Johnny B. Goode
The Dead Lyrics


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Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Way back in the pines among the evergreens
There in an old cabin made of earth and wood
There lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
He never learned to read or write so well,
But he could play a guitar like ringin' a bell

Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode

He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit up in the trees by the railroad track
The engineers seen him sittin' in the shade
Strummin' to the rhythm that the drivers made
People passin' by would stop and say
"My my, but that little country boy can play!"

Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode

His mamma told him "someday you will be a man"
You will be the leader of a big old band
Many people comin' from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
And Johnny B. Goode tonight

Go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode





Go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode

Overall Meaning

"Johnny B. Goode" by The Dead is a cover of the classic Chuck Berry song. The lyrics tell the story of a talented young musician named Johnny B. Goode, who grows up in a humble cabin in Louisiana, near New Orleans. Despite not being well-educated, Johnny possesses a remarkable talent for playing the guitar. The lyrics suggest that he may not have had access to formal education, but his natural ability to play the guitar is compared to the sound of a ringing bell.


Johnny often carries his guitar in a gunny sack and finds solace and inspiration sitting up in the trees by the railroad track. As the passing trains produce a rhythmic sound, Johnny strums along, drawing the attention of spectators, including engineers. People passing by are amazed by his musical skills and stop to acknowledge his talent.


Johnny's mother recognizes his potential and tells him that one day, he will become a man and the leader of a successful band. As word spreads about his musical prowess, crowds of people come from miles around to listen to Johnny play his music after sunset. The lyrics hint at a future where Johnny's name will be prominently displayed in lights, symbolizing his potential for fame and success.


Overall, the lyrics of "Johnny B. Goode" celebrate the natural musical talent of Johnny B. Goode and his potential for greatness. It highlights the power of music to transcend social and educational barriers and suggests that talent and passion can lead to recognition and success. The song also serves as an anthem for aspiring musicians, recognizing the transformative impact they can have on others through their music.


Line by Line Meaning

Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
In a secluded area near New Orleans, Louisiana


Way back in the pines among the evergreens
In a rustic setting surrounded by tall pine trees and evergreen foliage


There in an old cabin made of earth and wood
In a humble dwelling constructed from natural materials


There lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Residing in that cabin was a young country boy known as Johnny B. Goode


He never learned to read or write so well,
Despite lacking proficiency in literacy,


But he could play a guitar like ringin' a bell
Johnny possessed exceptional guitar-playing skills, comparable to the sound of a bell


Go go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Encouragement for Johnny to go ahead and perform


He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Johnny would transport his guitar in a sack made of coarse cloth


Go sit up in the trees by the railroad track
He would find a spot in the trees near the railroad tracks and sit there


The engineers seen him sittin' in the shade
The train engineers noticed him comfortably seated in the shaded area


Strummin' to the rhythm that the drivers made
Strumming his guitar in sync with the rhythm produced by the passing train


People passin' by would stop and say
Those who happened to pass by would stop and express their amazement


"My my, but that little country boy can play!"
"Wow, that young country boy possesses incredible musical talent!"


His mamma told him "someday you will be a man"
Johnny's mother assured him that one day he would mature into an adult


You will be the leader of a big old band
She believed he would become the frontman of a prominent musical group


Many people comin' from miles around
Numerous individuals would travel long distances


To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
With the intention of witnessing his musical performance at sunset


Maybe someday your name will be in lights
It is possible that one day his name will be prominently displayed


And Johnny B. Goode tonight
And tonight, Johnny B. Goode will awe the audience with his talent


Go, go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go
Encouragement for Johnny to go and showcase his abilities once again


Go Johnny go, go; go Johnny go, go; go Johnny B. Goode
Urging Johnny to continue impressing the crowd with his music




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Hannah E

Wow no dislikes. 
  This is the best cover ever. A lot of covers have good guitar but bad singing, but this version is just perfect.

Motown Bo

If you want to be a rock and roller, you must master the intro to Johnny B. Goode. This is Chuck Berry's highest accolade:
he set the bar. Hell, even Cheech (or was it Chong?) tried to learn the intro, one note at a time. It took them 6 months!

andrew king

When I came to america I had a friend who was a "deadhead" He traveled around the country to grateful dead concerts . Now I understand why.Best cover of Johhny b goode ever. Would LOVE to see a video.

Marcus Colelli

This is by far the best cover to this song ever

Thomas Syverson

Classic song by the GOAT.Probably the only thing I can play just like Phil.Love it now and forever.

robert coutoumas

Hard to top this ..Chuck had a big influence on Jerry..spectacular cover!

Ronald Morris

Yes when they were at thier roots they hoped to b as good as chuck..think they surpassed thier goal

Eric Steger

This cover rocks!

Jamieson Fletcher

YES THIS IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL VERSION! it's been too long, thank you so much

Denny Wolfe

This is the version I learned the song from, though I undoubtedly heard Hendrix version first.

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