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.
Viva Viva Rock And Roll
Chuck Berry Lyrics
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Rock it, g'on take it, child, shake it
Rock it, oh singing the song
Viva, viva, rockin' along.
Grandma and Grandpa did the Charleston Rug
Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe, they did the Jitterbug
My sister used to do the Twist and Shout
Rock on, g'on jerk it, child, work it, child
Rock on, go 'head and shake it, I can take it
Rock on, oh my soul
Viva, viva, Rock and Roll.
Rock it, g'on jerk it, child, work it
Rock it, g'on take it, child, shake it
Rock on, oh my soul
Viva, viva, Rock and Roll.
My mother had my sister learning Bach and Strauss
For years it was the only music in our house
But I got my guitar and I rearranged Bach
And came up with some good old folk and country rock.
Rock on, go 'head and jerk it, child, work it
Rock on, go 'head and take it, I can shake it
Rock on, oh my soul
Viva, viva, Rock and Roll.
Chuck Berry's "Viva Viva Rock and Roll" is an ode to the enduring appeal and power of rock and roll music. The song is essentially an invitation to those listening to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the energy of rock and roll by dancing, singing, and moving to the beat. The use of repetition in the lyrics ("Rock it, g'on jerk it, child, work it / Rock it, g'on take it, child, shake it") reinforces this message and encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy the experience.
The first verse of the song specifically mentions the dances of previous generations, such as the Charleston Rug and the Jitterbug. By contrast, the second verse celebrates the current enthusiasm for go-go dancing, with the singer stating that he is "workin' on out." This is a clear indication that rock and roll has eclipsed the dances of previous generations and is now the dominant musical form.
The third verse references the classical music that the singer's mother preferred, but then emphasizes his personal preference for folk and country rock. This suggests that despite the popularity of rock and roll, there are still those who view it as inferior or "lowbrow" compared to other forms of music. The singer, however, embraces rock and roll as his own and reworks classical compositions to fit its style.
Line by Line Meaning
Rock it, g'on jerk it, child, work it
Let's play some music and dance with wild abandon! Give it all you've got and show off your moves.
Rock it, g'on take it, child, shake it
Turn up that music and let's dance! Move your body to the beat and don't be afraid to show your style.
Rock it, oh singing the song
Let's immerse ourselves in the music and sing along. Let the rhythm take over and enjoy the moment.
Viva, viva, rockin' along.
Long live our love for rock and roll! Let's keep on dancing to this beat and enjoying the freedom it gives us.
Grandma and Grandpa did the Charleston Rug
Even our ancestors knew how to dance! Let's keep the tradition alive and keep on having fun on the dance floor.
Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe, they did the Jitterbug
Our family members were always up for a good time and dancing was their thing! Let's honor their legacy by continuing to dance and enjoy ourselves.
My sister used to do the Twist and Shout
My sister had her own rhythm and style, and that's what made her unique! Let's celebrate our differences and embrace our individuality on the dance floor.
But I'm with the Go-Go, I'm workin' on out.
I prefer the Go-Go dance style, which is all about energy and fast movements! Let's keep on dancing and working on perfecting our skills.
Rock on, g'on jerk it, child, work it, child
Let's keep the music going and dance like there's no tomorrow! This is our moment to shine and show our love for rock and roll.
Rock on, go 'head and shake it, I can take it
We can dance as wild and crazy as we want, and the rhythm will still keep us going! Let's see how far we can take it and keep on enjoying ourselves.
Rock on, oh my soul
The music is taking over us and we can feel it in our soul! Let's keep on dancing and enjoying this moment of pure bliss.
My mother had my sister learning Bach and Strauss
My mother wanted my sister to learn classical music, which is very different from rock and roll! But that doesn't mean we can't appreciate all kinds of music.
For years it was the only music in our house
Classical music was a big part of our household, but that didn't stop us from discovering new genres and expanding our musical taste.
But I got my guitar and I rearranged Bach
I found a creative way to blend classical music with rock and roll by rearranging Bach's music for the guitar! This shows that we can always find new ways to express ourselves through music.
And came up with some good old folk and country rock.
Through my experimentation with classical music and rock and roll, I discovered a love for folk and country rock! Let's keep on exploring new genres and expanding our musical horizons.
Contributed by Kennedy F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.