About the song
Chuck Berry: The Man and His Music
If you were to compile a list of songs that have shaped the course of rock and roll, Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” would undoubtedly be near the top. Released in 1958, this iconic tune has transcended generations and continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. But what makes this song so special?
At its core, “Johnny B. Goode” is a celebration of the American Dream. It tells the story of a young man from a small town who dreams of making it big as a rock and roll star. The lyrics are simple and straightforward, yet they paint a vivid picture of a hardworking and ambitious individual. Berry’s ability to connect with his audience on such a personal level is one of the reasons why his music has endured.
Beyond its relatable theme, “Johnny B. Goode” is also notable for its innovative guitar playing. Berry’s signature Chuck Berry shuffle rhythm has become a staple of rock and roll guitar playing. The song’s energetic and upbeat tempo, combined with Berry’s distinctive vocal style, creates a sound that is both timeless and instantly recognizable.
But perhaps the most enduring legacy of “Johnny B. Goode” is its cultural significance. The song has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it was even played aboard the Voyager 1 spacecraft as a message to any extraterrestrial life that might encounter it. In 1986, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless II played the song on a spacewalk, making it the first rock and roll song to be performed in space.
In conclusion, “Johnny B. Goode” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has shaped the way we think about music. Chuck Berry’s ability to capture the essence of the American spirit and his innovative approach to guitar playing have made this song a timeless classic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of rock and roll or simply looking for a great tune to listen to, “Johnny B. Goode” is sure to please.
Video
Lyrics
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-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
