Black Velvet Band

The song 'Black Velvet Band' by The Dubliners tells a cautionary tale set in Belfast, where the protagonist, an apprentice, finds himself ensnared by a beautiful but deceitful woman. The narrative begins with the protagonist reminiscing about his happy days in Belfast before a misfortune led him astray. This misfortune is personified by the woman with the black velvet band, whose beauty and charm ultimately lead to his downfall.

The chorus emphasizes the woman's allure, describing her eyes as shining like diamonds and her hair tied with a black velvet band. This imagery paints her as an almost mythical figure, a queen of the land, whose appearance is both captivating and dangerous. The protagonist's encounter with her on Broadway leads to a series of unfortunate events. She steals a gold watch from a passing gentleman and places it in the protagonist's hand, implicating him in the theft. This act of betrayal is the turning point, leading to his arrest and subsequent sentencing to seven years of penal servitude.

The song serves as a warning to young men about the dangers of being seduced by outward appearances and the potential consequences of falling for deceitful charms. The final verse explicitly advises young fellows to be wary of pretty women who might lead them astray, feeding them strong drink until they are unable to stand and ultimately landing them in trouble. The reference to Van Diemen's Land, a historical penal colony, underscores the severity of the protagonist's fate and the harsh reality of being betrayed by someone he thought he could trust.