Johnny B. Goode
John Denver Lyrics


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

[Chorus]
Go, go, go Johnny go
Go, go Johnny go
Go, go Johnny go
Go, go Johnny go
Go Johnny B. Goode

He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
The engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Strumming to the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by would they would stop and say
Oh my but that little country boy can play

[Chorus]

Well his mama told him some day you will be a man
You will be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
Just to hear you play your music till the sun go down
Maybe some day your name will be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song "Johnny B. Goode" tells the story of a young country boy named Johnny who lives in a log cabin in Louisiana. Despite never receiving a formal education to read or write, Johnny has a remarkable talent for playing guitar. He often performs seated under a tree near the railroad tracks where the engineers can hear him playing. Johnny's mother encourages him to pursue his passion in music, believing that one day he will become a leader of a big band and be famous. The chorus of the song urges Johnny to keep going and playing, declaring "Go Johnny go."


The meaning of the song is one of hope for those who have a dream that they want to pursue, even if it seems impossible or society doesn't accept it. The song speaks to the idea that sometimes people with humble beginnings can achieve great success through their talents and hard work. It's about the power of music to transcend barriers and bring people together.


Line by Line Meaning

Way down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Johnny B. Goode originates from the southern state of Louisiana, near the city of New Orleans.


Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
Johnny B. Goode comes from a rural area, surrounded by trees and foliage.


There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Johnny B. Goode lived in a humble dwelling, constructed from natural materials found in the environment.


Where lived a country boy name of Johnny B. Goode
The artist of this song is a young man named Johnny B. Goode, who lives in the aforementioned log cabin in the woods.


He never ever learned to read or write so well
Johnny B. Goode did not receive a formal education, and therefore struggles with basic literacy skills.


But he could play a guitar just like a-ringing a bell
Despite his lack of formal education, Johnny B. Goode is a talented musician and plays the guitar with great skill and passion.


Go, go, go Johnny go
The chorus of this song is an enthusiastic cheer for Johnny B. Goode to continue playing his music and pursuing his dreams.


He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny B. Goode would transport his guitar in a simple, rustic sack made from burlap material.


Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Johnny B. Goode liked to sit and play his guitar in a peaceful, natural setting, often next to a railway line.


The engineers would see him sitting in the shade
The railway workers who passed by Johnny B. Goode would notice him relaxing in the cool shadows and playing his guitar.


Strumming to the rhythm that the drivers made
Johnny B. Goode would often base his guitar playing on the sounds he heard from the nearby trains, using them as inspiration for his music.


People passing by would they would stop and say
Those who observed Johnny B. Goode playing his music would often stop and compliment him on his talent.


Oh my but that little country boy can play
The observers who saw Johnny B. Goode play his guitar were often amazed by his skill and ability, despite his humble origins.


Well his mama told him some day you will be a man
Johnny B. Goode's mother encouraged him to believe in himself and his potential, promising him that he would grow up to be a successful adult.


You will be the leader of a big old band
Johnny B. Goode's mother envisions a future where her son leads a large and successful musical group, inspiring and entertaining people from around the world.


Many people coming from miles around
As Johnny B. Goode becomes more well-known as a musician, his reputation attracts fans and supporters from great distances.


Just to hear you play your music till the sun go down
People are so enamored with Johnny B. Goode's music that they will listen to him play until it is dark outside.


Maybe some day your name will be in lights
Johnny B. Goode's mother believes that her son will become so famous that his name will be displayed prominently in neon lights, announcing his achievements to the world.


Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight
When Johnny B. Goode becomes a celebrity, people will be excited to have the opportunity to see him perform live and in-person.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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