Black Velvet Band

www.shananigans.ca "The Black Velvet Band" is a traditional Irish folk song describing transportation to Australia, a common punishment in 19th century Britain & Ireland. The song tells the story of a tradesman who meets a young woman who has stolen an item and passed it on to him (the lyrics of the song vary from place to place). The man then appears in court the next day, charged with stealing the item and is sent to Van Diemen's Land for doing so. This song was adapted in the United States to the "The Girl In The Blue Velvet Band."

While working for the BBC, Peter Kennedy recorded a version in Belfast in 1952. In 1959, a version was found in Australia. The collector G.B. Gardiner noted a version in Hampshire in 1907. An earlier version by the publisher Swindells in Manchester is very wordy, and has no chorus. It places the events in Barking, Essex.

One day, being out on a ramble, alone by myself I did stray,
I met with a young gay deceiver, while cruising in Ratcliffe Highway;
Her eyes were as black as a raven, I thought her the pride of the land,
Her hair, that did hang o'er her shoulders, was tied with a black velvet band.
The publication date of that version is probably between 1837 and 1853.

Traditional Lyrics:
In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprenticed in trade I was bound
And many an hour of sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town
Then bad misfortune came o'er me
That caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band


As I was out strolling one evening
Not intending to stay very long
I met a handsome young damsel
As she came tripping along
A gold watch she took from a pocket
And slipped it right into my hand
On the very first night that I met her
Bad luck to the black velvet band.


(Chorus):
Her eyes, they shone like the diamond
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulder
Tied up in a black velvet band


Before judge and jury next morning
The both of us had to appear
A gentleman said 'twas his jewellery
And the case against us was clear
For seven long years transportation
I was sent off to Van Diemen's Land
Far away from my friends and relations
To follow this black velvet band


So come all you jolly young fellows
I'll have you take warning by me
Whenever you're out on the liquor me lads
Beware of the pretty Colleen
She'll fill you with whiskey and porter
Until you're not able to stand
And the very next thing you'd know, me lads
You've landed in Van Diemen's Land.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Accordion
• Irish
• button
• melodeon
• celtic
• folk
• song
• hohner

[charlie889]

love this song, ur stuffs class!

check out my first blog if ya ever get a chance!

[sneezey101]

Hi, Thanks for your comments, I am going to check out your vlog right now!

[sneezey101]

It is a Hohner Tri-chord, I've never seen one like it, it is BCC# and it was my father's. I believe it was made in the 50s. It has a wonderful triple reed sound.

[Newfie2000]

What the Accordion you got there a Hohner corso?

[sneezey101]

It's a Hohner Trichord system.

It's actually quite rare. suitable for Irish music. The basses on this one give the same chords on the press and on the draw.

Hohner B/C/C# (top of instrument) outside inside

 E bass E chord A bass A chord D bass D chord G bass G chord C bass C chord F bass F chord

[Bigryan8070]

Rock on Rockall ! ! !

Toichfaidh Ar La ! ! !

[canam850ccEtienne]

wow beautil de canam8850ccetienne

[dmotors27]

lovely sound

[mario3248]

You can purchase those accordions from Wilson"s music store in Newmarket ,Ontario. I have this type and of accordion . You can play in all keys by playing across the rows for the sharps and flats.

[footprint09]

I believe Trichords were produced in the early seventies. I have one purchased from Bell circa 1973. Looks brand new- never really played it shamefully.

[sneezey101]

I don't know, I have never seen one for sale.

[nickelsmine000]

WEow! That's Clasic! Thanx For Adding The Lyrics!