About the song
“Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry is a classic rock and roll anthem that has stood the test of time, captivating listeners of all ages with its energetic rhythm and catchy guitar riffs. Written and performed by the legendary Chuck Berry, the song was first released as a single in March 1958 and later featured on his album “Chuck Berry Is on Top” in 1959. Berry, often hailed as one of the pioneers of rock and roll, crafted “Johnny B. Goode” to tell the semi-autobiographical story of a young boy from humble beginnings who dreams of achieving greatness with his guitar-playing skills.
The song’s narrative about Johnny, a poor country boy who becomes a celebrated musician, resonates with many for its themes of aspiration and perseverance. Berry’s guitar work on “Johnny B. Goode” is particularly notable; the opening riff is one of the most recognizable in rock music history. The song was a commercial success and reached number 2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Sides chart and number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Johnny B. Goode” has left an indelible mark on the music industry. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, and its influence can be seen in countless rock and roll songs that followed. The song’s iconic status was further cemented when it was included on the “Golden Record” sent into space aboard the Voyager spacecraft in 1977, chosen to represent the diversity of Earth’s music to any potential extraterrestrial listeners.
Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural milestone that captures the spirit of rock and roll and the power of music to inspire and transcend boundaries. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Berry’s work, “Johnny B. Goode” remains a timeless piece that continues to excite and inspire generations.
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