About the song
“Johnny B. Goode” is more than just a song; it’s a cornerstone of rock and roll music. Penned by the legendary Chuck Berry in 1958, this infectious tune catapulted him to stardom and has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in the history of popular music.
Released at a time when rock and roll was still in its infancy, “Johnny B. Goode” captured the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the genre. With its driving rhythm, catchy melody, and Berry’s signature guitar riffs, the song immediately resonated with audiences and has continued to inspire musicians and fans alike for decades.
Beyond its musical brilliance, “Johnny B. Goode” holds a unique place in cultural history. It is often credited as the first rock and roll hit to celebrate the very concept of rock stardom, painting a vivid portrait of a talented and ambitious musician on the rise. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal, transcending generations and musical tastes.
From its humble beginnings as a celebration of a fictional “country boy” guitarist to its status as a timeless classic, “Johnny B. Goode” has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Its influence can be heard in countless songs, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Video
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