Roll Over Beethoven
Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley 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
The lyrics to Chuck Berry & Bo Diddley's song Roll Over Beethoven describe the singer's intense desire to listen to a rock and roll song that has grabbed his attention. He plans to write a letter to his local DJ requesting that he play the record. The energetic rhythm of the music has made his temperature rise and has caused the jukebox to blow a fuse. The singer's heart beats in time with the rhythm, and his soul is filled with the blues. The repeated refrain of "Roll over Beethoven" is a call to action, urging the DJ to play the music again so that the singer can get his fill of rock and roll.
The lyrics also include references to other composers, such as Tchaikovsky, to whom the singer suggests he should pass the news of the new rock and roll hit. The mention of "rockin' pneumonia" and "rollin' arthritis" suggest that the singer is not a young man anymore but still loves the energy of the music. He warns others not to step on his "blue suede shoes," a nod to Elvis Presley, and encourages people to dance and have fun, promising that as long as his partner has a dime, the music will never stop.
Overall, the lyrics to Roll Over Beethoven are a lively tribute to the power of rock and roll music and the joy it brings to its fans. The song celebrates the energetic beat and the rebellious spirit of the genre while acknowledging the roots of classical music that paved the way for this new sound.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna write a little letter,
I'm planning to pen a short note
Gonna mail it to my local DJ
I will send it off to my hometown disc jockey
It's a rockin' rhythm record
It's an exciting song with a great beat
I want my jockey to play
I want the DJ to spin it for the listeners
Roll over Beethoven, I gotta hear it again today
I can't get enough of the tune, so crank it up again
You know, my temperature's risin'
My blood is boiling with excitement
And the jukebox blows a fuse
The music is so electrifying that the machine can't handle it
My heart's beatin' rhythm
My pulse is keeping time with the music
And my soul keeps on singin' the blues
My spirit is inspired by the melody
Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news
Spread the word that rock and roll is the new sensation
I got the rockin' pneumonia,
I'm infected with the fever for rock music
I need a shot of rhythm and blues
I require a dose of beat-driven soul music
I think I'm rollin' arthritis
My body is aching from dancing so hard
Sittin' down by the rhythm review
I'm taking a break to enjoy the music
Roll over Beethoven rockin' in two by two
The rhythm is so infectious that everyone's dancing in pairs
Well, if you feel you like it
If you're enjoying yourself
Go get your lover, then reel and rock it
Get your significant other and dance up a storm
Roll it over and move on up just
Continue the party and keep dancing
A trifle further and reel and rock it,
Take it a bit farther and dance even more intensely
Roll it over,
Keep the music going
Roll over Beethoven rockin' in two by two
Everybody's grooving in pairs
Well, early in the mornin' I'm a-givin' you a warnin'
Don't mess with me, especially first thing in the morning
Don't you step on my blue suede shoes
Don't ruin my fancy footwear
Hey diddle diddle, I am playin' my fiddle,
I'm having a great time making music
Ain't got nothin' to lose
I'm not worried about anything
Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news
Rock and roll is here to stay, share the message with classical music fans
You know she wiggles like a glow worm,
Her moves on the dance floor are mesmerizing
Dance like a spinnin' top
She dances with an endless amount of energy
She got a crazy partner,
Her dance partner is wild and unpredictable
Oughta see 'em reel and rock
Their moves are amazing, you gotta witness it
Long as she got a dime the music will never stop
As long as she has a coin to pay for music, they'll keep dancing
Roll over Beethoven,
Make way for rock music
Roll over Beethoven,
Movement in music is happening
Roll over Beethoven,
There's a new king in town
Roll over Beethoven,
The classical era has ended
Roll over Beethoven and dig these rhythm and blues
Embrace this new style of music and enjoy it
Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP, Royalty Network
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Waring
The real Kings of rock!! We wouldn't have what we have today,if it weren't for them!!
Nancy Newman
So right !
E4c
That’s my father Richard Nader in the white suit bringing back these two guitar greats. My brothers and I used to hang out back stage and play stick ball. One time Bo came up to us and we started playing catch with a tennis ball then he rushed up on stage. I’ll never forget the power these guys delivered. Seeing my father Mc these shows and hang out back stage I’ll never forget. Each venue had a specific end time and my dad always went over and let these guys keep jamming cause he loved seeing everyone having a good time. He had to pay extra for that but it was worth it. I have so many unreleased master recordings of these shows up in my attic I just don’t have the time and money to transfer it to digital. He passed away in 09 of Parkinson’s disease during his final year he couldn’t speak anymore. Here was a man who could speak in front of thousands of people only to struggle towards the end. I’m so glad these videos still exist. Everytime I hear his voice on these clips I choke up cause it takes me back. This music was a huge part of my life even though I was born in 78 I listen to this era almost everyday. Long live Rock n Roll. I love you dad. You were the coolest and the best!
anodyne57
Thanks for the anecdote. You're part of this history.
nancy gorman
God bless you
Steve Liberty
Awesome memories!!! You witnessed music greatness.
James Evans
Do you still have those masters? Please get in touch with me. I would love to learn more and possibly fund a digitization project.
Buddy from Brooklyn
I used to go the the rock 'n' roll revivals at MSG starting at (ibelieve) number 6 (?) in '71 and went to every one after till '77. Saw great shows every time and saw Bo and Chuck play together more than once. Your father made the '70s a little bit better than they were going to be, what with Disco and everything. Almost felt like we knew him. So many great acts we got to see I wish I could thank him personally.
Dim Bulb
Two men who changed music for the better, made it more fun, made it crazier, and made people move their feets and asses.
Tattyshoes Shigure
This is too cool! Two incredible legends of R&R jamming out together and having so much fun... just wonderful to watch... thanks for posting!