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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