About the song
“Sweet Little Sixteen” is a seminal rock and roll anthem written and originally recorded by Chuck Berry, released as a single in January 1958. This iconic track showcases Berry’s distinctive guitar style and storytelling prowess, capturing the essence of teenage culture and the excitement of rock and roll in the 1950s.
The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B Best Sellers chart, solidifying Chuck Berry’s status as a pioneering figure in rock music. In the United Kingdom, “Sweet Little Sixteen” peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart, further cementing its global impact.
What sets “Sweet Little Sixteen” apart is its infectious melody and Berry’s skillful lyrics that vividly depict the life and dreams of a typical American teenager. The song resonates with themes of youth, freedom, and the universal desire for excitement and adventure.
Chuck Berry’s performance of “Sweet Little Sixteen” at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958 was immortalized in the documentary film “Jazz on a Summer’s Day,” showcasing his electrifying stage presence and the song’s enduring appeal. Berry’s influence on rock and roll extended beyond his own recordings; his innovative guitar riffs and lyrical style inspired countless musicians who followed.
Interestingly, “Sweet Little Sixteen” also played a significant role in the Beach Boys’ 1963 hit “Surfin’ U.S.A.” Brian Wilson, inspired by Berry’s melody, wrote new lyrics that celebrated American surfing culture. However, due to legal pressures from Berry’s publisher, Arc Music gained the copyright to “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” attributing both the music and Brian Wilson’s lyrics to Chuck Berry.
Rolling Stone magazine recognized the song’s cultural impact by ranking it number 272 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004, underscoring its enduring popularity and influence in the realm of rock music history.
“Sweet Little Sixteen” remains a timeless classic, cherished for its vibrant energy, memorable lyrics, and Chuck Berry’s lasting contribution to the evolution of rock and roll.
Video
Lyrics
They’re really rockin’ in Boston
In Pittsburgh, P.A.
Deep in the heart of Texas
And ’round the Frisco Bay
All over St. Louis
And down in New Orleans
All the cats are gonna dance with
Sweet Little Sixteen
Sweet Little Sixteen
She’s just got to have
About half a million
Framed autographs
Her wallet’s filled with pictures
She gets ’em one by one
Become so excited
Watch her look at her run, boy
Oh, mommy, mommy
Please, may I go?
It’s such a sight to see
Somebody steal the show
Oh, daddy, daddy
I beg of you
Whisper to mommy
It’s all right with you
‘Cause they’ll be rockin’ on Bandstand
In Philadelphia, P.A.
Deep in the heart of Texas
And ’round the Frisco Bay
All over St. Louis
Way down in New Orleans
All the cats wanna dance with
Sweet Little Sixteen
‘Cause they’ll be rockin’ on Bandstand
In Philadelphia, P.A.
Deep in the heart of Texas
And ’round the Frisco Bay
All over St. Louis
Way down in New Orleans
All the cats wanna dance with, oo!
Sweet Little Sixteen
Sweet Little Sixteen
She’s got the grown-up blues
Tight dresses and lipstick
She sportin’ high heeled shoes
Oh, but tomorrow morning
She’ll have to change her trend
And be sweet sixteen
And back in class again
But they’ll be rockin’ in Boston
In Pittsburgh, P.A.
Deep in the heart of Texas
And ’round the Frisco Bay
Way out in St. Louis
Way down in New Orleans
All the cats wanna dance with
Sweet Little Sixteen