Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Johnny B. Goode
Blues Traveler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Way 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 name of Johnny B. Goode
He never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play the guitar like ringing a bell
Go go
Go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go
Johnny B. Goode
He use to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
And sit beneath the trees by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers used to see him sitting in the shade
Playing to the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by would stop and say
"Oh my, but that little country boy can play"
Go go
Go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go
Johnny B. Goode
His mama told him someday he would be a man
And he would be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear him play his music til the sun go down
Maybe someday his name would be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight
Go go
Go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go
Johnny B. Goode
The song “Johnny B. Goode” by Blues Traveler is a cover of the classic hit by Chuck Berry. The song tells the story of a young country boy named Johnny B. Goode, who lives in a log cabin in Louisiana, close to New Orleans. Although he never learned to read or write, he has a talent for playing the guitar that is as impressive as “ringing a bell”. He would carry his guitar in a gunny sack and sit by the railroad tracks playing to the rhythm of the train drivers. He becomes famous for his music and people come from miles around to hear him play.
The song is a celebration of the power of music and tells the story of a man who achieves great things through his talent and hard work. It is a song about hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of a dream. Johnny B. Goode’s story is one of overcoming the odds and becoming successful despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. The infectious chorus “Go Johnny, go” is a rallying cry to follow your dreams and never give up.
Line by Line Meaning
Way down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Johnny B. Goode lived near New Orleans in Louisiana.
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
Johnny B. Goode lived in the woods among the evergreens.
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Johnny B. Goode lived in a log cabin made of earth and wood.
Where lived a country boy name of Johnny B. Goode
Johnny B. Goode was a country boy who lived in the log cabin.
He never ever learned to read or write so well
Johnny B. Goode didn't learn to read or write very well.
But he could play the guitar like ringing a bell
Johnny B. Goode was very skilled at playing the guitar.
Go go
An exclamation encouraging Johnny B. Goode to play.
Go Johnny go, go
Encouraging Johnny B. Goode to keep playing the guitar.
He use to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny B. Goode used to carry his guitar in a cloth bag called a gunny sack.
And sit beneath the trees by the railroad track
Johnny B. Goode used to sit under trees near the railroad track.
Oh, the engineers used to see him sitting in the shade
The engineers who drove the trains would see Johnny B. Goode sitting in the shade.
Playing to the rhythm that the drivers made
Johnny B. Goode would play his guitar to the rhythm of the trains passing by.
People passing by would stop and say
People passing by would stop to listen to Johnny B. Goode play his guitar.
"Oh my, but that little country boy can play"
People were impressed by Johnny B. Goode's guitar playing.
His mama told him someday he would be a man
Johnny B. Goode's mother told him he would grow up to be a man.
And he would be the leader of a big old band
Johnny B. Goode's mother believed he would lead a big band someday.
Many people coming from miles around
People would travel from far away to hear Johnny B. Goode play his music.
To hear him play his music til the sun go down
People would listen to Johnny B. Goode's music until the sun went down.
Maybe someday his name would be in lights
Johnny B. Goode's name might be displayed in bright lights someday.
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight
People might see a sign advertising a performance by Johnny B. Goode.
Contributed by Savannah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
nellychess
Thanks for posting this. I forgot how badass they were, especially here, before theygot huge.
Chris M
This is so good…Chan is such a good guitar player
Brent Box
I can't believe that I'm just discovering this priceless piece of archival footage! This is awesome. Thanks so much for sharing
bearbehr1
I remember going to this show. I hadn't seen BT in a few weeks. I get to Columbia and it was crowded with people I didn't know. I was on the list, went in and found Gina and asked her where everyone was, our friends. She took me backstage. That was when I knew BT had gotten popular enough that people outside of our circle started noticing.
Doobie Groover
Definitely a great moment along Blues Traveler's "road to classic!" Onward to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for Blues Traveler!! Bobby Sheehan is the best he's probably jamming in a band in heaven but assuredly resting at peace during set breaks. GGM w Chris in the Plex!! The Spin Doctors were playing downstairs while Blues Traveler played upstairs and then went to start the Spin Traveling set in the Plex. Made it tough to choose between The Plex jam & dreamspeak & Sun Ra in the big room!!
Antonio DS
Then how is it that popper became more famous quicker than any of them? His style is unlike any of those guys. Not better, not worse, just different. It came straight out of left field. That's why it became such a hit, because unlike any of those other harp players, theres much much less people out there who can play just like popper, especially at that level of speed. Man was used to slow bluesy harp for decades, and then this new style comes out of nowhere. Damn commendable to say the least :)
yuckydude1127
18:45 this is my favorite cover of this classic
Ben C
I have seen them many times, amazing. I guess the reason they are not a huge band is because Popper does not fit the vanity bill, pathetic. Who is even close? They are incredible...
Big Joe
Wow!Fantastic video.Thanks for sharing!
Doobie Groover
who took the time to find this gem & then decided to "dislike" the video. What's not to like here?