About the song
“Johnny B. Goode,” penned and performed by the legendary Chuck Berry in 1958, stands as an enduring anthem of rock and roll. Released as a single that year, it quickly became a defining song of its era, blending Berry’s charismatic vocals with his iconic guitar riffs that have since become emblematic of the genre.
The song’s narrative centers on Johnny, a “country boy” with aspirations of becoming a guitar-playing star. Berry drew inspiration from his own experiences and those around him, crafting lyrics that spoke to the universal dreams of fame and recognition. Originally written in 1955, Berry initially referred to Johnny as a “colored boy,” a reflection of the racial dynamics of the time, but changed it to “country boy” to ensure broader radio airplay.
Musically, “Johnny B. Goode” showcases Berry’s innovative guitar style, highlighted by a memorable opening riff that captivates listeners from the first note. The composition itself was noted for its incorporation of piano-like chords, a unique approach that guitarist Keith Richards later highlighted as distinguishing it from typical guitar-centric songs of the era.
Recorded at Chess Records’ studio in Chicago, Illinois, the session featured a stellar lineup with Lafayette Leake on piano, Willie Dixon on bass, and Fred Below on drums, under the meticulous production of Leonard and Phil Chess. This collaboration resulted in a track that not only captured the raw energy of Berry’s live performances but also elevated him to a new level of recognition in the music industry.
“Johnny B. Goode” didn’t just resonate with audiences upon its release; it has endured through decades, influencing countless musicians and earning accolades such as its ranking on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Its universal appeal is underscored by its inclusion on the Voyager Golden Record, a testament to its status as a cultural touchstone that represents the best of American rock music.
Covered by numerous artists over the years, “Johnny B. Goode” remains a classic in every sense, celebrated for its catchy melodies, spirited lyrics, and Chuck Berry’s unparalleled guitar prowess. As a testament to Berry’s enduring legacy, the song continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, ensuring its place among the greatest songs in the history of popular music.
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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