Lyrics:

(Leadbelly)
A traditional version is also available.

Look-a look-a yonder (3x)
Well the sun done gone


The captain can't hold her (3x)
The way I do now


Ada got a gold mine (3x)
Way above her knees


The shiv (?) is golden (3x)
Above her knees


Look-a look-a yonder (3x)
Well the sun done gone


Wohoh, Black Betty, bam-e-lam (2x)
Black Betty had a baby, bam-e-lam (2x)
Damn thing was crazy, bam-e-lam (2x)
Wohoh, Black Betty, bam-e-lam (2x)
Oh, Betty Black Betty, bam-e-lam (2x)
Black Betty had a baby, bam-e-lam (2x)
Damn thing was crazy, bam-e-lam (2x)
Black Betty didn't mind, bam-e-lam (2x)
Damn thing was blind, bam-e-lam (2x)
Wohoh, Black Betty, bam-e-lam (2x)
Black Betty, Black Betty, bam-e-lam (2x)
Jump steady Black Betty, bam-e-lam (2x)


That Monday, I was arrested
Tuesday, I locked up in jail
Wednesday baby, my trial's tested
On Thursday, nobody could blow my bail


Yes, I'm almost done (3x)
And I ain't gonna yell against no bells


On Monday, baby I went a-walking
Tuesday, I .... asked to go
On Wednesday I sat down a-talking
On Thursday she hock all a my clothes


Yes, I'm almost done (3x)
And I ain't gonna .... no more