About the song
Chuck Berry’s “Nadine (Is It You?)” marks a significant chapter in the legendary rock and roll guitarist’s career. Released in February 1964, the song served as a triumphant return to the music scene following a tumultuous period.
Berry’s world had been turned upside down in December 1959 when he was arrested under the Mann Act. The subsequent one-and-a-half-year prison sentence imposed a forced hiatus on his music career. His last single, “Come On,” had been released in October 1961, leaving fans eager for new material.
Emerging from incarceration in October 1963, Berry wasted no time in reasserting his musical dominance. Recorded just a month later at Chicago’s Chess Studios, “Nadine (Is It You?)” was a testament to his enduring talent and creativity. Notably, the same session also produced another chart-topper, “You Never Can Tell.”
The song’s composition is a familiar yet innovative blend of Berry’s signature style. Reminiscent of his earlier hit “Maybellene,” “Nadine” follows a similar narrative of romantic pursuit. However, Berry puts a fresh spin on the concept, replacing the iconic car chase with a foot and taxi-driven adventure. This, coupled with his distinctive lyrical flair, characterized by vivid similes and imagery, sets “Nadine” apart as a classic.
The song’s commercial success was undeniable. It climbed to number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 on the R&B chart, solidifying Berry’s status as a rock and roll pioneer. Across the Atlantic, “Nadine” also resonated with audiences, peaking at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart.
With “Nadine (Is It You?)”, Chuck Berry proved that his time behind bars had not diminished his musical prowess. Instead, it fueled a creative resurgence that would continue to shape the landscape of rock and roll for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
As I got on a city bus and found a vacant seat
I thought I saw my future bride walkin’ up the street
I shouted to the driver “hey conductor, you must slow down
I think I see her please let me off this bus”
Nadine, honey is that you?
Oh, Nadine. Honey, is that you?
Seem like every time I see you, darling, you got something else to do
I saw her from the corner when she turned and doubled back
And started walkin toward a coffee colored Cadillac
I was pushin’ through the crowd trying to get to where she’s at
And I was campaign shouting like a southern diplomat.
Nadine, honey is that you?
Oh, Nadine. Honey, where are you?
Seem like every time I catch up witcha, you up to something new
Downtown searching for her, looking all around
Saw her getting in a yellow cab heading up town.
I caught a loaded taxi, paid up everybody’s tab
Flipped a twenty-dollar bill and told him “catch that yellow cab.”
Nadine, honey is that you?
Oh, Nadine. Honey, is that you?
Seem like every time I catch up witcha, you up to something new
She moves around like a wayward summer breeze
Go, driver, go, go, catch her for me please
Moving through the traffic like a mounted cavalier
Leaning out the taxi window trying to make her hear
Nadine, honey is that you?
Oh, Nadine. Honey, is that you?
Seem like every time I see you, darling, you up to something new