About the song
Chuck Berry and the Rock and Roll Revolution
Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” is a rock and roll song that was released in 1956. The song is a declaration of the arrival of a new musical era, with Berry proclaiming that rock and roll is here to stay and that even the great Beethoven must “roll over” to make way for it.
The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, with Berry using vivid imagery and playful rhymes to convey his message. The song’s music is also catchy and memorable, with Berry’s signature guitar riff driving the song forward.
“Roll Over Beethoven” was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Berry’s songwriting and performance.
“Roll Over Beethoven” is considered to be one of the most important rock and roll songs of all time. The song has been covered by many artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. It has also been featured in many films and television shows.
The song’s significance is twofold. First, it helped to popularize rock and roll music and make it a mainstream genre. Second, it helped to establish Chuck Berry as one of the most important and influential figures in rock and roll history.
The Song’s Impact
“Roll Over Beethoven” had a profound impact on popular music. The song’s success helped to open the door for other rock and roll artists, and it inspired a generation of musicians to take up the guitar and start their own bands.
The song also had a significant impact on American culture. It helped to usher in a new era of youth culture, and it gave voice to a generation of teenagers who were looking for something new and exciting.
“Roll Over Beethoven” is a true rock and roll anthem. It is a song that celebrates the power of music and the spirit of rebellion. It is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and entertain people all over the world.
Chuck Berry’s Legacy
Chuck Berry was a true pioneer of rock and roll music. He was a master songwriter, a gifted guitarist, and a charismatic performer. His music helped to shape the sound of rock and roll, and his influence can still be heard in the music of countless artists today.
Berry was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1926. He began playing guitar at an early age, and he was influenced by a variety of musical genres, including blues, country, and jazz. In the early 1950s, he began writing and performing his own songs, and he quickly developed a unique style that combined elements of all of his musical influences.
In 1955, Berry released his first single, “Maybellene.” The song was a huge success, and it helped to launch Berry’s career as a rock and roll star. Over the next few years, he released a string of hit singles, including “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Sweet Little Sixteen.”
Berry’s music was characterized by its catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and clever lyrics. He was also a gifted guitarist, and his playing was often imitated by other musicians. Berry’s style was highly influential, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the development of rock and roll music.
Berry continued to perform and record throughout his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. He died in 2017 at the age of 90.
Berry’s legacy is immense. He was a true pioneer of rock and roll music, and his influence can still be heard in the music of countless artists today. His songs are timeless classics, and they continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world.
Video
Lyrics
“Roll Over Beethoven”
Well I’m-a write a little letter
I’m gonna mail it to my local D.J.
Yes, it’s a jumpin’ little record
I want my jockey to play
Roll over Beethoven
I gotta hear it again todayYou know my temperature risin’
And the jukebox blowin’ a fuse
My heart beatin’ rhythm
And my soul keep a-singing the blues
Roll over Beethoven
And tell Tchaikovsky the newsI got the rockin’ pneumonia
I need a shot of rhythm and blues
I caught the rollin’ arthritis
Sittin’ down at a rhythm review
Roll over Beethoven
They rockin’ in two by twoWell if you feel it and like it
Go get your lover then reel and rock it
Roll it over then move on up just a trifle further
Then reel and rock with one another
Roll over Beethoven
And dig these rhythm and bluesWell early in the mornin’
And I’m givin’ you my warnin’
Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes
Hey diddle-diddle, I’m-a play my fiddle
Ain’t got nothing to lose
Roll over Beethoven
And tell Tchaikovsky the newsYou know she wiggle like a glow worm
Dance like a spinnin’ top
She got a crazy partner
You oughta see him reel and rock
Long as she got a dime
The music won’t never stopRoll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
And dig these rhythm and blues