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.
Carol
Chuck Berry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna learn to dance if it takes me all night and day
Climb into my machine so we can cruise on out
I know a swingin' little joint where we can jump and shout
It's not too far back off the highway, not so long a ride
You park your car out in the open, you can walk inside
A little cutie takes your hat and you can thank her, ma'amEvery time you make the scene you find the joint is jammed
Oh Carol, don't let him steal your heart away
I'm gonna learn to dance if it takes me all night and day
And if you want to hear some music like the boys are playin'
Hold tight, pat your foot, don't let 'em carry it away
Don't let the heat overcome you when they play so loud
Oh, don't the music intrigue you when they get a crowd
You can't dance, I know you wish you could
I got my eyes on you baby, 'cause you dance so good
Oh Carol, don't let him steal your heart away
I'm gonna learn to dance if it takes me all night and day
Don't let him steal your heart away
I've got to learn to dance if it takes you all night and day
Oh Carol
The lyrics to Chuck Berry's song "Carol" tell the story of a man who is intent on winning over a girl named Carol who is being pursued by another man. He promises to learn how to dance, and suggests they cruise out to a local joint where they can listen to music, jump, and shout. The man is hopeful that Carol will choose him and not let the other guy steal her heart away. Throughout the song, he encourages Carol to let loose and enjoy herself, assuring her that he is watching and interested in her.
"Carol" is a classic rock and roll song that exemplifies the genre's upbeat, carefree spirit. The lyrics capture the excitement and energy of the early rock and roll scene, as well as the social dynamics at play in relationships. The man is competing with another guy for Carol's affection, and he is using music and dancing as his weapons in the battle.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Carol, don't let him steal your heart away
Chuck cautions Carol not to let the man she's seeing take her love for granted.
I'm gonna learn to dance if it takes me all night and day
Chuck is determined to become a better dancer no matter how long it takes him.
Climb into my machine so we can cruise on out
Chuck invites Carol to ride with him in his car so they can have fun together.
I know a swingin' little joint where we can jump and shout
Chuck knows a great place to dance and party.
It's not too far back off the highway, not so long a ride
The place is nearby and easy to get to.
You park your car out in the open, you can walk inside
The parking area is outside, and they can enter the venue on foot.
A little cutie takes your hat and you can thank her, ma'am
When they arrive, a pretty girl will collect their hats, and they can show their appreciation to her.
Every time you make the scene you find the joint is jammed
The place is always busy, and they will always find a crowd there.
And if you want to hear some music like the boys are playin'
If Carol wants to listen to the same kind of music that the guys are playing.
Hold tight, pat your foot, don't let 'em carry it away
Chuck tells Carol to stay firmly planted and enjoy the music without getting too carried away.
Don't let the heat overcome you when they play so loud
Chuck advises Carol to not get overwhelmed by the loud music and heat inside the venue.
Oh, don't the music intrigue you when they get a crowd
Chuck is surprised that Carol isn't fascinated by the music and the energy that a crowd brings.
You can't dance, I know you wish you could
Chuck thinks that Carol wants to dance, but she feels insecure about her ability.
I got my eyes on you baby, 'cause you dance so good
Chuck is watching Carol because he thinks she's a great dancer.
Don't let him steal your heart away
Chuck reminds Carol once again to keep a watchful eye on her lover.
I've got to learn to dance if it takes you all night and day
Chuck is willing to put in the time and effort to learn how to dance if it means he can enjoy more time with Carol.
Oh Carol
Chuck addresses Carol directly, showing his affection for her.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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.