About The Song
Title: Johnny B. Goode
Artist: Chuck Berry
Album: Chuck Berry Is on Top (1959)
Release Date: March 1958
Writer: Chuck Berry
Key Themes: “Johnny B. Goode” is a rock and roll anthem that tells the story of a young, talented guitar player from a humble background. The lyrics celebrate Johnny’s musical prowess and predict his future success, embodying the aspirations of many young rock and roll musicians of the era. The song is often considered a tribute to the spirit of early rock and roll and the potential for success through musical talent.
Musical Style: Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” is a quintessential rock and roll composition with a distinctive guitar riff that has become iconic. The song features energetic vocals by Berry, accompanied by his signature guitar playing. The blend of blues, country, and rhythm and blues elements in the music contributed to the song’s innovative sound.
Cultural Impact: “Johnny B. Goode” is not only one of Chuck Berry’s most famous songs but also a pivotal track in the history of rock and roll. It reached widespread popularity and is often cited as one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time. The song’s influence extended beyond its initial release, becoming a symbol of the rock and roll movement and inspiring countless musicians across genres.
Legacy: The legacy of “Johnny B. Goode” is immense. It has been covered by numerous artists, featured in various films and television shows, and is a staple in the rock and roll repertoire. Chuck Berry’s dynamic storytelling and guitar skills in this song continue to resonate with audiences, making “Johnny B. Goode” a timeless classic in the history of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
”Johnny B. Goode ”
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play a guitar just like a-ringin’ a bell
Go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
The people passing by they would stop and say
“Oh my what that little country boy could play”
Go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Go Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode
His mother told him “someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying “Johnny B. Goode tonight”
Go, go
Go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go, go, go Johnny, go
Go
Johnny B. Goode