Johnny B. Goode
4. Chuck Berry Lyrics
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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
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
People passing by, they would stop and say
"Oh my 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
The song "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry tells the story of a young boy from Louisiana named Johnny who lives in a log cabin in the woods. Despite his lack of education, Johnny has a natural talent for playing guitar, described as "a-ringin' a bell." He often sits under trees by the railroad track and plays for passersby, impressing even the train engineers with his skill. Johnny's mother tells him that someday he will become a successful musician and that his name will be in lights.
The song is a celebration of rock and roll music and the skill of guitar players like Johnny, who use their talent to entertain people from all walks of life. It also highlights the importance of natural talent and perseverance in pursuing one's dreams, even in the face of adversity. The repeated refrain of "Go Johnny go" serves as both encouragement and admiration for Johnny's musical abilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Johnny B. Goode lived in a log cabin in Louisiana near New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
The log cabin that Johnny lived in was located in the woods surrounded by evergreen trees
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Johnny's house was a log cabin that was made of wood and earth
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Johnny B. Goode, a boy from the country, lived in the log cabin
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
Johnny B. Goode was not very literate, but he could play the guitar very well
But he could play a guitar just like a-ringin' a bell
Although he was not well-educated, Johnny B. Goode could play the guitar with great skill and precision
Go go
Encouraging Johnny to continue playing
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny would carry his guitar in a sack made of woven fabric
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Johnny would sit beneath a tree near the railroad tracks and play his guitar
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Engineers driving trains would see Johnny sitting in the shade playing his guitar
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
Johnny would play his guitar in time with the rhythm of the passing trains
People passing by, they would stop and say
Pedestrians walking by would stop to listen to Johnny playing his guitar
"Oh my that little country boy could play"
People were impressed with Johnny's playing, considering him a skilled guitarist
His mother told him "Someday you will be a man
Johnny's mother told him that someday he would grow up to be an adult
And you will be the leader of a big old band
His mother believed that Johnny would become the leader of a big band
Many people coming from miles around
People would come from far and wide to listen to Johnny and his band play music
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
People would come to watch Johnny play music as the sun went down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Johnny's mother believed that he would become famous and his name would be in bright lights
Saying "Johnny B. Goode tonight"
Johnny's name would be announced to the public as he performed
Go go
Encouraging Johnny to continue playing
Go Johnny go
Encouraging Johnny to continue playing and to succeed
Go go go Johnny go
Encouraging Johnny to continue playing and to succeed
Go go go Johnny go
Encouraging Johnny to continue playing and to succeed
Go go go Johnny go
Encouraging Johnny to continue playing and to succeed
Johnny B. Goode
Referring to Johnny B. Goode as the talented musician and guitarist he is
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind