Johnny B. Goode

Chuck Berry

About Johnny B. Goode

"Johnny B. Goode" is a 1958 rock-and-roll song written and first recorded by Chuck Berry. The song was a major hit, peaking at number two on Billboard magazine's Hot R&B Sides chart and number eight on its Hot 100 chart."Johnny B. Goode" is considered one of the most recognizable songs in the history of popular music. Credited as "the first rock & roll hit about rock & roll stardom", it has been recorded by many other artists and has received several honors and accolades. The song is also ranked seventh on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".  


Year:
1972
4:23
32 
#1

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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
People passing by, they would stop and say
"Oh my 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

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Chuck Berry

Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry (born October 18, 1926) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) and "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Chuck Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive, with lyrics focusing on teen life and consumerism and utilizing guitar solos and showmanship that would be a major influence on subsequent rock music. more »

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Written by: Chuck Berry

Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Johnny B. Goode" is a song by American rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry.
Song Release and Popularity
The song was first released as a single on Chess Records in 1958. - "Johnny B. Goode" is considered one of Berry's most popular and enduring songs, reaching number two on Billboard magazine's Hot R&B Sides chart and number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrics and Inspiration
The song tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a country boy from the Deep South who can play a guitar "just like ringing a bell". - The lyrics were partly inspired by his pianist, Johnnie Johnson.
Cultural Significance
"Johnny B. Goode" is often recognized as one of the most recognizable songs in the history of rock music. - The song's intro remains one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock history.
Historical Recognition
It was one of the only rock and roll songs included on the Voyager Golden Record, attached to the Voyager spacecraft as representing the best in human culture, making "Johnny B. Goode" the only rock and roll song likely to be heard by alien lifeforms.
Covers and Recognitions
The song has been covered by many artists, including The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Jimi Hendrix. - It was ranked seventh on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Film References
"Johnny B. Goode" was famously featured in the 1985 film "Back to the Future" when Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) plays it at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance.
Song Composition
Written in the key of B flat, this song is notable for its rapid-fire lyrics done in the blues theme.
Induction into Hall of Fame
"Johnny B. Goode" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing its qualitative or historical significance.
Influence
Its influence continues to be heard in rock music to this day, often referenced and used in contemporary pop culture.

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    Johnny B. Goode

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1958

    Billboard #80


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