Bill Bartlett was formerly lead guitarist for sunshine pop group The Lemon Pipers, while Blauvett played with then budding pop artist Billy Joel in two bands: The Hassles and El Primo. Ram Jam were known for incorporating blues and soul influences in their sound, which set them apart from many contemporaries and brought them brief but strong chart success.
Black Betty 1977
Ram Jam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
Get it
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
The song "Black Betty" by Ram Jam was originally a traditional African-American work song that was likely sung by prisoners in Southern work camps. The song has undergone several lyrical alterations over the years, but the version popularized by Ram Jam in 1977 tells the story of a woman named Black Betty and her wild child.
In the first verse, the singer refers to Black Betty's child, who has gone wild and possibly blind. This could symbolize the destructive nature of slavery or the difficulties faced by African American mothers in raising their children during times of hardship. The chorus repeats the phrase "Whoa, Black Betty" in a rhythmic pattern that mimics the sound of a work song, while the verses incorporate more detailed lyrics about Black Betty and her child.
The second verse describes Black Betty in more detail, noting that she is from Birmingham, Alabama and that she "shakes that thing" in a way that makes the singer "sing." This could be interpreted as a celebration of Black women's sexuality and power, or it could be seen as objectifying and fetishizing. Ultimately, the meaning of "Black Betty" is open to interpretation and has been the subject of much debate over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Whoa, Black Betty (Bam-ba-Lam)
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm about the subject of the song, a woman named Black Betty.
Black Betty had a child (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty has a child, but unfortunately, the child has gone wild and is causing her great worry and distress.
The damn thing gone wild (Bam-ba-Lam)
The child is behaving in a reckless or uncontrollable manner, causing Black Betty significant stress and difficulty.
She said, 'I'm worryin' outta mind' (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty is very concerned about her child's behavior and it is causing her significant mental distress and anxiety.
The damn thing gone blind (Bam-ba-Lam)
The child has become so wild and reckless that they have lost their sense of sight, most likely metaphorically rather than literally.
I said 'Oh, Black Betty' (Bam-ba-Lam)
In response to hearing about Black Betty's troubles with her child, the singer expresses empathy and concern for her situation.
She really gets me high (Bam-ba-Lam)
The singer feels exhilarated and energized by Black Betty's presence or influence in his life.
You know that's no lie (Bam-ba-Lam)
The singer is emphasizing the truth of his claim that Black Betty has a powerful effect on him.
She's so rock steady (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty is a reliable and dependable presence in the singer's life, someone he can count on.
And she's always ready (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty is willing and eager to engage with the singer and whatever activities or pursuits he may have in mind.
She's from Birmingham (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty comes from the city of Birmingham, a location that may add extra significance or meaning to her character or persona.
Way down in Alabam' (Bam-ba-Lam)
Alabama is a southern state in the US, located in a region known for its distinctive culture, history, and attitudes.
Well, she's shakin' that thing (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty is dancing or moving in a way that is causing the singer to take notice and feel excited or stimulated.
Boy, she makes me sing (Bam-ba-Lam)
Black Betty's presence or influence on the singer is so powerful that it inspires him to sing or express himself in a joyful or enthusiastic manner.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Huddie Ledbetter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PlouffeAlex
Iโm commenting so whenever someone likes it, I can come back and listen to this masterpiece again
@bjornna7767
Busy guy, haha :D
@Bookeeper
Feel free to listen as many times as you want
@Notime4646
Well, guess you listened to it more than 40 times in a day huh :D
@PlouffeAlex
@@Notime4646 yes I never get tired of it
@Notime4646
@@PlouffeAlex That's great, that's grrreat :D
@henrick_the_lover
If your band is going to be known for only one song make it a banger like this one.
@SydneyLarrikin-ci2vz
It was originally a folk song
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Betty#:~:text=The%20song%20was%20first%20recorded,(a%20State%20prison%20farm).
@anonymoose2474
@@SydneyLarrikin-ci2vz They made it their song though. Just like "hurt" is Johnny cash's song, even if he didn't write it
@joshua_irving
@@anonymoose2474 Johnny cash version was alright, but the NIN version is fire