Black Betty
Ben Liebrand Lyrics


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Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)
Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)

Black Betty had a child (Bam-ba-Lam)
The damn thing gone wild (Bam-ba-Lam)
She said, "I'm worryin' outta mind" (Bam-ba-Lam)
The damn thing gone blind (Bam-ba-Lam)
I said "Oh, Black Betty" (Bam-ba-Lam)
Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)

Oh, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)
Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)

She really gets me high (Bam-ba-Lam)
You know that's no lie (Bam-ba-Lam)
She's so rock steady (Bam-ba-Lam)
And she's always ready (Bam-ba-Lam)
Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)
Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)

Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)
Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)

She's from Birmingham (Bam-ba-Lam)
Way down in Alabam' (Bam-ba-Lam)
Well, she's shakin' that thing (Bam-ba-Lam)
Boy, she makes me sing (Bam-ba-Lam)
Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)




Whoa, Black Betty
Bam-ba-lam

Overall Meaning

The song "Black Betty" by Ben Liebrand is a classic rock song that is said to be based on an African American work song from the 19th century. The lyrics can be interpreted in different ways depending on the listener's perspective. Some speculate that the song is about a woman named Black Betty who had a child that went wild and blinded her, causing her to worry. Others believe that Black Betty is actually a metaphor for a whip or some form of punishment used on slaves in the past.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Whoa, Black Betty" twice, using the onomatopoeic sound "Bam-ba-Lam" to add emphasis and create rhythm. The verses describe Black Betty and her wild child, as well as her ability to get the singer "high" and "rock steady." The line "she's from Birmingham" is often misinterpreted as referring to the city in England, but it actually refers to Birmingham, Alabama.


Overall, the song is a tribute to Black culture and the history of African American work songs. It has been covered by many artists over the years and remains a popular and influential rock song.


Line by Line Meaning

Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)
Expressing amazement and admiration for Black Betty


Black Betty had a child (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty had a baby


The damn thing gone wild (Bam-ba-Lam)
The baby became out of control


She said, "I'm worryin' outta mind" (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty is extremely worried and anxious


The damn thing gone blind (Bam-ba-Lam)
The baby has become blind


I said "Oh, Black Betty" (Bam-ba-Lam)
Addressing Black Betty with fondness and concern


She really gets me high (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty gives an intense emotional and physical rush


You know that's no lie (Bam-ba-Lam)
Confirming the truth of the statement


She's so rock steady (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty is resilient and steadfast


And she's always ready (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty is always prepared and willing


She's from Birmingham (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty originates from Birmingham


Way down in Alabam' (Bam-ba-Lam)
In the state of Alabama, far away from the artist


Well, she's shakin' that thing (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty is moving and dancing sensually


Boy, she makes me sing (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty makes the singer feel joyful and uplifted




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Comments from YouTube:

alkh3myst

I've always loved this jam. Thanks, Ben!

lamingtonn

From 1:26 is my favourite part ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Jackie Havens

LOLOLOL LOVE IT ๐Ÿ˜

bluezaku

I could dance like that... if I felt like it.

gino diaz

kung pow 2 2002 buenisima version

Ajay Rulezzz

Found this from Kung Pow

I401 BlueSteel

... yea hell no

Rash Elbo

Au clock

Rash Elbo

Bluepunk

Rash Elbo

Remix chinatown

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