Black Velvet Band
Lyrics & Music are Traditional
Performed by Axel the Sot on Favorite Pub Songs
Also performed by Marooned on Marooned,
Jim Hancock on Bedlam Boys,
Howl-O on Disc o' Peers and many others...

Well, I was out strolling one evening
Not intending to stay very long
When I met with a frolicsome damsel
As she came a trippin' along

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.

Well a watch, she pulled out 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

Before judge and jury next morning
Both of us did appear
A gentleman claimed his jewelry
And the case against us was clear

Now seven long years transportation
Right down to Van Dieman's Land
Far away from my friends and companions
To follow the black velvet band

Alternate Verses:

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 befell me
And cause me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and companions
To follow the black velvet band

So come all you jolly young fellows
I'd have you take warning by me
And whenever you're out on the liquor
Beware of the pretty Colleen

They'll fill you with whiskey and porter
Until you're not able to stand
And the very next thing that you know
You've landed in Van Dieman's Land.

Background by Daniel Womack: This song's origin can't, at this time, be clearly determined. Such is the case with most old British tunes. It's become a favorite of Renaissance Faires wherever they're held. This is just one of many variations of this song. One that has been played on the podcast is Black Leather Band performed by The Bedlam Bards. The lyrics for this version are:

Black Leather Band
Lyrics by Roy Wilkinson, Music is Traditional
Performed by The Bedlam Bards on Take Out the Trash

In a neat little town called Gomorrah,
By a cruel distress I was bound.
And many's the hour of happiness,
I spent there while I was tied down.

I tried my best for to please her,
As I fed her grapes and I fanned.
For only the wealthiest slaves gets the pleasure,
Of wearing her black leather band.

Oh the moonlight gleamed off her handcuffs,
As she gave me the back of her hand.
The whip cracked down as I lay there,
Tied up with her black leather band.

She liked to go strolling through Sodom (or Down Broadway)
On a short leash I couldn't go far,
Reined in by a frolicsom damsel,
With tattoos and a dagger-shaped scar.

I woke one day from my lust for her,
And the laces I took from my hands.
When she came, I put her in position,
Tied up with her own leather bands.

So beware all you randy young fellows,
When a lassie takes advantage of ye.
Enjoy it as long as you like, me boys,
Then turn her right over your knee.

Background by Cedric: Roy Wilkinson's filk on Black Velvet Band explores the joys of bondage and sado-masochism. This is one of the most requested songs in the Bedlam Bard repertoire.