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.
Got My Mojo Working
Chuck Berry Lyrics
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Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
I wanna love you so bad till I don't know what to do
I'm going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm gonna have all you women right here at my command
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
I wanna love you so bad till I don't know what to do
I got a gypsy woman givin' me advice
I got a gypsy woman givin' me advice
I got some red hot tips I got to keep on ice
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
"Got My Mojo Working" is a classic blues song that speaks to the power of a person's "mojo," which is a magical force that can have a potent effect on others. The lyrics present the idea that the singer has this powerful mojo, but it seems to be ineffective on the one he desires. He is so consumed by his desire that he plans to journey to Louisiana to obtain a "mojo hand" that will give him the ability to control all the women around him. The singer's encounter with a gypsy woman who gives him advice is also described, but it is unclear what tips he receives.
Interestingly, the concept of mojo originates from African American folklore and is associated with a bag containing various magical items that can bring good luck or allow an individual to exert control over others. The song's lyrics are rich in these references to magic and folklore, which are core elements of traditional blues. The lyrics also speak to the idea of trying to find some external force that will help make love finally work.
The song's catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and clever lyrics made it an instant hit upon its release in 1956, and it has since been covered by countless artists. It remains a classic example of blues music and is an enduring favorite of music fans around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
I'm doing everything I can to attract you, but it seems like you're not interested in me.
I wanna love you so bad till I don't know what to do
I have strong feelings for you and I will do anything to be with you, even if I don't know how to express it.
I'm going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm going to Louisiana to find a magical item called a 'mojo hand' that is believed to bring good luck, power or success.
I'm gonna have all you women right here at my command
With the help of the mojo hand, I'll be able to attract all of the women I desire and have control over them.
I got a gypsy woman givin' me advice
I have sought out the counsel of a gypsy woman for guidance on how to win over the person I desire.
I got some red hot tips I got to keep on ice
The advice the gypsy woman has given me is valuable and I need to hold onto it and use it when the time is right.
Got my mojo working
I believe that I have the power and luck to achieve my goals and desires.
Lyrics © DARE MUSIC, INC., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PRESTON FOSTER
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.