Johnny Be Good
Jimi Hendrix/BB King Lyrics
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Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
Livin' in a cottage made of earth and wood,
Lived a country boy name of Johnny B. Goode
He never ever learned to read or write so well,
But he could play the guitar just like ringing a bell.
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
And sit beneath the trees by the railroad track.
Oh, strummin' his guitar in the gentle shade,
Playing to the music that the drivers made.
People passing by they'd stop and say
Oh my 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 mama told him ?someday you will be a man,
And you will be the leader of a big old band.
All kinds a people coming from miles around
To hear ya play ya guitar 'till the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight.
Go, go
Go, Johnny go , go
Go, Johnny go , go
Go, Johnny go , go
Go, Johnny go , go
Johnny B. Goode
The lyrics of Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "Johnny B. Goode" tells the story of a talented young man named Johnny B. Goode, who grew up in the woods near New Orleans. Although he never learned how to read or write, Johnny was a gifted musician who could play the guitar like nobody's business. He would often sit under the trees by the railroad tracks and play his guitar, drawing an audience of passersby who were amazed by his talent.
Johnny's mother encouraged him, telling him that one day he would lead a big band and people would come from miles around to hear him play. The lyrics of the song express the hope that Johnny's name would one day be in lights, with his skills as a musician being celebrated everywhere. The song is essentially a tribute to Johnny's talent and perseverance, and to the idea that anyone can achieve great things if they have enough passion and drive.
Overall, the lyrics of "Johnny B. Goode" celebrate the power of music as a unifying force that brings people together and inspires them to greatness. The song is a timeless classic that has resonated with audiences for decades, and remains a beloved staple of rock and roll to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Way down Louisiana close to New Orleans,
In a rural area near New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
In a house made of natural materials, surrounded by trees
Livin' in a cottage made of earth and wood,
Residing in a small house built from natural materials
Lived a country boy name of Johnny B. Goode
A boy from the country whose name was Johnny B. Goode
He never ever learned to read or write so well,
He struggled with academic skills, but excelled in guitar playing
But he could play the guitar just like ringing a bell.
His guitar playing was exceptional and enjoyable to hear
Go, go
Encouragement to keep going
Go, Johnny go , go
Encouragement specifically to Johnny
He use to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
He often carried his guitar in a makeshift bag
And sit beneath the trees by the railroad track.
He would often play his guitar under the trees near the railroad
Oh, strummin' his guitar in the gentle shade,
Casually playing his guitar in peaceful surroundings
Playing to the music that the drivers made.
Playing music in response to sounds of passing cars/trains
People passing by they'd stop and say
Curious listeners would pause to watch/join Johnny's playing
Oh my that little country boy could play
Remarks of praise for Johnny's guitar playing
His mama told him ?someday you will be a man,
His mother encouraged him, telling him he would grow into an adult
And you will be the leader of a big old band.
She envisioned him as a leader of a musical group
All kinds a people coming from miles around
People from all over would come to see him play
To hear ya play ya guitar 'till the sun go down
To enjoy his guitar playing throughout the day and into the night
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Possible future fame for Johnny
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight.
His name on a light-up sign, announcing his performance tonight
Go, go
Continued encouragement
Go, Johnny go , go
Encouragement for Johnny to keep playing
Go, Johnny go , go
More encouragement for Johnny
Go, Johnny go , go
Even more encouragement for Johnny
Go, Johnny go , go
Final encouragement for Johnny to keep playing
Johnny B. Goode
Johnny's name, signifying his skill in guitar playing
Lyrics Š ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
newman here
What incredible energy he had in Berkeley.
Robert Smith
Great shot of Jimi from the Miami Pop Festival/The highlights in Jimis hair was actually done by Linda Eastman who was the Festival Photographer at the time đ¸
zzubuzz
Dang, done by Linda? It looks more like he touched an un-grounded mic stand.
Richard
Awesome!
MrMoggyman
This is THE BEST. Even Chuck Berry stated that Jimi 'Played the living crap out of the song!' I have yet to hear a rendition of Johnny B Goode that betters or even matches this. Been waiting a long long time.......and by the way, I was with Hendrix and The Experience at many gigs in the day. You can take it from me, Jimi was the best. He was ten blocks up the street musically from all other artists.
Echo Point Studio
sounds great. your expenced JHE shows ! jealous đ1969...I was not born.đ
user
I Agee with Chuck Berry. The video of Jimi playing this song live at Berkeley 1970 was his greatest performance and one of the greatest rock performances ever.
Ric Campbell
Jimi took a stage like Godzilla took Tokoyo - no wonder Townsend, Clapton and the rest were terrified of the guy.
THE ATOMIC CLAP
Never heard this. Yous made my day!
Avery Adrian
I heard this is the only recording of him playing a guitar thatâs in standard tuning - he usually played with it tuned down one step-