About The Song
Title: Maybellene
Artist: Chuck Berry
Release Date: 1955
Genre: Rock and Roll
Background: “Maybellene” is a rock and roll song written and recorded by Chuck Berry. It was released in 1955 and became Chuck Berry’s first single and a significant milestone in the early days of rock and roll. The song’s success helped establish Berry as a prominent figure in the genre.
Musical Style: “Maybellene” is a classic rock and roll composition characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and Berry’s distinctive vocal delivery. The song’s driving rhythm and guitar work played a crucial role in shaping the sound of rock and roll.
Lyrics: The lyrics of “Maybellene” tell a story of a race between a Ford V8 and a Cadillac Coupe DeVille. The narrative involves a romantic theme as the protagonist tries to catch his unfaithful girlfriend, Maybellene, who is riding in a Cadillac with another man.
Cultural Impact: “Maybellene” is often regarded as a groundbreaking song in the history of rock and roll. Its fusion of blues, country, and R&B elements contributed to the development of the genre and appealed to a wide audience.
Chart Performance: The song became a major hit, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1955. Its commercial success established Chuck Berry as a leading figure in the early rock and roll era.
Legacy: “Maybellene” is celebrated for its influence on the evolution of rock music. It has been covered by numerous artists, and its significance is acknowledged in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where Chuck Berry is a member.
Impact on Rock and Roll: The distinctive guitar riff in “Maybellene” is considered one of the most recognizable in the history of rock and roll. Berry’s storytelling approach and the song’s energetic sound set a precedent for future rock musicians.
In summary, “Maybellene” by Chuck Berry is a seminal rock and roll song that played a pivotal role in shaping the genre. Its combination of catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and Chuck Berry’s charismatic performance marked a turning point in the history of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
“Maybellene”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started doin’ the things you used to do
As I was motorvatin’ over the hill
I saw Maybellene in a Coupe de Ville
A Cadillac a-rollin’ on the open road
Nothin’ will outrun my V8 Ford
The Cadillac doin’ about ninety-five
She’s bumper to bumper, rollin’ side by side
Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started back doin’ the things you used to do
The Cadillac pulled up to a hundred and four
The Ford got hot and wouldn’t do no more
It then got cloudy and started to rain
I tooted my horn for the passin’ lane
The rainwater blowin’ all under my hood
I know that I was doin’ my motor good
Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started back doin’ the things you used to do
[Solo guitar]
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started back doin’ the things you used to do
The motor cooled down, the heat went down
And that’s when I heard that highway sound
The Cadillac a-sittin’ like a ton of lead
A hundred and ten half a mile ahead
The Cadillac lookin’ like it’s sittin’ still
And I caught Mabellene at the top of the hill
Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started back doin’ the things you used to do