Traditional & Folk Songs with lyrics, midis & Mp3
Black Velvet Band (New Zealand Version)
Black Velvet Band (New Zealand Version)
Black Velvet Band (New Zealand Version)
It was the time for leaving.
An emigrant I was bound
To say farewell to my true love
And dear old London town.
CHORUS:
Her eyes they shone like diamonds
As I took hold of her hand.
Her hair hung down to her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band.
I knew not when I'd see her
When I bade her adieu.
For I was bound for New Zealand
To see my contract through.
I'm saving every penny
And silver to be found;
I'll latch on to every sovereign
That reaches Auckland town.
And when I'm rich and proper
And own a store in town,
I'll sail back home for my true love
And then I'll settle down.
In most other countries, "The Black Velvet Band" is a
transportation ballad. In New Zealand, however, which
never experienced transportation, it was adapted to fit
this gentler (if perhaps less exciting) lyric.
As recorded by Bruce Hall on "Song of a Young Country:
New Zealand Folksongs."
DT #313
RW