Johnny
Dr. Dante Teaterkoncert Lyrics


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Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans,
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood,
Where lived a country boy name of Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well,
But he could play the guitar like ringing a bell.
Go Go, Go Johnny Go, Go, Go Johnny Go
Go, Go Johnny Go Go, Go Johnny Go
Go, Johnny B. Goode

He use to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
[Well] sit beneath the trees by the railroad track.
Oh, the engineers used to see him sitting in the shade,
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made.
People passing by they would stop and say
Oh my but 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

Overall Meaning

"Johnny B. Goode" is a classic rock and roll song that captures the spirit of 1950s America. The song tells the story of a young boy from Louisiana named Johnny who, despite not being able to read or write well, had an incredible talent for playing the guitar. He would sit beneath the trees by the railroad track and play with the rhythm of passing trains, impressing anyone who happened to be listening. As he got more skilled, people from miles around would come to hear him play, and his dream was to one day play his music under the bright lights of a big city.


Through its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, "Johnny B. Goode" celebrates the power of music to inspire and uplift people, regardless of their background or social status. It speaks to the universal desire to create and share something meaningful, and to be recognized and celebrated for one's unique talents. The song has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in countless movies and TV shows, and referenced in other popular songs.


Line by Line Meaning

Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans,
Johnny grew up in the southern region of Louisiana near the city of New Orleans.


Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
The log cabin Johnny lived in was nestled within the forest surrounded by trees that never shed their leaves, even in winter.


There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood,
Johnny and his family lived in a modest but sturdy house that was built entirely out of natural materials.


Where lived a country boy name of Johnny B. Goode
The cabin was the home of Johnny, a young boy who loved his music and could play guitar with amazing skill.


Who never ever learned to read or write so well,
Johnny had not received much formal education and struggled with reading and writing to some extent.


But he could play the guitar like ringing a bell.
Despite his academic challenges, Johnny had developed an incredible talent for playing the guitar and creating beautiful music.


Go Go, Go Johnny Go, Go, Go Johnny Go Go, Go Johnny Go Go, Go Johnny Go Go, Johnny B. Goode
These lines are a part of the song's chorus, cheering Johnny on and encouraging him to keep playing his music.


He use to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny would often transport his guitar in a rough, woven sack, suitable for carrying heavy cargo.


[Well] sit beneath the trees by the railroad track.
Johnny enjoyed playing music outdoors and would often find a quiet spot next to the train tracks, under a shady tree, to play his guitar.


Oh, the engineers used to see him sitting in the shade,
The train operators who would pass by Johnny's secluded location would occasionally notice him sitting and playing music under a tree.


Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made.
Johnny would play his music in harmony with the sounds of passing trains, keeping time and rhythm with the engine's distinctive beats.


People passing by they would stop and say Oh my but that little country boy could play
People who passed by Johnny as he played his guitar were awed by his impressive skill and frequently stopped to listen to his music.


His mother told him someday you will be a man, And you will be the leader of a big old band.
Johnny's mother encouraged him to keep playing music, telling him that he would one day mature into a grown man who could become the frontman for a large musical group.


Many people coming from miles around To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Johnny's mother beamed at the idea of people traveling from far away to listen to him play music, especially as they gathered together to enjoy the sounds of the twilight hours.


Maybe someday your name will be in lights Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight.
Johnny's mother imagines a grand future in which her son's name would be in flashy lights, advertising the night's musical entertainment featuring Johnny's impressive guitar playing.


Go Go, Go Johnny Go
This phrase is repeated as encouragement to Johnny, who is being cheered on by his fans and can take pride in his musical talents.




Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: Chuck Berry

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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