Her Eyes They Shone Like Diamonds

The story behind the song Black Velvet Band

The narrator is bound apprentice in a town (which varies in different versions). He becomes romantically involved with a young woman. She steals a watch and places it in his pocket or in his hand. The apprentice appears in court the next day, and is sentenced to seven years penal servitude in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). In the broadside versions the young woman's motivation is more obvious - she has met a sailor and wants to get rid of her lover.

In the broadsides the action takes place in Ratcliffe Highway, a street in the East End of London, but in collected versions various locations are mentioned - London, Belfast, Tralee, a town in Bedfordshire, and in Dunmanway, Co. Cork. Some East Anglian singers place the action in Belfast and others in London.

Black Velvet Band Lyrics

In a neat little town they called Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And many an hour's sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town
Til bad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from the land
Far away from me friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band

Her eyes they shown like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band

As I was out strolling one evening
Not Meaning to go very far
I met on a ficklesome damsel
She was selling her trade in the bar
When a watch she took from a customer
And slipped it right into me hand
Then the law came and put me in prison
Bad luck to her black velvet band

Her eyes they shown like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
Next morning before judge and jury
For trial I had to appear
The judge, he says me young fellow
The case against you is quite clear
And seven long years is your sentence
You're going to Van Dieman's land
Far away from your friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band"

Her eyes they shown like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a 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 Colleens
They'll feed you with whiskey and porterv 'Til you are unable to stand
And the very next thing that you'll know is
You've landed in Van Diemens Land

Her eyes they shown like diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band

Thank you to our page sponsor, Sacramento Top 10, Accident Attorney

I've Been a Wild Rover

Historically, the song has been referred to in Irish folklore and, since the late sixteenth century, it has been noted in written records—although it is likely that some northern Atlantic fishing crews knew the song before these historical accounts were made.

The song is a staple for artists performing live music in Irish pubs. It is often considered to be a drinking song rather than a temperance song. For many people, the Wild Rover is the stereotypical Irish drinking song. In the twentieth century the location of the song became a major concern due to its popularity, spurring continued debate amongst several European nations.

"The Wild Rover" is the most widely performed Irish song, although its exact origins are unknown.

The song tells the story of a young man who has been away from his hometown for many years. Returning to his former alehouse the landlady refuses him credit, until he presents the gold which he has gained while he has been away. He sings of how his days of roving are over and he intends to return to his home and settle down.

Wild Rover Lyrics

I've been a wild rover for many's the year
I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
I went to a tavern I used to frequent
And I told the landlady me money was spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "nay
Such a custom as yours I can get any day"

I took up from my pocket ten souvereigns bright
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
She says "I have whiskeys and wines of the best
And the words that you told me were only in jest"

I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done
and I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son
And when they've caressed me as oft times before
I been a wild boy but I'll be so no more

This page sponsored by Sacramento Top 10, Personal Injury Attorneys.