The song is actually a rock adaptation of an old African-American work song. Its history predates the 1970s by decades:
The legendary bluesman Lead Belly popularized his own version in 1939, which served as the primary blueprint for later rock versions. Ram Jam - Black Betty
Some historical accounts suggest it was a slang term for a bottle of whiskey. The song is actually a rock adaptation of
Ram Jam's lyrics lean into more contemporary rock metaphors, often framing "Black Betty" as a wild, "rock steady" woman. Impact and Controversy Ram Jam's lyrics lean into more contemporary rock
In Southern prisons, "Black Betty" was a common name for the bullwhip used by guards.
The track's energy has made it a favorite for movies and sports events, and it has been famously covered by other artists, including a speed-up version by the Australian band in 2004 that topped the charts in Australia.