Black Betty
Kudu Lyrics


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Born in Opleika Alabama Black Betty bam-a-lam-a
Comin' through to deliver the goods
Always movin' around too hard to track down 'cause she's new to the neighborhood
She's alpha female more than hot tail, is she your number one?
She could be high class but she lives fastm you're young, dumb, and full of fun

Is she your girlfriend? is she your new romance
Now she's on your mind 90d the time, I heard that you took a chance.
Is she your girlfriend? is she good to have
When your under the weather can she make you feel better, call her up when your feelin' bad

Bam bam, bam-a-lam, Black betty go and get your man, bam bam, bam-a-lam, black betty always gets her man

She drank a mixture, read a scripture,now her picture is a fixture, and it's hanging up in your place
What kind of vudu did she do, who's watchin' who, she's watchin' you with the look of love on her face

She;s not your sister or your mother, not a friend, is she your lover?
She's around when the party ends...and she's gots lots to love I saw you give rhe a hug
Is she your girl, she your girlfriend?

Is she your girlfriend? I heard she gets around. you know you better get ready hold stead Black betty's in town and She's comin' down
Is she your girlfriend? or is she movin' on? behind the curtaincaught you flirtin' now your certain to be hurtin', once the player now you're the pawn.


Bam Bam.....

Overall Meaning

The song "Black Betty" by Kudu narrates the story of a woman named Black Betty who has just moved into the neighborhood. Betty is a strong and independent woman who is hard to track down since she is always moving around. She is described as an alpha female, who is more than just a hot tail, and is the subject of the singer's attention. The singer seems to be confused about his feelings for Betty whether she is a girlfriend or a new romance.


The lyrics further portray Betty as someone who can make you feel better when you are under the weather, and always gets her man. The singer draws a comparison between Betty and voodoo, suggesting that she has cast a spell over him. He also mentions that he has seen her with lots to love, indicating her attractiveness. The song finishes with a warning to the singer that he better get ready because Black Betty is in town, and she is coming down.


The song "Black Betty" was originally a traditional African-American work song that has been sung for over 100 years. The song's lyrics were first recorded by musicologist John Lomax in the 1920s. Kudu's rendition of the song appeared in a few movies, including "Blow" and "Shaft." The song's popularity led to many covers by renowned artists such as Ram Jam, who had a hit with their version of the song in 1977.


Line by Line Meaning

Born in Opleika Alabama Black Betty bam-a-lam-a
Black Betty is from Opleika Alabama and her name is followed by 'bam-a-lam-a'


Comin' through to deliver the goods
Black Betty is coming to deliver goods


Always movin' around too hard to track down 'cause she's new to the neighborhood
Black Betty is difficult to track down because she is new to the neighborhood


She's alpha female more than hot tail, is she your number one?
Black Betty is an alpha female, more than just an object of sexual desire, do you consider her your top priority?


She could be high class but she lives fast, you're young, dumb, and full of fun
Black Betty has the potential to be high class but instead chooses to live life in the fast lane because you are young, naive and want to have fun


Is she your girlfriend? is she your new romance Now she's on your mind 90d the time, I heard that you took a chance.
Is Black Betty your girlfriend or your new love interest? She is on your mind all the time and I heard you took a chance on her


Is she your girlfriend? is she good to have When your under the weather can she make you feel better, call her up when your feelin' bad
Is Black Betty your girlfriend? Is she beneficial to have around? When you're not feeling well, can she make you feel better? Can you call her up when you're feeling down?


Bam bam, bam-a-lam, Black betty go and get your man, bam bam, bam-a-lam, black betty always gets her man
Black Betty can go and get her man, she always gets what she wants


She drank a mixture, read a scripture,now her picture is a fixture, and it's hanging up in your place
Black Betty drank a mixture, read a scripture and now her picture is a permanent fixture in your home


What kind of vudu did she do, who's watchin' who, she's watchin' you with the look of love on her face
What kind of Voodoo did Black Betty do? Who is watching who? She is watching you with a loving expression on her face


She;s not your sister or your mother, not a friend, is she your lover?
Black Betty is not your sister, mother or even just a friend, is she your lover?


She's around when the party ends...and she's gots lots to love I saw you give rhe a hug Is she your girl, she your girlfriend?
Black Betty is around even when the party ends, and she has a lot of love. I saw you give her a hug, is she your girl or your girlfriend?


Is she your girlfriend? I heard she gets around. you know you better get ready hold stead Black betty's in town and She's comin' down Is she your girlfriend? or is she movin' on? behind the curtain caught you flirtin' now your certain to be hurtin', once the player now you're the pawn.
Is Black Betty your girlfriend? I heard she gets around, so you better be ready because she is coming down. Is she your girlfriend or is she moving on? Caught you flirting behind the curtain, now you're certain to be hurt. Once the player, now you are the pawn.


Bam Bam.....
The refrain 'Bam Bam' serves as a sound effect and does not have a specific meaning




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: SYLVIA GORDON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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