Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode

About the Song

Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” is one of the most iconic and influential rock and roll songs of all time. Released in 1958, it was a hit on both the R&B and pop charts, and it has been covered by countless artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix.

The song tells the story of a young boy named Johnny who comes from a poor family in the country. He has a natural talent for playing the guitar, and he dreams of becoming a rock and roll star. One day, Johnny is discovered by a talent scout, and he is whisked away to the big city.

The song is a celebration of the American dream, and it is a testament to the power of music to change lives. It is also a groundbreaking piece of music, and it helped to shape the sound of rock and roll.

Musically, “Johnny B. Goode” is a classic rock and roll song. It is in the key of E minor, and it has a driving rhythm that is perfect for dancing. The song features a signature guitar riff that is one of the most recognizable in rock history.

The lyrics of “Johnny B. Goode” are simple but effective. They tell a relatable story about a young person with big dreams. The song is full of hope and optimism, and it inspires listeners to follow their own dreams.

“Johnny B. Goode” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a song that is sure to continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Here are some specific details about the song that I would include in a more in-depth analysis:

• The guitar riff is a twelve-bar blues progression that is played in a syncopated rhythm. It is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in all of rock and roll.
• The lyrics are full of vivid imagery, such as the description of Johnny’s guitar “talkin’ to me.” This imagery helps to create a sense of excitement and anticipation.
• The song’s message of hope and optimism is universal. It is a message that can resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.

“Johnny B. Goode” is a groundbreaking song that has had a profound impact on the world of music. It is a song that is sure to continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Video

Lyrics

“Johnny B. Goode”

 

Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
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-ringing 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 engineer would see him sittin’ in the shade
Strummin’ with the rhythm that the drivers made
The people passing by, they would stop and say
“Oh my, but 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 ol’ band
Many people comin’ from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name’ll be in lights
Sayin’ ‘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!