Away from You
Chuck Berry Lyrics


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You came a long way from St. Louis, you climbed the ladder of success,
I've seen the town and country cars that were parked out in front of your fancy address.
You came a long way from St. Louis, you broke a lotta hearts between,
I've seen a gang of gloomy gals who were doing alright till you came on the scene.
You came here from the middle west, and certainly impressed the population hereabouts.

Well, baby, I got news for you, I'm from Missouri too.
So naturally I got my doubts, you got 'em dropping by the wayside,
A feeling I ain't gonna know.




You came a long way from St. Louis, but baby, you still got a long way to go.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Chuck Berry's "You Came A Long Way From St. Louis" tell the story of a woman who has climbed the ladder of success and made a name for herself, but also made enemies along the way. The song suggests that the woman is not as impressive as she seems, and that the singer is skeptical of her motives and achievements despite being from the same state as her.


The song is a commentary on the American dream, and the idea of success being relative to one's upbringing and surroundings. The woman may have achieved a great deal, but she is still judged by her past and where she came from. The song also touches on the theme of leaving people behind, as the woman is seen as having broken hearts and caused pain in her pursuit of success.


Overall, "You Came A Long Way From St. Louis" is a cautionary tale about the consequences of ambition and the price one must pay for success. It is a reminder that while success may be desirable, it can come at a cost and leave one feeling isolated and unfulfilled.


Line by Line Meaning

You came a long way from St. Louis, you climbed the ladder of success,
Despite starting in St. Louis, you have achieved great success and improved your social and economic status.


I've seen the town and country cars that were parked out in front of your fancy address.
I have witnessed the luxury vehicles that were parked outside of your upscale residence.


You came a long way from St. Louis, you broke a lotta hearts between,
During your journey, you left a trail of broken hearts behind you.


I've seen a gang of gloomy gals who were doing alright till you came on the scene.
I observed a group of melancholy women who were content with their lives until you entered the picture and disrupted the balance.


You came here from the middle west, and certainly impressed the population hereabouts.
By originating from the Midwest and impressing the local population, you have achieved a level of recognition in your current location.


Well, baby, I got news for you, I'm from Missouri too.
As a fellow Missourian, I have some news to share with you.


So naturally I got my doubts, you got 'em dropping by the wayside,
Being from the same place, I naturally have reservations about your accomplishments, but they are slowly diminishing with your continued success.


A feeling I ain't gonna know.
However, I will never fully understand the experiences you have had to reach your current position.


You came a long way from St. Louis, but baby, you still got a long way to go.
While you have made significant progress, there is still much more to achieve on your journey.




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Kanjian Music
Written by: John Benson Brooks, Sidney Keith Russell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Jack


on Little Marie (Alternate)

Yes, oh yes, Long Distance, I'll accept the charge, I'll pay
Which love one is calling me, I did not hear you say.
Both are deep within my hearth, her Mom and my Marie

It so good to hear your voice from Memphis, Tennessee

Oh, you mean so much to me, more than you'll ever know,
Surely, you have not forgot how much I love you so
If you would remember, Dear, and sometimes talk to me
Maybe that would reunite our home in Tennessee.

Last time I saw you, just before I had to leave
You did not want to see me off and promised not to grieve,
My hearth was tore apart as I looked back at my Marie
And there the peace is still remain with you in Tennessee.

I guess I should stop talking, after all you placed the call
But anyway that I can help, you know I'll help you all


Then she spoke and asked me to come back and see Marie
And live together in our home in Memphis, Tennessee.

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