Chuck Berry remains an influential figure and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music who first began performing in 1953. Cub Koda wrote, "Of all the early breakthrough rock & roll artists, none is more important to the development of the music than Chuck Berry. He is its greatest songwriter, the main shaper of its instrumental voice, one of its greatest guitarists, and one of its greatest performers." John Lennon was more succinct: "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'."
Berry was among the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on its opening in 1986. He received Kennedy Center Honors in 2000 in a "class" with Mikhail Baryshnikov, Plácido Domingo, Angela Lansbury, and Clint Eastwood. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Chuck Berry #5 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. He was also ranked 6th on Rolling Stone's Rolling Stone's 100 greatest guitarists of All Time.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included three of Chuck Berry's songs (Johnny B. Goode, Maybellene, Rock & Roll Music), of the 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll.
Chuck Berry held a special place, in terms of sound development, in the formation of, Mersey-Beat at Liverpool.
The finest exponent of Chuck Berry, guitar, sound at Liverpool during 1959 to 1963, was Vincent Tow/Ismail, who in turn passed on many of the learned skills to Lennon & McCartney, his friends and colleagues during that period--1959 to 1962/3.
Chuck Berry also influenced many of the great rock 'n' roll bands that we know today including The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
Beautiful Delilah
Chuck Berry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always gets a second look from fellas passin' by
Every time you see her, she's with a different guy
Beautiful Delilah, that's the reason why
Rebecca don't allow me fool around with you
You are so tantalizing, you just can't be true
Beautiful Delilah, dressed in the latest style
Swingin' like a pendulum, walkin' down the aisle
Deep romantic eyes, speak so low and mild
Maybe she will settle down and marry after a while
Rebecca don't allow me fool around with you
You are so tantalizing, you just can't be true
Beautiful Delilah, bathin' in the sun
An audience of seventeen, and notice not a one
Local Casanova who wouldn't be outdone
Let her steal his heart away, break it just for fun
Rebecca don't allow me fool around with you
You are so tantalizing, you just can't be true
Chuck Berry's song Beautiful Delilah is a playful and flirtatious tribute to a woman who turns heads wherever she goes. Berry describes Delilah as sweet as apple pie and always getting a second look from fellas passing by. Despite the attention she attracts from other men, Berry desires her and can't resist her charms. However, Rebecca, who may be Berry's partner or a friend, doesn't approve of his infatuation with Delilah. Berry acknowledges that Delilah is tantalizing and suggests that she may not be faithful, but he can't help but be drawn to her.
Line by Line Meaning
Beautiful Delilah, sweet as apple pie
The singer is admiring Delilah and describing her as being very pleasant.
Always gets a second look from fellas passin' by
Delilah is attractive and catches the attention of many men.
Every time you see her she's with a different guy
Delilah is constantly changing partners, possibly indicating a lack of commitment.
Beautiful Delilah, that's the reason why
The reason why Delilah is with different men all the time is that she is beautiful.
Rebecca don't allow me fool around with you
The artist's significant other, Rebecca, is warning him not to engage with Delilah.
You are so tantalizing you just can't be true
The singer recognizes that Delilah is tempting but ultimately untrustworthy.
Beautiful Delilah, dressed in the latest style
Delilah is fashionable and up-to-date with her clothing choices.
Swingin' like a pendulum, walkin' down the aisle
Delilah walks with a sway in her step that is reminiscent of a pendulum swinging back and forth.
Deep romantic eyes, speak so low in miles
Delilah's eyes have a romantic quality to them and when she speaks her voice is soft and soothing.
Maybe she will settle down and marry after a while
There is a possibility that Delilah will eventually get married and settle down, although there is no guarantee.
Beautiful Delilah, bathin' in the sun
Delilah is sunbathing and enjoying the warmth of the sun's rays on her skin.
An audience of 17, and notice not a one
Despite being in the presence of a group of people, Delilah isn't attracting any attention towards herself.
Local Casanova who wouldn't be outdone
Delilah catches the eye of a man who is known for being a ladies' man and he isn't willing to let her get away without trying to pursue her.
Let her steal his heart away, break it just for fun
The man who is interested in Delilah is likely to fall for her and she may break his heart without any remorse or commitment to the relationship.
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CPorter
Been a hot minute since I heard this one. Takes me back to early 2018 when I was lastening to this. The actual king of Rock & Roll, until it died.
@Joe-ep9lk