About the song
Chuck Berry’s iconic song, “Johnny B. Goode,” has stood the test of time as one of the most recognizable and influential tracks in the history of popular music. Released in 1958, it quickly became a staple of rock and roll, captivating audiences with its infectious energy and timeless appeal.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes and relatable narrative. It tells the story of a young, aspiring musician from the country who dreams of making it big and achieving stardom. Berry’s lyrics, filled with optimism and ambition, resonated with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Beyond its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “Johnny B. Goode” is also celebrated for its groundbreaking musical style. The song features a driving rhythm, energetic guitar riffs, and a powerful vocal performance that helped define the sound of early rock and roll. Berry’s innovative approach to songwriting and his ability to blend elements of blues, country, and rhythm and blues into a new and exciting genre solidified his status as a pioneer of rock music.
The song’s impact extends far beyond its initial release. It has been covered by countless artists, from legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix and The Sex Pistols to contemporary acts like The Grateful Dead and Devo. “Johnny B. Goode” has also been featured in popular films and television shows, ensuring that its legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
In 1986, Chuck Berry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he performed “Johnny B. Goode” as part of the ceremony. The song’s inclusion in the Hall of Fame’s list of 500 songs that shaped rock and roll is a testament to its enduring significance.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of rock music or simply appreciate timeless classics, “Johnny B. Goode” is a song that deserves a place in your musical library. Its infectious energy, relatable themes, and groundbreaking musical style make it a true masterpiece that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
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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
Johnny B. Goode