The song "Black Betty" by Ram Jam is a high-energy Southern rock anthem. Its repeated lyric "Whoa, Black Betty (bam-ba-lam)" is often thought to refer to the mining tool, the "black betty"[1] , which was used to shatter rock. The song is a celebration of a powerful, independent woman, possibly a prostitute or a bootlegger. The song might be considered as a metaphor for freedom, with the black betty being a symbol of liberation. The lyrics focus on how this woman is tough and can take care of herself, and yet also reveals her vulnerability and need for protection. In the end, it is a call for us all to have faith in those who we put our trust in and to be open to those who may appear different from us, yet still bring something special to our lives.