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.
You Came A Long Way From St. Louis
Chuck Berry Lyrics
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I've seen the town and country cars that were parked out in front of your fancy address.
You came a long way from St. Louis, you broke a lotta hearts between,
I've seen a gang of gloomy gals who were doing alright till you came on the scene.
You came here from the middle west, and certainly impressed the population hereabouts.
Well, baby, I got news for you, I'm from Missouri too.
So naturally I got my doubts, you got 'em dropping by the wayside,
You came a long way from St. Louis, but baby, you still got a long way to go.
The lyrics to Chuck Berry's "You Came A Long Way From St. Louis" tell the story of a woman who has climbed the ladder of success and made a name for herself, but also made enemies along the way. The song suggests that the woman is not as impressive as she seems, and that the singer is skeptical of her motives and achievements despite being from the same state as her.
The song is a commentary on the American dream, and the idea of success being relative to one's upbringing and surroundings. The woman may have achieved a great deal, but she is still judged by her past and where she came from. The song also touches on the theme of leaving people behind, as the woman is seen as having broken hearts and caused pain in her pursuit of success.
Overall, "You Came A Long Way From St. Louis" is a cautionary tale about the consequences of ambition and the price one must pay for success. It is a reminder that while success may be desirable, it can come at a cost and leave one feeling isolated and unfulfilled.
Line by Line Meaning
You came a long way from St. Louis, you climbed the ladder of success,
Despite starting in St. Louis, you have achieved great success and improved your social and economic status.
I've seen the town and country cars that were parked out in front of your fancy address.
I have witnessed the luxury vehicles that were parked outside of your upscale residence.
You came a long way from St. Louis, you broke a lotta hearts between,
During your journey, you left a trail of broken hearts behind you.
I've seen a gang of gloomy gals who were doing alright till you came on the scene.
I observed a group of melancholy women who were content with their lives until you entered the picture and disrupted the balance.
You came here from the middle west, and certainly impressed the population hereabouts.
By originating from the Midwest and impressing the local population, you have achieved a level of recognition in your current location.
Well, baby, I got news for you, I'm from Missouri too.
As a fellow Missourian, I have some news to share with you.
So naturally I got my doubts, you got 'em dropping by the wayside,
Being from the same place, I naturally have reservations about your accomplishments, but they are slowly diminishing with your continued success.
A feeling I ain't gonna know.
However, I will never fully understand the experiences you have had to reach your current position.
You came a long way from St. Louis, but baby, you still got a long way to go.
While you have made significant progress, there is still much more to achieve on your journey.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Kanjian Music
Written by: John Benson Brooks, Sidney Keith Russell
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.