Black Velvet Band/Homes of Donegal • Andy Cooney, Jimmy Kelly + John Nolan • 10.27.24 Bergenfield NJ

Doubleheader—
Jimmy Kelly, Andy Cooney + John Nolan cover The Dubliners' "Black Velvet Band," written by Luke Kelly, John Sheahan, Barney Mackenna, Ciaran Bourke, Ronnie Drew and John Sheahan, followed by Irish ballad "TheHomes of Donegal," written by songwriter Seán McBride in 1955.

Recorded live 10.27.24 @ Tommy Fox's in Bergenfield, NJ
2024 RadiantLlamaCinema

Lyrics:
Black Velvet Band

In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice to trade I was bound
And many an hours sweet happiness
Have I spent in that neat little town

As sad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from the land
Far away from me friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair, it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

I took a stroll down broadway
Meaning not long for to stay
When who should I meet but this pretty fair maid
Come a-traipsing along the highway

She was both fair and handsome
Her neck, it was just like a swan
And her hair, it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair, it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid
And a gentleman passing us by
Well, I knew she meant the doing of him
By the look in her roguish black eye

A gold watch she took from his pocket
And placed it right into my hand
And the very first thing that I said was
Bad cess to the black velvet band

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair, it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

Before the judge and the jury
Next morning, I had to appear
The judge, he says to me
"Young man, you're case it is proven clear
We'll give you seven years penal servitude
To be spent far away from the land
Far away from your friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band"

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair, it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

So come all you jolly young fellows
A warning take by me
When you are out on the town, me lads
Beware of the pretty colleens
They'll feed you with strong drink, me lads
'Til you are unable to stand
And the very first thing that you'll know is
You've landed in Van Diemen's Land

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
Her neck, it was just like a swan
And her hair, it hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lyrics:
Homes of Donegal 

I've just dropped in to see you all
I'll only stay awhile
I want to hear how you're getting on
I want to hear you smile
I'm happy to be back again
And greet you big and small
For there's no place on earth just like
The homes of Donegal

I long to see your smiling children
Standing by the door
The kettle boiling on the hearth
As I walk up the floor
And then to see a welcome free
For travellers one and all
For your hearts are like your mountains
In the homes of Donegal

I'd like to stay along with you
And while away the night
With fairy lore and tales of yore
Beside the turf fire bright
And then to see laid out for me
A shake-down by the wall
For there's rest for weary wanderers
In the homes of Donegal

The time has come for me to go
And bid you all adieu
For the open highway calls me back
To do these things I do
But when I'm travelling far away
Your friendship I'll recall
And please, God, I'll soon return unto
The homes of Donegal

Donegal, Pride of all
Donegal, Pride of all