Johnny B. Goode
Grateful Dead feat. Branford Marsalis Lyrics
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Way back in the pines among the evergreens
There in an old cabin made of earth and wood
There lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
He never learned to read or write so well,
But he could play a guitar like ringin' a bell
Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit up in the trees by the railroad track
The engineers seen him sittin' in the shade
Strummin' to the rhythm that the drivers made
People passin' by would stop and say
"My my, but that little country boy can play!"
Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode
His mamma told him "someday you will be a man"
You will be the leader of a big old band
Many people comin' from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
And Johnny B. Goode tonight
Go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode
Go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode
The Grateful Dead's cover of Johnny B. Goode is a tribute to Chuck Berry's original song about a young boy from Louisiana with a natural talent for guitar. The lyrics depict Johnny's humble beginnings, living in a cabin in the woods without a formal education, but with a deep love for music. He would sit by the train tracks, playing his guitar to the rhythm of passing trains, attracting attention from passers-by who marveled at his skill. Despite his lack of formal education, Johnny's talent on the guitar was unrivaled, earning him the nickname "Johnny B. Goode" and the potential for a bright future in the music industry.
The song also highlights the support of Johnny's mother, who believes in his potential as a musician and encourages him to pursue his dreams. She tells him that he will one day be a leader of a big old band, and many people will come from miles around to hear him play. The lyrics suggest that Johnny's future is bright and promising, with the possibility of his name being in lights.
Overall, the song celebrates the power of music and the potential for greatness that exists within individuals, regardless of their background or formal education. It is a testament to the passion, dedication, and natural talent that can propel individuals to achieve their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Johnny lived in a cabin in the woods in Louisiana, not far from New Orleans
Way back in the pines among the evergreens
His cabin was hidden among the trees
There in an old cabin made of earth and wood
Johnny's home was rustic, made of natural materials
There lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Johnny was a talented country music artist who lived in the cabin
He never learned to read or write so well,
Although he had a limited education, he had a talent for playing guitar
But he could play a guitar like ringin' a bell
Johnny was an exceptional guitarist, with a unique style
Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
A call to action for Johnny to perform
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny would transport his guitar in a simple bag
Go sit up in the trees by the railroad track
Johnny would climb trees near the railroad tracks to play his guitar
The engineers seen him sittin' in the shade
The railroad workers saw Johnny resting in the shade of the trees
Strummin' to the rhythm that the drivers made
Johnny played his guitar in tune with the sound of the trains passing by
People passin' by would stop and say
Passersby were impressed by Johnny's musical talent
"My my, but that little country boy can play!"
People were amazed by Johnny's guitar skills
His mamma told him "someday you will be a man"
Johnny's mother believed he would achieve great success someday
You will be the leader of a big old band
Johnny was destined to be the frontman of a popular music group
Many people comin' from miles around
Johnny's music would attract fans from far and wide
To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
Johnny's concerts were in the evening, drawing large crowds to see him perform
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Johnny was destined for fame and fortune, with his name in bright lights
And Johnny B. Goode tonight
Tonight, Johnny is performing and wowing the crowd with his guitar skills
Go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
An invitation for the audience to cheer for Johnny and his music
Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LoloYodel
I think this song resonates to most as the last song performed (July 23rd 1990) by Brent Mydland before his death. And the lyrics that he sang : "I got to go ..., but my friends can stick around" continues to bring chills to many of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPTjq6Xu2jI
If we include the song's 1st appearance on May 14th 1970, Meramec Community College, Kirkwood, MO (but it was with The New Riders …), "The Weight" was played a total of 42 times.
However, it really made its formal appearance in 1990, the first being on March 28th 1990 at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY and the last performance being on March 23rd 1995 (Charlotte Coliseum, NC). Though played almost always during the 2nd set, and almost exclusively as the encore, it was played once in the middle of Set One (April 2nd 1990, Atlanta).