the gentleman swore to the jewelry, the case against us, it was clear For seven long years transportation, I was hunted to Van Dieman's land Far away from my friends and relations to follow the black velvet band Chorus Now, come all you sporting young fellows, a warning be taking from me And beware of the sweet little damsels that are hanging around in Tralee They'd treat you to whiskey and porter until you're not able to stand And before you have time to get sober, you're landed in Van Dieman's land Chorus