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.
Stop and Listen
Chuck Berry Lyrics
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Stop and listen, I hear my baby call my name
She don't call too loud, but she calls, ooh, nice and plain
Stop and listen, before you make a start
Stop and listen, before you make a start
Because if you fall in love, it may break your heart
I love you, baby, I'll tell the world I do
And they'll just have to stop and listen to everything for you
In Chuck Berry's song "Stop and Listen," the singer is describing the sound of his lover's voice as he hears her call his name. He urges the listener to stop and listen closely, and notes that although she doesn't call too loudly, her call is clear and pleasing to the ear. He then warns the listener to take caution before allowing oneself to fall in love, as it can be a painful and heart-breaking experience. Finally, the singer proudly proclaims his love for his partner and suggests that others should pause and listen, as he has something important to say.
The lyrics of the song evoke the urgency and sincerity of young love, with the singer pausing to appreciate and savor even the smallest details of his relationship. The cautionary note about heartbreak highlights the vulnerability that comes with love, but also underscores the courage it takes to pursue it nonetheless. The final line suggests that the singer's love is something worth paying attention to, as it is powerful and genuine.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop and listen, I hear my baby call my name
I need to focus and pay attention, as my significant other is trying to communicate something important to me.
She don't call too loud, but she calls, ooh, nice and plain
Although my partner may not be very vocal, they are still trying to convey something meaningful in a clear and concise manner.
Stop and listen, before you make a start
Prior to embarking on any endeavor, I should take a moment to stop and consider potential consequences.
Because if you fall in love, it may break your heart
If I allow myself to become emotionally attached to someone, I run the risk of experiencing heartbreak if things don't work out between us.
I love you, baby, I'll tell the world I do
I am deeply in love with my partner and want to proclaim my feelings to everyone around us.
And they'll just have to stop and listen to everything for you
My love for my partner is so strong that it demands the attention and acknowledgement of those around us.
Lyrics © 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.