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.
Johnny B Goode
Chuck Berry Lyrics
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Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play the guitar just like a ringing a bell
Go go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by they would stop and say
Oh my that little country boy could play
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
His mother told him "Someday you will be a man,
And you will be the leader of a big old band.
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight."
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
The lyrics of Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode tell the story of a talented guitar player named Johnny, who lived in a log cabin in the woods in Louisiana. Despite his lack of formal education, Johnny had a natural talent for playing the guitar and could produce a sound that was like a ringing a bell. He often played by the railroad tracks, and people passing by would stop and marvel at his musical ability. His mother believed in his talent and envisioned him becoming a successful musician, playing to large crowds who would come from miles around to hear him play.
The lyrics capture the essence of the American dream - someone who rises from humble beginnings to fame and success through their talent and hard work. Johnny B. Goode has become an archetype for the underdog who, through their own natural abilities, becomes a legend in their own right.
Interestingly, the song itself became a classic hit and catapulted Chuck Berry to fame, captivating audiences with its upbeat tempos and catchy tunes. It is a veritable rock and roll anthem, reflecting the energy and excitement of the genre. It has been covered by numerous artists and has appeared in movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in the musical canon of rock and roll.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep down Louisiana close to New Orleans
Johnny B. Goode was from Louisiana near New Orleans.
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
Johnny's home was nestled deeply in the woods surrounded by trees.
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Johnny lived in a simple log cabin that he built himself.
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Johnny B. Goode was the name of the young country boy who lived there.
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
Johnny was not well-educated and had difficulty reading and writing.
But he could play the guitar just like a ringing a bell
Despite his lack of formal education, Johnny had an incredible talent for playing the guitar.
Go go
This is a cue for the audience to show their enthusiasm and support for Johnny's talent.
Go Johnny go
The audience is encouraging Johnny to take the spotlight and wow them with his music.
Go
A continuation of the audience's encouragement.
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny would transport his guitar in a burlap sack.
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Johnny would often go to a specific spot near the train tracks to practice his music.
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
The train engineers passing by would notice Johnny sitting under the trees with his guitar.
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
Johnny would play his guitar to match the rhythm and sound of the passing train.
People passing by they would stop and say
People walking by would notice Johnny playing music and take a moment to stop and listen.
Oh my that little country boy could play
They were surprised and impressed by how talented the young country boy was at playing guitar.
His mother told him "Someday you will be a man,
Johnny's mother told him that he would grow up to be a successful musician.
And you will be the leader of a big old band.
Johnny would be recognized as the frontman for a popular and well-known band.
Many people coming from miles around
People would travel from far and wide to hear Johnny play music.
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Johnny's music would be heard most often at night when the sun had set.
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Johnny's mother thinks he will eventually become a famous musician with his name displayed on billboards.
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight."
The billboards would advertise Johnny's concerts and feature his name as the main performer.
Go go go Johnny go
The audience is still cheering Johnny on and encouraging him to keep playing.
Go go go Johnny go
Their enthusiasm for Johnny's talent has not waned and they continue to support him.
Go go go Johnny go
They want Johnny to continue playing and sharing his music with the world.
Go
The final push for Johnny to give it his all and show off his incredible talent.
Johnny B. Goode
A final acknowledgement of Johnny's name and his musical talent.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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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.