"Black Betty" is a rather scandalous tune that has its roots as an African-American work song and is often attributed to blues innovator Leadbelly, but the song's origins are still up for debate. The meaning of the song has alternatively been interpreted as referring to the spawn of rape/incest, a flint-lock musket (hence "bam-a-lam"), a prostitute or a prison wagon. The lyrics of the song vary with different versions as well. We will start with an a capella version attributed to Leadbelly...
In the late 70's, a band called Ram Jam put a decidedly southern rock spin on the tune...
Here's my favorite version. Call this Tom Jones moment, Pt. 2. TJ turns it into a groovy club jam...
Now I really dig this version as well by Australia's Spiderbait. They turn it into a killer punk/folk jam. Great video too.
"Black Betty" has been done by artists as diverse as Harry Belafonte, Nick Cave, Meatloaf and Ministry. The highest charting version was in fact by Spiderbait, which reached #1 in Australia.
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