Johnny B. Goode
Chuck Berry (Чак Бе́рри) Lyrics
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Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play a guitar just like a-ringin' a bell
Go go
Go Johnny go go
Go Johnny go go
Go Johnny go go
Johnny B. Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by they would stop and say
"Oh my what that little country boy could play"
Go go
Go Johnny go go
Go Johnny go go
Go Johnny go go
Go Johnny go go
Johnny B. Goode
His mother told him "Someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying "Johnny B. Goode tonight"
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
The lyrics to Chuck Berry's song Johnny B. Goode tell the story of a talented young man named Johnny who lived in a log cabin in Louisiana. Johnny was a natural musician who had never learned to read or write well, but he could play the guitar like nobody's business. He used to sit under a tree by the railroad tracks and play a tune, attracting the attention of passers-by who were amazed by the little country boy's talent.
As the song goes on, Johnny's mother encourages him, telling him that he will one day be a man and a leader of a big band. She envisions his name in lights, and people coming from miles around to hear him play. Johnny is determined to make it big, and the song ends with the repeated phrase "Johnny B. Goode", representing his untouchable talent as a guitar player.
The lyrics of Johnny B. Goode are often interpreted as being autobiographical, as Chuck Berry himself was a young, talented musician who rose to fame despite his humble beginnings. The song also speaks to the universal experience of chasing a dream, and the idea that anyone can make it big if they have enough talent and drive.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
In the southern state of Louisiana, not far from the city of New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
Far away in the woods, surrounded by tall, evergreen trees
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Standing there was a simple cabin made of logs and mud
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Living there was a young man from the country named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
He never became skilled in reading or writing, but
But he could play a guitar just like a-ringin' a bell
he had a natural talent for playing the guitar that was unmatched
Go go
Go ahead
Go Johnny go go
Keep playing, Johnny
Go Johnny go go
Don't stop now, Johnny
Go Johnny go go
You're doing great, Johnny
Go Johnny go go
Keep up the good work, Johnny
Johnny B. Goode
You're amazing, Johnny B. Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
He would carry his guitar in a rough burlap bag
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
He would go sit under a tree next to the railroad tracks
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
The train engineers would see him sitting there in the cool shade
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
And he would strum his guitar in time with the sound of the trains passing
People passing by they would stop and say
People walking by would stop and take notice
"Oh my what that little country boy could play"
"Wow, that young country boy can really play that guitar!"
His mother told him "Someday you will be a man
His mother said to him, "One day you will grow up and become a man
And you will be the leader of a big old band
You will lead a large and successful musical group
Many people coming from miles around
People will travel long distances to hear you play
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
They will come to see you play music in the evening when the sun sets
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Perhaps one day your name will be up in bright lights
Saying "Johnny B. Goode tonight"
Announcing that it's Johnny B. Goode's turn to perform tonight
Go go
Keep going
Go Johnny go
Keep playing, Johnny
Go go go Johnny go
Don't stop now, keep going and keep playing, Johnny
Go go go Johnny go
You're doing great, keep it up, Johnny
Go go go Johnny go
You've got this, Johnny, keep going
Johnny B. Goode
You're the best, Johnny B. Goode
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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