In 1968, the predecessor of the Juno’s named The Irish Rovers Canada’s, “Folk Group of the Year”, and the following year, they received a Grammy nomination for “Folk Performance of the Year”.
As hosts of three national television series in Canada and Ireland, through the 1970's and 80s, The Irish Rovers increased the popularity of Irish music by way of the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).
Canada's Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, personally asked the band if they could “please become Canadian” so that they could officially represent Canada throughout the world. Since then, they have represented Canada at no less than five world Expos, and in recognition for a quarter century of contributions to the International music world, The Irish Rovers won the Performing Rights Organization's (PROCAN) 'Harold Moon Award'.
Although all members of the band hail from Ireland, a number of their biggest hits were often "non-Irish". Their own rousing, traditional Irish compositions, however, do comprise the bulk of their music.
By the 90’s, their songwriting was even more prolific than their early years, and production of albums wasn’t about to slow down. Since they desired the freedom that as a younger band, they could not afford, in ’93 The Irish Rovers established their own record company, Rover Records. Their songs tell the story of the Irish, whether it’s a lost love, a sailor on leave, or the simple good taste of a Guinness. Rover Records has put out their last eleven albums, including Celtic Collection, Come Fill Up Your Glasses, Down by the Lagan Side, Another Round, Still Rovin', a Christmas album, and their greatest hits, 40 Years A-Rovin'.
Founding member George Millar is from Ballymena, original member Wilcil McDowell is from Larne, John Reynolds from Belfast, Sean O'Driscoll from Cork, Ian Millar from Ballymena, and percussionist Fred Graham is also from Belfast.
Former members include founding member Jimmy Ferguson who passed away in 1997 and Joe Millar.
The Black Velvet Band
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
In a neat little town they called Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And many an hour o' sweet happiness
I spent in that neat little town
'Til bad misfortune came o'er me
That caused me to stray from the land
Far away from me friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
Well I went out strolling one evening
Not meaning to go very far
When I met with a ficklesome damsel
She was sellin' her trade in the bar
When a watch she took from a customer
And slipped it right into my hand
Then the law came and put me in prison
Bad luck to her black velvet band
Her eyes they shone like the 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
Then the judge he says me young fellow
The case against you is quite clear
And seven long years is your sentence
You're goin' to Van Dieman's land
Far away from your friends and relations
To follow the black velvet band
Her eyes they shone like the 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 ye jolly young fellows
I'll have yous take warnin' by me
And when ever you're out on the liquor, me lads
Beware of the pretty colleens
For they'll fill you with whisky and porter
'Til you are not able to stand
And the very next thing that you know, me lads
You've landed in Van Dieman's land
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
Her eyes they shone like the diamonds
You'd think she was queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band
The Irish Rovers's song “Black Velvet Band” tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a charming young woman he meets in Belfast, but is betrayed and sent to prison because of her black velvet band. The song describes the woman’s beauty and attractiveness while emphasizing the danger that comes with worldly pleasures. The black velvet band serves as a symbol of the temptations in life that can lead to destruction and heartbreak.
The song opens with the singer describing the woman's beauty, using diamond-like eyes as a metaphor to suggest that she is royalty. The band in her hair is made of black velvet, which adds to her allure and mystery. The singer then goes on to explain that he was an apprentice in Belfast, where he spent many happy times before being led astray by a woman who sold her trade in the bar. She slipped something into his hand and later he was accused of stealing, leading to his imprisonment and transportation to Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania).
The song carries a moral message, warning listeners of the dangers of indulgence in alcohol and women. The story of the love-sick narrator serves as an example of how, when we give in to temptation, we can lose everything we hold dear.
Line by Line Meaning
Her eyes they shown like the diamonds you'd think she was queen of the land and her hair fell over her shoulder tied up with a black velvet band.
She had captivating eyes that sparkled like diamonds and her hair was tied up with a black velvet band, making her look like royalty.
In a neat little town they called Belfast
The story takes place in Belfast, a charming and small town.
Apprentice to trade I was bound, and many an hour sweet happiness I spent in that neat little town.
The singer was an apprentice in Belfast and enjoyed his time there.
Till bad misfortune came o'er me that caused me to stray from the land far away from me friends and relations did follow the black velvet band.
The artist experienced misfortune that led him to leave Belfast and his loved ones followed him.
Well I went out strolling one evening, not meanin to go very far when I met with a fickle young damsel she was sellin her trade in the bar.
The artist met a woman in a bar, who was a prostitute.
When I watched she took from a customer she slipped it right into my hand then the law came and put me in prison bad luck to her black velvet band.
The woman slipped something into the singer's hand that led to him being falsely accused and sentenced to prison.
Next morning before judge and jury for trial I had to appear and the judge he says me young fellow the case against you is quite clear and sever long years is your sentence your goin to vandyman's land far away from your friends and relations did follow the black velvet band.
The singer was sentenced to years of hard labor in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) and his loved ones followed him, despite being innocent.
So come all ye jolly young fellows I'll have you take warnin by me and when ever your out on the liquor me lads beware of the pretty colleens for they'll fill you with whisky and porter till you are not able to stand and the very next thing that you know me lads you've landed in vandyman's land.
The artist warns young men to be careful of pretty women who may lure them into trouble with alcohol and end up in Van Diemen's Land.
Lyrics © ANTRIM MUSIC PUBLISHING, LTD.
Written by: Will Millar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@onelove6189
My daddy passed away nearly 3 years ago these songs remind me of him. I miss him and love every time I’m back in Ireland. Amazing people.
@limeslime711
My dad loved this song, too. He died 6 years ago today.
@onelove6189
@@limeslime711 sending my best to yours
@limeslime711
@@onelove6189 Thanks, you too.
@denisepassel27
My dad was Irish,grew up listening to these guys,my dad passed away in February,I listen to them now especially when I drink
@petermulrooney5505
My dad taught me more Irish songs , I sure miss him
But I’m sure he’s entertaining them up
In heaven
@kevincostello4026
I do the same thing Denise
@AgxntOrange
I was fortunate enough to be born into a newfie family. So I knew and celebrated my Irish heritage from a very young age.
I have been known to steal the aux cord and blast some rebel songs amongst my millennial friends when we're drinking. It usually starts with confusion and ends with them singing the chorus along with me 😂
@moec6862
I grew up 1st generation irish in NY. I irished danced for years. My dad taught me the lyric and I would sing this at every party he had...there where many...his birthday is today March 16th...I bet he is having a party in Heaven today in heaven....God Bless them all....
@waynej2608
God bless you too. I grew up 2nd generation on Long Island. The Irish Rovers were big in our family too. Happy St Pat's, Maureen! Slainte. 😎🖒💚