Bio
Chuck Berry Lyrics


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Lord have mercy, got to tell it
Tell it just like it is, every word.

Yeah! I was living in St. Louis
In the year of nineteen fifty five
Mama didn't have no great mansion,
Just a little old country dive.
Papa worked all week long,
Tryin' to keep us six kids alive.

So I hitch hiked to Chicago
Just to hear Muddy Waters play
I sat and listened to him sing
Until the early hours of day
I asked him what I could do to make it
And it was he who showed me the way

I went back home and wrote a song
And made a record I could claim
The little tune jumped on the charts
And rode me right on up to fame
It netted over ten thousand dollars
And added glory to my name

I was standing at the airport
With my guitar in my hand
And a first class ticket
Destination movie land
I will be in Hollywood, Mama
Before the roosters crow again

When I first started playing music
Over sixteen years ago
Every big town in the country
From St. Francisco to Baltimore
Trying to bring some happy hours
Doing the only thing I know

Can help it, but I love it
Stand here, sing to you
Brings back so many memories
Many things we used to do




I'll I see you here again
Take care, good luck to you

Overall Meaning

In Chuck Berry's song "Bio," he tells the story of his rise to fame, starting with his humble beginnings in St. Louis in 1955. Berry describes his family's financial struggles and his father's tireless work to provide for a family of six children. Despite the hardships, Berry had a passion for music and was determined to make a name for himself in the industry.


Berry hitchhiked to Chicago to attend a live performance by Muddy Waters, a famous blues musician. After talking to Waters and gaining valuable advice, Berry went back home and wrote a song that would become his claim to fame. The song jumped on the charts and earned him over ten thousand dollars, propelling him to stardom.


Reflecting on his journey, Berry shares his love for music and the joy it brings him. He acknowledges the memories and experiences that come flooding back to him as he stands on stage and performs for his audience.


Overall, the lyrics of "Bio" highlight Berry's perseverance and determination to pursue his passion for music despite the challenges he faced along the way.


Line by Line Meaning

Lord have mercy, got to tell it
I have a story to share that can't be kept hidden any longer.


Tell it just like it is, every word.
I need to express the truth with clarity and honesty, leaving no detail left untold.


Yeah! I was living in St. Louis
I'm starting my tale from a specific time and place in my life.


In the year of nineteen fifty five
It all began in this specific year.


Mama didn't have no great mansion,
My upbringing wasn't luxurious or extravagant at all.


Just a little old country dive.
Our living quarters were modest and humble.


Papa worked all week long,
My father was diligent in his efforts to provide for his family.


Tryin' to keep us six kids alive.
Our large family meant that finances were tight and every penny mattered.


So I hitch hiked to Chicago
In search of my musical aspirations, I made my way to the windy city by any means necessary.


Just to hear Muddy Waters play
The legendary musician Muddy Waters was my inspiration and the reason for my journey.


I sat and listened to him sing
I was captivated by every note and word sung by Muddy Waters as I watched from the audience.


Until the early hours of day
I spent countless hours enraptured by Muddy Waters' music and didn't leave until much later than I had planned.


I asked him what I could do to make it
I was eager to learn what it takes to make it big in the music industry and wasn't afraid to ask for help.


And it was he who showed me the way
Muddy Waters generously shared his knowledge and experience with me, which set me on the path to success.


I went back home and wrote a song
With newfound inspiration and direction, I put pen to paper and crafted a song of my own.


And made a record I could claim
I turned my song into a record that I could proudly call my own.


The little tune jumped on the charts
My music was well-received by the public and quickly gained popularity.


And rode me right on up to fame
My success in the music industry led to widespread fame and recognition.


It netted over ten thousand dollars
My song's success also brought in a significant amount of money.


And added glory to my name
My accomplishments as a musician brought me honor and esteem.


I was standing at the airport
My success in the music industry had opened up new doors and opportunities for me.


With my guitar in my hand
As always, I was accompanied by my trusty musical instrument.


And a first class ticket
The success of my music had allowed me to travel in luxury and style, even while flying.


Destination movie land
My next venture was into the world of movies.


I will be in Hollywood, Mama
I was on my way to the famously glamorous and prestigious city of Hollywood.


Before the roosters crow again
I was eager to arrive in Hollywood as soon as possible, before the break of dawn.


When I first started playing music
I look back on my journey in music and the road that led me to fame.


Over sixteen years ago
My career in music began sixteen years prior to my current success and achievements.


Every big town in the country
I traveled far and wide, performing my music in cities across the United States.


From St. Francisco to Baltimore
I performed in cities including San Francisco and Baltimore, among many others.


Trying to bring some happy hours
I aimed to bring joy and entertainment to my audiences through my music.


Doing the only thing I know
Playing music is the only craft and passion I possess, and it is what I continue to pursue to this day.


Can help it, but I love it
Despite the ups and downs of the music industry and the many challenges I've faced, I can't help but love what I do.


Stand here, sing to you
I am grateful to be standing here today, able to sing and perform for all those who will listen.


Brings back so many memories
My music has allowed me to create many memories and moments that I will always cherish.


Many things we used to do
As I perform my music, I am reminded of the things I have accomplished and experienced throughout my life.


I'll I see you here again
I hope to continue performing for all of those who enjoy and appreciate my music.


Take care, good luck to you
I express well-wishes and farewell to all those I have entertained and continue to entertain through my music.




Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: CHUCK BERRY

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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