Johnny B. Goode
Santana & Jeff Beck & Steve Lukather Lyrics
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Way back up in the woods among the Evergreens
There stood a log cabin made 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 the guitar like ringing a bell
Go go
Go Johnny go go go
Go Johnny go go go
Go Johnny go
Go, Johnny B. Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
And sit beneath the trees by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers used to see him sitting in the shade
Playing to the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by would stop and say
Oh my, that little country boy could play
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go Johnny go
Go, go Johnny go
Go, go Johnny go
Go, Johnny B. Goode
His mama told him someday he would be a man
And he would be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear him play his music when the sun go down
Maybe someday his name would be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go Johnny go
Go Johnny go
Go Johnny go
Go Johnny B. Goode
His mama told him someday he would be a man
And he would be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear him play his music when the sun go down
Maybe someday his name would be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go Johnny go
Go Johnny go
Go Johnny go
Go, go, go, go Johnny B. Goode
The lyrics to "Goode" by Santana, Jeff Beck, and Steve Lukather tell the story of a talented country boy named Johnny B. Goode. The song starts by describing Johnny's humble beginnings, living in a log cabin in the woods near New Orleans. Despite not being well-educated, Johnny possesses extraordinary guitar-playing skills, with his strumming echoing like a bell ringing. He may not know how to read or write effectively, but his music speaks for itself.
The second verse portrays Johnny carrying his guitar in a gunny sack, finding solace under the trees near the railroad track. The engineers passing by often witness him, impressed by his ability to play along with the rhythm of the train. People who encounter Johnny are astounded by his talent, stopping to acknowledge and appreciate the little country boy who can play so brilliantly.
The final verse focuses on Johnny's mother and her belief in his potential. She tells him that someday he will become a man and lead a successful band. People from far and wide come to listen to his music when the sun sets, hoping that someday his name will shine bright under the lights. The lyrics celebrate Johnny's talent, his mother's faith in his future, and the profound impact he has on those who hear him play.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep down Louisiana, close to New Orleans
In the southern region of Louisiana, near the city of New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the Evergreens
Located far away in the forest surrounded by tall Evergreen trees
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Present was a simple cabin constructed from natural materials like soil and timber
Where lived a country boy name of Johnny B. Goode
Residing in this cabin was a young man named Johnny B. Goode, who had a rural upbringing
He never ever learned to read or write so well
Despite lacking proficiency in reading and writing
But he could play the guitar like ringing a bell
He possessed a remarkable ability to skillfully play the guitar, creating harmonious sounds
Go go
Expressing a sense of excitement and encouragement
Go Johnny go
Encouraging Johnny to continue with his pursuits and endeavors
Go Johnny go go go
Urging Johnny to persist and keep pushing forward
Go Johnny go go go
Continuing to cheer on Johnny and motivate him
Go Johnny go
Inspiring Johnny to persevere and continue with his passion
Go, Johnny B. Goode
Rooting for Johnny B. Goode and supporting his musical journey
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny would transport his guitar in a sack made from coarse fabric
And sit beneath the trees by the railroad track
Finding a spot under the trees near the railway line where he would sit
Oh, the engineers used to see him sitting in the shade
The train engineers would often spot him relaxing in the shadowy area
Playing to the rhythm that the drivers made
Strumming his guitar in sync with the rhythmic vibrations produced by passing trains
People passing by would stop and say
Individuals who walked by would halt and express their admiration
Oh my, that little country boy could play
Exclaiming their astonishment at the musical talent possessed by this young rural boy
His mama told him someday he would be a man
Johnny's mother assured him that one day he would mature into a responsible adult
And he would be the leader of a big old band
Furthermore, she declared that he would become the frontman of a large, established musical group
Many people coming from miles around
Anticipating a multitude of individuals traveling long distances
To hear him play his music when the sun go down
Eager to experience his musical performance as the daylight fades and night arrives
Maybe someday his name would be in lights
Speculating that one day his name might be prominently displayed in illuminated signs
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight
Announcing the presence of Johnny B. Goode during tonight's event
Go go
An enthusiastic call to action
Go Johnny go
Encouraging Johnny to continue his pursuit with determination
Go Johnny go
Motivating Johnny to persevere and give his best effort
Go Johnny go
Inspiring Johnny with words of support and empowerment
Go Johnny go
Cheering Johnny on and fueling his confidence
Go Johnny B. Goode
Urging Johnny B. Goode to excel and leave a lasting impact
His mama told him someday he would be a man
Johnny's mother reinforced her belief that he would mature into adulthood
And he would be the leader of a big old band
Reiterating her statement that he would take charge of a large musical ensemble
Many people coming from miles around
Expecting throngs of individuals to travel long distances to witness his performances
To hear him play his music when the sun go down
Eagerly anticipating the opportunity to listen to his music as the day transitions into night
Maybe someday his name would be in lights
Holding hope that his name would be prominently displayed in illuminated signs in the future
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight
Announcing and acknowledging the presence of Johnny B. Goode during tonight's event
Go go
A call for movement, action, and enthusiasm
Go Johnny go
Inspiring Johnny to continue his journey with determination and passion
Go Johnny go
Encouraging Johnny to keep striving and giving his best effort
Go Johnny go
Motivating Johnny to persist and surpass expectations
Go Johnny go
Supporting Johnny wholeheartedly and urging him forward
Go, go, go, go Johnny B. Goode
An enthusiastic chant encouraging Johnny B. Goode to excel and amaze
Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind