Johnny B. Goode
The Beach Boys and the Grateful Dead Lyrics

Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Johnny B. Goode comes from Louisiana, near the city of New Orleans.

Way back in the pines among the evergreens
Johnny B. Goode lived in a rural area surrounded by trees and nature.

There in an old cabin made of earth and wood
Johnny B. Goode lived in a simple, rustic cabin made of natural materials.

There lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
This song is about a boy named Johnny B. Goode who lived in Louisiana.

He never learned to read or write so well,
Despite his lack of education, Johnny B. Goode was an expert at playing the guitar.

But he could play a guitar like ringin' a bell
Johnny B. Goode was an amazing guitar player, with a distinct and memorable sound.

Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
This is a chorus encouraging Johnny B. Goode to keep playing his guitar and pursuing his dreams.

He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny B. Goode would carry his guitar with him wherever he went, using a simple sack to transport it.

Go sit up in the trees by the railroad track
Johnny B. Goode would climb up into the trees to play his guitar, often near a nearby railroad track.

The engineers seen him sittin' in the shade
The railroad engineers would see Johnny B. Goode sitting in the shade, playing his guitar.

Strummin' to the rhythm that the drivers made
Johnny B. Goode would play his guitar to match the rhythm of the nearby trains and their engines.

People passin' by would stop and say
People who passed by Johnny B. Goode would stop and listen, impressed by his guitar playing.

"My my, but that little country boy can play!"
People were amazed by Johnny B. Goode's guitar playing, despite his humble background.

His mamma told him "someday you will be a man"
Johnny B. Goode's mother believed in him and his potential to succeed.

You will be the leader of a big old band
Johnny B. Goode's mother believed he would become a famous musician and lead his own band.

Many people comin' from miles around
People would travel from far away just to hear Johnny B. Goode play his guitar.

To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
Johnny B. Goode's music was so popular that people would stay late into the night just to hear him play.

Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Johnny B. Goode's mother believed he would become so famous that his name would be featured prominently.

And Johnny B. Goode tonight
This line is repeated multiple times to celebrate Johnny B. Goode and his music.