About the song
“Johnny B. Goode,” an iconic song by Chuck Berry, epitomizes the essence of rock and roll like few others in music history. Penned and performed by Berry in 1958, the track soared to cultural prominence, becoming a cornerstone of the genre. Berry’s narrative unfolds around a fictional character, Johnny, a talented guitarist from a rural background, dreaming of fame and recognition for his musical prowess. Despite its fictional nature, the song drew from Berry’s own experiences and aspirations, cementing its autobiographical undertones.
The composition of “Johnny B. Goode” is marked by its infectious energy and distinctive guitar riff, which Berry derived partly from the style of his pianist, Johnnie Johnson. It’s noted for blending elements of blues and rock, creating a sound that resonated widely across different audiences. The lyrics, originally referencing Johnny as a “colored boy,” were altered to “country boy” to navigate the racial sensitivities of the time, ensuring broader radio play and audience acceptance.
Over the years, “Johnny B. Goode” has not only endured but thrived, recognized as a quintessential anthem of rock stardom. Its impact is evident in its numerous accolades, including rankings on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” lists and its inclusion on the Voyager Golden Record, which carries a selection of humanity’s cultural artifacts into outer space. The song’s enduring popularity is underscored by its extensive cover versions by artists spanning various genres, from country by Buck Owens to rock interpretations by Jimi Hendrix and Judas Priest.
Beyond its musical legacy, “Johnny B. Goode” has transcended into popular culture, appearing in films like “Back to the Future,” where its electrifying chords play a pivotal role in the storyline. This cultural permeation underscores its timeless appeal and universal resonance.
In conclusion, “Johnny B. Goode” stands not just as a song, but as a cultural touchstone that embodies the spirit of rock and roll itself. Chuck Berry’s masterpiece continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, reaffirming its status as a defining work in the annals of popular music.
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Lyrics
Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play a guitar just like a-ringin’ a bell
Go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
The people passing by they would stop and say
“Oh my what that little country boy could play”
Go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode
His mother told him “someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying “Johnny B. Goode tonight”
Go, go
Go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go