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.
Me And My Country
Chuck Berry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I believe in the system as it is in print
But I'm in love with you
And determined to help amend it for you
It ain't my hearet to beg, rob or steal
Although sometimes that's just how I feel
'Cause I do want you
Working so hard for so little pay
And we just can live from day to day
This can't go on, it takes too long
Those days are gone
I know I'm nobody, I lost out in school
But I feel something wrong unless I'm a fool
I'm going to keep prying, at least I'll be trying
'Cause somebody's lying
In Chuck Berry's song "Me And My Country," the lyrics express a complex mix of patriotism, love, and frustration with the current state of affairs in the country. The singer starts by proclaiming their love for their country and their belief in the system as it is written. However, they are also in love with someone and are determined to help amend the country for that person. This suggests a desire to improve the system and make it better for the ones they care about.
The next verse focuses on the singer's personal struggles and emotions. They state that it's not in their nature to beg, rob, or steal, but sometimes they feel like they are forced into such actions due to the difficult circumstances. They want their loved one to have the same opportunities and enjoy the few things they love, expressing a deep sense of empathy and desire for a better life.
The following lines describe the harsh reality of working hard for little pay and barely being able to live from day to day. The singer acknowledges that this situation cannot continue, as it takes too long and the days of struggle should be over. They feel like they may be nobody and may have lost out in school, but they can sense that something is wrong with the current system unless they are fooling themselves. They vow to keep prying and trying because they strongly believe that somebody is lying.
Overall, the lyrics of "Me And My Country" showcase a mixture of love for one's country and a desire to fight for a better future for oneself and the ones they care about. It depicts the frustration of working-class individuals who want to see systemic changes and a fairer society.
Line by Line Meaning
I love my country, it's aim and intent
I have a deep affection for my country and support its objectives and purpose.
I believe in the system as it is in print
I have faith in the established system as it is outlined in official documents and laws.
But I'm in love with you
However, my deepest affection and devotion lie with you.
And determined to help amend it for you
And I am resolute in my determination to assist in making necessary improvements for your sake.
It ain't my heart to beg, rob or steal
It is not in my nature to plead, engage in theft, or participate in illegal activities.
Although sometimes that's just how I feel
Although at times, under certain circumstances, I am overwhelmed by such emotions.
'Cause I do want you
Because all I desire is for you to be happy and content.
To enjoy the few things that you love too
To have the opportunity to delight in the few things that bring you joy as well.
Working so hard for so little pay
Exerting immense effort yet receiving meager compensation for it.
And we just can't live from day to day
And it has become increasingly difficult to sustain our lives from one day to the next.
This can't go on, it takes too long
This situation cannot continue indefinitely as it is taking an excessive amount of time.
Those days are gone
Those days of enduring such hardship and inequality have come to an end.
I know I'm nobody, I lost out in school
I am aware that I hold no significant status, having faced setbacks in my educational journey.
But I feel something wrong unless I'm a fool
However, I have a distinct sense that something is amiss unless I am mistaken.
I'm going to keep prying, at least I'll be trying
I will persist in prying open the truth, or at the very least, make sincere attempts to do so.
'Cause somebody's lying
Because it is evident that someone is deliberately providing false information or withholding the truth.
Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
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.