About the song
“Johnny B. Goode” is more than just a rock and roll song; it’s a cultural cornerstone. Written and performed by Chuck Berry in 1958, the song became an instant sensation, captivating audiences with its infectious energy and electrifying guitar work.
The song’s success transcended racial barriers. It reached number two on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart and number eight on the Hot 100, showcasing its universal appeal. This achievement is particularly significant, as it helped pave the way for greater racial integration in popular music.
“Johnny B. Goode” isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a story. The lyrics paint a picture of a young, talented musician, Johnny B. Goode, whose skills go unrecognized. This relatable narrative resonated with aspiring musicians and anyone who ever felt underestimated.
The song’s influence extends far beyond its initial chart success. It has been covered by countless artists, from Elvis Presley and The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen. These diverse interpretations speak to the song’s timeless quality and its ability to inspire generations of musicians.
The accolades for “Johnny B. Goode” are numerous. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 7 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and number 4 on their “100 Greatest Guitar Songs” list. This recognition solidifies the song’s place in music history as a defining moment for rock and roll.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of “Johnny B. Goode’s” legacy is its inclusion on the Voyager Golden Record. Launched in 1977, this spacecraft carried a collection of human sounds and music into the vast expanse of space. “Johnny B. Goode” was chosen as a representative of rock and roll, a testament to its enduring significance.
Today, “Johnny B. Goode” remains a cherished classic. Its electrifying guitar riffs, relatable lyrics, and infectious energy continue to capture the hearts of listeners worldwide. Whether played on the radio or covered by a new generation of musicians, “Johnny B. Goode” reminds us of the enduring power of rock and roll and the legacy of Chuck Berry, a true pioneer of the genre.
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