Roll Over Beethoven
Chuck Berry [The Roxy 1982] Lyrics
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Gonna mail it to my local DJ
It's a rockin' rhythm record
I want my jockey to play
Roll over Beethoven, I gotta hear it again today
You know, my temperature's risin'
And the jukebox blows a fuse
And my soul keeps on singin' the blues
Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news
I got the rockin' pneumonia,
I need a shot of rhythm and blues
I think I'm rollin' arthritis
Sittin' down by the rhythm review
Roll over Beethoven rockin' in two by two
Well, if you feel you like it
Go get your lover, then reel and rock it
Roll it over and move on up just
A trifle further and reel and rock it
Roll it over
Roll over Beethoven rockin' in two by two
Well, early in the mornin' I'm a-givin' you a warnin'
Don't you step on my blue suede shoes
Hey diddle diddle, I am playin' my fiddle
Ain't got nothin' to lose
Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news
You know she wiggles like a glow worm
Dance like a spinnin' top
She got a crazy partner
Oughta see 'em reel and rock
Long as she got a dime the music will never stop
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven and dig these rhythm and blues
In “Roll Over Beethoven,” Chuck Berry expresses his love for rock and roll music in a letter he writes to his local DJ. He asks the DJ to play his favorite rockin’ rhythm record so that he can hear it again today. Berry’s lyrics also express his frustrations with classical music and suggests that even great composers like Tchaikovsky should be made aware of the latest music craze. He sings about his soul singing the blues and his heart beating rhythm while he’s listening to Beethoven’s music. The song’s beat and rhythm create a sense of frenzy, and Berry’s energetic presentation encourages listeners to “reel and rock it.”
“Roll Over Beethoven” starts out by setting the stage and giving the listener an understanding of what is the musician is trying to convey. He wants to listen to a rockin’ record and wants his local DJ to play it, and his expression of excitement over the music puts him in a frenzy. He then proceeds to compare the two types of music he loves, preferring rock and roll over classical music. Berry’s style of music was unique because, like many rock musicians at the time, he mixed elements of blues, gospel, country, and Western swing with an energetic and upbeat sound. This mix of styles created a fresh and exciting sound that captured the attention of a new generation of listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna write a little letter
I am going to write a letter.
Gonna mail it to my local DJ
I will send it to my local radio DJ.
It's a rockin' rhythm record
The letter contains a request for a lively song.
I want my jockey to play
I would like the DJ to play the requested song.
Roll over Beethoven, I gotta hear it again today
Please play the song 'Roll over Beethoven' for me today.
You know, my temperature's risin'
I am getting excited.
And the jukebox blows a fuse
The music is so energizing that the jukebox malfunctions.
My heart's beatin' rhythm
My heart is moving in time with the music.
And my soul keeps on singin' the blues
I feel deeply connected to the music and am expressing my emotions through singing.
Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news
The energy and power of rock and roll is overtaking classical music.
I got the rockin' pneumonia,
I am feeling a strong desire to dance and move to the rhythm.
I need a shot of rhythm and blues
I need to hear some lively, emotional music to satisfy my cravings.
I think I'm rollin' arthritis
The music is so powerful that it feels like it is moving through my bones and joints.
Sittin' down by the rhythm review
I am listening to and enjoying some great music.
Roll over Beethoven rockin' in two by two
The music is so infectious that everyone is dancing in pairs.
Well, if you feel you like it
If you enjoy the music too,
Go get your lover, then reel and rock it
Bring your partner and dance along to the music.
Roll it over and move on up just
Let the music keep playing and keep moving to the beat.
A trifle further and reel and rock it
Move a little bit more and dance with your partner.
Roll it over
Keep the music playing and the energy high.
Roll over Beethoven rockin' in two by two
The energy and excitement of the music is still causing everyone to dance in pairs.
Well, early in the mornin' I'm a-givin' you a warnin'
I would like to warn you early on that I am very serious about my music and will not tolerate any interference.
Don't you step on my blue suede shoes
Don't ruin my shoes or my good time by getting in my way.
Hey diddle diddle, I am playin' my fiddle
I am singing and dancing along to the music like a joyful fiddle player.
Ain't got nothin' to lose
I am having so much fun that I don't care about anything else.
Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news
The music of Beethoven's time is not as exciting as rock and roll, and even Tchaikovsky would agree.
You know she wiggles like a glow worm
She moves like a small, glowing creature, with the same energy and lightness.
Dance like a spinnin' top
She dances with the same energy and grace as a spinning top toy.
She got a crazy partner
Her partner dances just as energetically as she does.
Oughta see 'em reel and rock
They both dance with such enthusiasm that it's worth watching.
Long as she got a dime the music will never stop
As long as she has a coin to pay for the jukebox, the music and dancing will continue indefinitely.
Roll over Beethoven
Keep the energy and excitement of the music going.
Roll over Beethoven
The music is so great that it's worth repeating and enjoying over and over again.
Roll over Beethoven
The power and energy of rock and roll is overtaking the world of classical music.
Roll over Beethoven
The music is so great that it's worth repeating and enjoying over and over again.
Roll over Beethoven and dig these rhythm and blues
Get into the beat and enjoy the lively, emotional music of rock and roll and the blues.
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind