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.
Oh Yeah
Chuck Berry Lyrics
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And the days whizzed Together, until someone came between
I didnæ?° lay No money down, cause she caught it Downbound train.
Too much monkey business and on with Brown eyed handsome man
Roll over Beethoven, try to catch me if you can
So long, Havana Moon, I have a Drifting Heart again.
Oh yeah!
Have the Deep Feeling, my head is going Around and around
No one would let me, Oh baby doll, comin?by.
Rock and roll music, slowly 79
Sweet little sixteen, and you will soon be 21
No more reelin?and rockin? School Days will be done.
Go Johnny B. Goode, play your guitar, and have some fun.
Chuck Berry's song "Oh Yeah" is essentially a nostalgic ode to the early days of rock and roll, with lyrics that reference some of Berry's most well-known hits. The lyrics begin with Berry reminiscing about his early days as a musician, playing his hit song "Maybellene" in the wee hours of the morning. Time seemed to pass quickly, but eventually, someone came between him and his music. The reference to "Downbound train" suggests that this person may have been some kind of setback or obstacle in his career.
Despite this setback, Berry remained determined to keep making music and having fun. He references several more of his own songs, including "Too Much Monkey Business," "Brown Eyed Handsome Man," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Johnny B. Goode," and "School Days." These songs were all hugely popular and influential in the early days of rock and roll, and their inclusion in "Oh Yeah" serves as a reminder of Berry's impact on the genre.
The chorus of the song - "Oh yeah!" - is a simple but effective expression of joy and enthusiasm. Berry is essentially saying that despite whatever setbacks or challenges he faced, he's still excited to be making music and having fun.
Overall, "Oh Yeah" is a celebration of rock and roll and the joy it brings, with Chuck Berry using his own iconic songs as a way to reflect on his journey as a musician.
Line by Line Meaning
In the Wee wee hours, I used to play Maybellene
I used to play Maybellene in the early morning hours
And the days whizzed Together, until someone came between
Time went by quickly until someone interfered
I didn't lay No money down, cause she caught it Downbound train.
I didn't put any money down, because she caught a train heading South
Too much monkey business and on with Brown eyed handsome man
There was too much foolishness, and then we moved on to a handsome man with brown eyes
Roll over Beethoven, try to catch me if you can
Move over Beethoven, attempt to catch me if you are capable
So long, Havana Moon, I have a Drifting Heart again.
Goodbye, Havana Moon. My heart is wandering again.
Oh yeah!
An expression of affirmation or understanding.
Have the Deep Feeling, my head is going Around and around
I have a strong emotion, causing me to feel dizzy
No one would let me, Oh baby doll, comin' by.
No one would let me, oh baby doll, come by
Rock and roll music, slowly 79
Rock and roll music, slowly approaching 1979
Sweet little sixteen, and you will soon be 21
You are a sweet sixteen-year-old, but you will soon be 21
No more reelin'and rockin' School Days will be done.
There will be no more dancing and enjoying school days
Go Johnny B. Goode, play your guitar, and have some fun.
Go Johnny B. Goode, play your guitar, and enjoy yourself.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ELLAS MCDANIEL
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.