Johnny B.Goode
Jimi Hendrix Experience Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ron Beck
#Hesch tag
AWEsum post!!!
Herez my 2 SINtz....
Jimi, did all da thangz u said. He spent amazing amountz of time, learning da guitar. He wuz already an xpert R&B guitar gunslinger, dat Lil Richard or da Isley Brotherz could call on, & he would rock their showz, BUTT he wuz still learnin. MOST musicianz, woulda found a kushy guitar-slinger/R&B session playin gig, & dat woulda been it. Not Hendrix. Dude wuz learnin top notch bluez lickz, all da latest guitar techniquez from all da boyz across da pond, sum Jazz, & even Surf! Jimi, wuz da man!
MOST bandz, would consider it suicide, 2 change azz much azz Jimi did, album 2 album, & Jimiz management wuz on dat same vibe. Itz ashamed, dat a guy had 2 b murdered, bcause he wished 2 xpand his muzakal landscape, wit new, added musician friendz & new conceptz. He wanted his muzak 2 b BIGGER than just a lil 3 piece power trio, deal. He wanted BIGGER arrangementz & he wanted 2 showcase new talent. Un4tunately, greed knowz no boundz. ( wit a dash of racism n da nGREEDientz, 4 good measure. )
Jimi also had few boundariez. Mitch Mitchell spoke on his being able 2, willing 2, & unafraid 2, git nvolved n new territory. MOST peephole, can't handle R&B, if they r a Country muzak fan, BUTT Jimi wuz fusin it all 2gether, n2 his own unique sound!
God bless Jimi
Rest In Power & I'm alwayz late, BUTT I'll probably c ya n da next 1. ( Just missed ya, here. )
Richard Franklin
The sounds he gets from his guitar on this are quite extraordinary. He was one of a kind that other guitarists can only dream of emulating.
Ton Van den hurk
When i saw this for the first time.....Mindboggling.
Bas Hess
....and....NO KEERIS,,,,KNOW?????????????????????????
Machine Gun Nest
@Richard Franklin very well put said..... james marshall & his thermal burning bar
Andy M
James Marshall Hendrix. The greatest. NO ONE shall reach what he did.
Bas Hess
WWWWWWWWWWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIWWWWWWWWWW AH WHALE.....II JUST DIDT
Dr. Love
Not the greatest singer.
Ton Van den hurk
Do not forget Jef Beck. JIMI and Beck are the best.
紀村佳司
Perfect performance. No one can win this play.
Guitar Dave
The Master in Action , so many don't know His Importance in ALL of Music involving Guitars . Jimi started what we used to hear on the radio in the 80s and some of the 90s . I just miss all of Rock and Roll . We can Never thank you enough Jimi !!!!!