The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #19899   Message #1291069
Posted By: Dave Bryant
07-Oct-04 - 05:28 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Old versions of Black Velvet Band
Subject: Lyr Add: BLACK VELVET BAND
I sing a London version of "Black Velvet Band" - I think I first got it from Martin Carthy in the 60s. It's similiar to the usual Irish version, but there is a B part tune to the second part of the verse. The setting is the Wapping/Ratcliffe/Limehouse area.

It was in the city of London, apprenticed to trade I was bound.
And many the bright amusements, I've had in old London Town.
But a certain misfortune came over me, which caused me to stray from the land.
Far away from my friends and relations, Betrayed by a Black Velvet Band.

Usual Chorus, but the first syllable of "Diamonds" is held longer.

As I was walking down Wapping Wall, a-meaning not long for to stay,
I chanced to see this fair young maid, come a-walkin down Ratcliffe Highway.
Her face it was handsome and comely, her neck it was slim like a swan.
And her hair it hung over her shoulder, tied up with a Black Velvet Band.

I strolled along with this pretty fair maid, till a gentleman passed us by.
I could see she was meaning to be a-robbing of him, by the look in her dark roving eye.
She nicked a gold watch from his pocket and dropped it clear into my hand.
And the peelers they quickly arrested me, bad luck to the Black Velvet band.

So in front of a judge and a jury, next morning I had to appear.
And the beak he looked over the bench at me, said this case is proven quite clear.
So I copped seven years penal servitude, to be spent far away from this land.
Far away from my friends and relations, betrayed by a Black Velvet Band.

So come all you jolly apprentice lads, I'll have you take warning by me.
And when you go out on the booze at night, beware of young ladies so free.
They'll lead you to sin and strong drink me lads, till you are not able to stand.
And the very next thing that you know, you may be bound out for Van Dieman's Land.