Black Betty
Tom Jones · The Definitive Tom Jones 1962-2002 [2003]
This is TJ, dedicating this song to Leadbelly
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Shes from Birmingham, bambalam
Way down in Alabama, bambalam
The way she shake that thing, bambalam
Oh she make me sing, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
She really get me high, bambalam
You know thats no lie, bambalam
Shes so rock steady, bambalam
Oh shes always ready, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
*Electronicish Vocal Interlude*
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Black Betty had a child, bambalam
She swears its mine, bambalam
She must be out of her mind, bambalam
She must think I'm blind, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
*Electronic Vocal Interlude*
Monday she got me arrested,
On Tuesday up in jail,
Wednesday my trail was attested,
Thursday she posted my bail,
Friday we went walking,
Saturday I was outta my door,
On Sunday we was talkin,
Back on Monday she pawned all my clothes
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Shes from Birmingham, bambalam
Way down in Alabama, bambalam
The way she shake that thing, bambalam
Oh she make me sing, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
She really get me high, bambalam
You know thats no lie, bambalam
Shes so rock steady, bambalam
Oh shes always ready, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
*Electronic Vocal Interlude*
Whooooa Black Betty!
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Shes from Birmingham, bambalam
Way down in Alabama, bambalam
The way she shake that thing, bambalam
Oh she make me sing, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
She really get me high, bambalam
You know thats no lie, bambalam
Shes so rock steady, bambalam
Oh shes always ready, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
*Electronicish Vocal Interlude*
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Black Betty had a child, bambalam
She swears its mine, bambalam
She must be out of her mind, bambalam
She must think I'm blind, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
Oh Black Betty, bambalam
*Electronic Vocal Interlude*
Monday she got me arrested,
On Tuesday up in jail,
Wednesday my trail was attested,
Thursday she posted my bail,
Friday we went walking,
Saturday I was outta my door,
On Sunday we was talkin,
Back on Monday she pawned all my clothes
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Shes from Birmingham, bambalam
Way down in Alabama, bambalam
The way she shake that thing, bambalam
Oh she make me sing, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
She really get me high, bambalam
You know thats no lie, bambalam
Shes so rock steady, bambalam
Oh shes always ready, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
Whoa Black Betty, bambalam
*Electronic Vocal Interlude*
Whooooa Black Betty!
Black Betty
Tom Jones' 1962 recording of 'Black Betty' stands as a defining moment in his early career, showcasing his signature baritone and theatrical delivery. Originally a novelty song written by Jimmy Macdonald, the track became an international hit that highlighted Jones' ability to blend traditional pop with a distinctively British vocal style. Released on his definitive compilation album, the song remains a staple of his discography and a cultural touchstone for the era. Its enduring popularity underscores Jones' status as a leading figure in British show business during the 1960s, influencing countless subsequent artists who adopted his dramatic flair and vocal power.