Johnny B. Goode
Johnny Winter - Johnny Winter Lyrics

Way down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
The story takes place in Louisiana, near New Orleans.

Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
It was a secluded area, surrounded by trees and natural beauty.

There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
The house that Johnny lived in was a small, rustic cabin made of natural materials.

Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Johnny was the name of the main character, a boy from the country.

He never ever learned to read or write so well
Although he struggled with reading and writing, he had a natural talent for playing the guitar.

But he could play a guitar just like ringing a bell
His guitar playing was so good, it sounded like the ringing of a bell.

Go, go! Go Johnny go, go, go! Go Johnny go, go, go! Go Johnny go, go, go! Go Johnny go, go, go! Johnny B. Goode
This is an encouraging chorus, telling Johnny to keep playing and praising him for his skills.

He use to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny would carry his guitar in a burlap sack.

Sit beneath the trees by the railroad track
He enjoyed playing and relaxing under trees, often by the railroad tracks.

Oh, sit beneath the trees, linger in the shade
Johnny would take his time, enjoying the peacefulness and shade of the trees.

Strummin' with the rhythm that the drivers made
He played his guitar in time with the rhythm and sounds of the passing trains.

People passing by, they would stop and say 'Oh my, but that country boy can play!'
People who passed by would be amazed and stop to listen to Johnny play.

Now, Johnny B. Goode
The chorus repeats, emphasizing Johnny's skill and encouraging him to continue.

Oh, come on Johnny, do it!
This is a playful and encouraging cheer, encouraging Johnny to keep playing and show off his talent.

Oh, look out!
This is an exclamation of excitement and anticipation for Johnny's next move on the guitar.

His mother told him someday he would be a man
Johnny's mother encouraged him, telling him he would grow up and become a man someday.

And he would be the leader of a rock'n'roll band
She believed that Johnny would become a successful musician and lead a rock and roll band.

Oh, many people coming from miles around
As Johnny's fame grew, more and more people came from far away to listen to him play.

Hear him play his guitar when the sun go down
People would listen to Johnny play his guitar as the sun went down, enjoying the peaceful twilight atmosphere.

Maybe someday your name would be in lights
This line foreshadows Johnny's potential success and fame, suggesting that his name could one day be displayed in lights like a famous performer.

Saying 'Johnny B. Goode tonight!'
This would be the ultimate acknowledgement of Johnny's talent and success, with people cheering for him and identifying him as the main attraction of the night.

Go, go! Go Johnny go, go! Go Johnny go, go, go! Go Johnny go, go, go! Go Johnny go, go, go! Go, go, Johnny B. Goode!
The song ends with a final encouragement for Johnny to keep playing and impressing his fans.