Johnny B. Goode
50's Sound Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 the guitar just like a ringing a bell
Go 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 engineerswould 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 opening lyrics to 50's Sound's "Johnny B. Goode" paint a picture of a rural and isolated setting, describing "a log cabin made of earth and wood" in Louisiana near New Orleans. The focus then shifts to the singer, a country boy named Johnny B. Goode, who is introduced as someone who "never ever learned to read or write so well" but possesses an incredible talent for playing the guitar. The repetition of the phrase "go Johnny go" creates a sense of urgency and excitement, urging Johnny to showcase his guitar playing abilities to the world.
The second verse adds depth to Johnny's character, painting him as a talented yet humble musician who would often sit in the shade by the railroad tracks and play his guitar. The engineers and passersby would stop and admire his playing, highlighting his natural talent and ability to connect with others through his music.
The final verse reveals Johnny's mother's aspirations for her son, encouraging him to pursue a career in music and become a leader in the industry. The lyrics suggest that Johnny's talent and hard work will eventually pay off, with his name in lights as a headlining act. The final repetition of "Johnny B. Goode" serves as a triumphant celebration of Johnny's abilities and potential.
Overall, "Johnny B. Goode" is an ode to the power of music and the raw talent of a young boy from rural Louisiana. It highlights the importance of natural ability and hard work in the pursuit of success.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep down Louisiana close to New Orleans
Johnny B. Goode lived in rural Louisiana near the city of New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
His log cabin was located in a wooded area surrounded by evergreen trees
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Johnny's home was a rustic cabin constructed from natural materials
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
The inhabitant of this cabin was a young man named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
While Johnny struggled with literacy, he was a musical prodigy
But he could play the guitar just like a ringing a bell
Despite his struggles with reading and writing, Johnny was an exceptional guitar player
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
This chorus represents Johnny's electrifying guitar playing and the excitement it brings to his audience
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny's guitar was so important to him that he carried it with him everywhere he went
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Johnny enjoyed going to quiet places like the railroad tracks to practice and play his music
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
The train engineers passing by would notice Johnny sitting and playing in the shade
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
Johnny's music was influenced by the sounds of passing trains
People passing by they would stop and say
Oh my that little country boy could play
Johnny's talent didn't go unnoticed - passersby would stop to compliment him on his amazing guitar playing
His mother told him "Someday you will be a man,
And you will be the leader of a big old band.
Johnny's mother had faith in his musical abilities and believed he would one day become a famous band leader
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Johnny had a reputation for being an incredible musician, and people would travel long distances to hear him play
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight."
His mother dreamed of Johnny becoming a famous musician, with his name up in lights like a marquee
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
This chorus highlights the energy and excitement of Johnny's music, and the way it inspires people to dance and enjoy themselves
Writer(s): Berry
Contributed by Eva A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.