About the song
Chuck Berry’s iconic rock and roll anthem, “Sweet Little Sixteen”, is a timeless celebration of youth and the exhilaration of teenage life. Released in 1958, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the spirit of a generation and leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
With its energetic guitar riffs, infectious melody, and Chuck Berry’s signature vocal style, “Sweet Little Sixteen” is a quintessential example of the rock and roll sound that emerged in the mid-20th century. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young girl’s popularity and the attention she commands from her male admirers.
Berry’s storytelling ability shines through in the song, as he vividly describes the scene of a high school dance where the “sweet little sixteen” is the center of attention. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the carefree days of youth, reminding listeners of the excitement and challenges that come with growing up.
The song’s popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in the documentary film “Jazz on a Summer’s Day”, which showcased Berry’s electrifying performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. This exposure helped to introduce the song to a wider audience and solidify its place in music history.
“Sweet Little Sixteen” has endured the test of time, remaining a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its infectious energy, catchy melody, and timeless themes have made it a staple of rock and roll music, ensuring that its legacy will live on for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
They’re really rockin’ in Boston
In Pittsburgh, P.A.
Deep in the heart of Texas
And ’round the Frisco Bay
All over St. Louis
And down in New Orleans
All the cats are gonna dance with
Sweet Little Sixteen
Sweet Little Sixteen
She’s just got to have
About half a million
Framed autographs
Her wallet’s filled with pictures
She gets ’em one by one
Become so excited
Watch her look at her run, boy
Oh, mommy, mommy
Please, may I go?
It’s such a sight to see
Somebody steal the show
Oh, daddy, daddy
I beg of you
Whisper to mommy
It’s all right with you
‘Cause they’ll be rockin’ on Bandstand
In Philadelphia, P.A.
Deep in the heart of Texas
And ’round the Frisco Bay
All over St. Louis
Way down in New Orleans
All the cats wanna dance with
Sweet Little Sixteen
‘Cause they’ll be rockin’ on Bandstand
In Philadelphia, P.A.
Deep in the heart of Texas
And ’round the Frisco Bay
All over St. Louis
Way down in New Orleans
All the cats wanna dance with, oo!
Sweet Little Sixteen
Sweet Little Sixteen
She’s got the grown-up blues
Tight dresses and lipstick
She sportin’ high heeled shoes
Oh, but tomorrow morning
She’ll have to change her trend
And be sweet sixteen
And back in class again
But they’ll be rockin’ in Boston
In Pittsburgh, P.A.
Deep in the heart of Texas
And ’round the Frisco Bay
Way out in St. Louis
Way down in New Orleans
All the cats wanna dance with
Sweet Little Sixteen