Johnny B. Goode
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
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Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood an old cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny be 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 go Johnny go go Johnny be Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
He sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
The engineer would see him sittin' in the shade
Strummin' with the rhythm that the drivers made
The people passin' by they would stop and say
Oh my how that little country boy can play
Go go go Johnny go go...
[ guitar - piano ]
His mother told him someday you gonna be a man
And you will be the leader of a big old band
Many people comen from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights sayin' Johnny be Goode tonight
Go go go Johnny go go...
The song "Johnny B. Goode" by Jerry Lee Lewis is a classic rock and roll tune that tells the story of a talented guitar player from rural Louisiana named Johnny. Despite never learning how to read or write well, Johnny's guitar-playing abilities were exceptional. He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack and would often sit beneath a tree by the railroad tracks while he played, attracting the attention of passersby who were amazed by his talent.
As the song progresses, Johnny's mother tells him that he will one day be a man and lead a big band. Many people from miles away come to hear him play his music when the sun goes down, and someday his name will be in lights. The lyrics, with their upbeat tempo and catchy melody, capture the essence of American rock and roll music and the enduring appeal of a rags-to-riches story.
Overall, "Johnny B. Goode" is a celebration of the power of music and the potential of individuals, no matter where they come from or their level of education.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep down in Lousiana close to New Orleans
Johnny be Goode lived in a remote area near New Orleans within Louisiana.
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
Johnny be Goode lived in the forest, surrounded by the greenery.
There stood an old cabin made of earth and wood
Johnny's house was made of wood and earth with an old, rustic charm.
Where lived a country boy named Johnny be Goode
Johnny Be Goode was a rural boy who lived in that old cabin.
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
Although Johnny did not get a formal education, he was skilled enough to play the guitar.
But he could play a guitar just like a ringin' a bell
Johnny had a unique skill that he was very passionate about - playing his guitar like a ringing bell.
Go go go Johnny go go go Johnny go go
The chorus which emphasizes Johnny's energy and prowess in his guitar playing.
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny used to carry his guitar around in a gunny sack like a typical country boy.
He sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Johnny liked to sit under the tree along the railroad track while playing his guitar.
The engineer would see him sittin' in the shade
The train engineer would often see Johnny playing his guitar in the shade.
Strummin' with the rhythm that the drivers made
As trains passed by, Johnny created a unique strumming rhythm that harmonized well with the sound of the train.
The people passin' by they would stop and say
The people passing by would stop and listen because Johnny's music was so captivating.
Oh my how that little country boy can play
People were consistently amazed at how well Johnny could play his guitar despite never having a formal education.
Go go go Johnny go go...
The chorus repeats yet again to emphasize Johnny's skill and energy.
[ guitar - piano ]
An instrumental break in the song featuring guitar and piano.
His mother told him someday you gonna be a man
Johnny's mother believed that one day, he would become a responsible adult.
And you will be the leader of a big old band
Johnny's mother believed that he had the potential to lead a popular musical group.
Many people comen from miles around
Johnny's fame would grow, and he would have many people coming from afar to watch him play.
To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
People would gather to hear Johnny's music as the sun set for the day.
Maybe someday your name will be in lights sayin' Johnny be Goode tonight
Perhaps one day, Johnny would be famous enough that his name would be in bright lights, and people would be excited to see him perform.
Go go go Johnny go go...
The final repetition of the chorus, emphasizing Johnny's talent and energy.
Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mkonn06
He is older now, but he is still "The Killer". My respect for all this musicians.
Mark Renton
who did he kill? Johnny B Goode?
4catsnow
One of matches that lit the fire known as rockandroll....his flame has gone out.. but the fire still burns, testimony to his talent...RIP
Nathan Montgomery
there's a lot of people out there who immediately say a version sucks if it's not the one they're used to - I like this.
Geraldo Duarte
simplesmente, o melhor. tudo de bom. saudades desse tempo.
Denise Syrayama
amo muito essas musicas. definitivamente nasci na época errada.
Djalma Júnior
Eu também
pete keim
The drummer, Jim Isbell, is outstanding----JLL always wanted his drummers to speed up the beat, for the driving sound it gave.
irishsetterarchie
Extrodinary, exciting, energizing....the excentric and eternal rock n roll genious, Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis.....thank you for all of the wonderful memories!!!!
ninaostrovski
Джерри, как всегда, великолепен! Браво!👏