You Can't Judge a Book

Bo Diddley

About You Can't Judge a Book

"You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover" is a 1962 song by rock and roll pioneer Bo Diddley. Written by Willie Dixon, the song was one of Diddley's last record chart hits. Unlike many of his well-known songs, "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover" does not rely on the Bo Diddley beat. A variety of rock and other performers have recorded renditions of the song.


Year:
2011
3:56
23 
#1

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You can't judge an apple by looking at a tree,
You can't judge honey by looking at the bee,
You can't judge a daughter by looking at the mother,
You can't judge a book by looking at the cover
Oh can't you see,
Oh you misjudge me,
I look like a farmer,
But I'm a lover,
You can't judge a book by looking at the cover
Oh come on in closer baby,
Hear what else I gotta say!
You got your radio turned down too low,
Turn it up!
You can't judge sugar by looking at the cane,
You can't judge a woman by looking at her man,
You can't judge a sister by looking at her brother,
You can't judge a book by looking at the cover
Oh can't you see,
Oh you misjudge me,
I look like a farmer,
But I'm a Lover,
You can't judge a book by looking at the cover
You can't judge a fish by lookin' in the pond,
You can't judge right from looking at the wrong,
You can't judge one by looking at the other,
You can't judge a book by looking at the cover
Oh can't you see,
Oh you misjudge me,
I look like a farmer,
But I'm a lover,
You can't judge a book by looking at the cover

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Bo Diddley

Ellas Otha Bates (December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known by his stage name Bo Diddley, was an American rhythm and blues vocalist, guitarist, songwriter (usually as Ellas McDaniel), and rock and roll pioneer. He was also known as The Originator because of his key role in the transition from the blues to rock, influencing a host of acts, including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Velvet Underground, The Who, The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton,Elvis Presley,The Beatles, and George Michael, among others. He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and a hard-edged electric guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs, along with African rhythms and a signature beat (a simple, five-accent rhythm) that remains a cornerstone of rock and pop. Accord… more »

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Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Originality
"You Can't Judge a Book" by Bo Diddley was released as a single in 1962 and was one of his most popular tunes. It carries the characteristic rhythm and punchy vocal delivery that Diddley is known for.
Songwriter & Composer
The song was composed by Willie Dixon, a prolific blues songwriter, and producer from Chicago. Dixon is famous for writing many other well-known blues songs.
Chart Performance
Despite not being his most popular song, “You Can't Judge a Book” by Bo Diddley reached number thirty-three on the R&B charts and number forty-eight on the Pop charts in the United States.
Song Interpretation
The song carries a powerful underlying message that a person’s worth cannot be judged merely from his or her outer appearance.
Genre
This song falls under the R&B, Rock & Roll, and Blues genres, making it a perfect blend of powerful and energy-filled music styles.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "You Can't Judge a Book" since its release, including big names like The Yardbirds, The Strypes, Eric Clapton, and Dion. This shows how influential and popular Bo Diddley's music is amongst musicians.
Lyric Inspiration
The title of the song stems from the well-known proverb, "You can't judge a book by its cover," emphasizing the same philosophy in its lyrics.
Record Label
The song was released under the Chess Records label, a renowned American record label known for producing blues and rhythm and blues music.
Music Video
Despite the music video scenography being pretty simple – mostly shots of Bo Diddley performing – it perfectly stages the essence of the song and the artist's charisma.
Inclusion in Album
"You Can't Judge a Book" was included in Bo Diddley's compilation album "His Best," released in 1997.
Recognition
The song is still well recognized and praised today, demonstrating Bo Diddley's lasting impact on the music world.

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