About the Song
Chuck Berry’s “Maybellene” is often hailed as one of the first true rock and roll records. This groundbreaking song laid the foundation for the genre, blending elements of rhythm and blues, country music, and jazz into a fresh and exciting sound.
Berry’s storytelling ability shines through in the lyrics, as he weaves a tale of romantic rivalry and youthful exuberance. The song’s narrative, coupled with its infectious energy, resonated with a young audience eager for something new and exciting.
Musically, “Maybellene” is a tour de force. The driving rhythm, coupled with Berry’s innovative guitar riffs and Chuck Johnson’s energetic piano playing, created a sound that was both familiar and revolutionary. The song’s structure, with its call-and-response vocals and catchy melodies, became a blueprint for countless rock and roll hits to follow.
Beyond its musical brilliance, “Maybellene” had a profound impact on popular culture. It helped to break down racial barriers and introduced rock and roll to a mainstream audience. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
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Lyrics: “Maybellene”
Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started doin’ the things you used to doAs I was motorvatin’ over the hill
I saw Maybellene in a Coupe de Ville
A Cadillac a-rollin’ on the open road
Nothin’ will outrun my V8 Ford
The Cadillac doin’ about ninety-five
She’s bumper to bumper, rollin’ side by sideMaybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started back doin’ the things you used to doThe Cadillac pulled up to a hundred and four
The Ford got hot and wouldn’t do no more
It then got cloudy and started to rain
I tooted my horn for the passin’ lane
The rainwater blowin’ all under my hood
I know that I was doin’ my motor goodMaybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started back doin’ the things you used to do[Solo guitar]
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started back doin’ the things you used to doThe motor cooled down, the heat went down
And that’s when I heard that highway sound
The Cadillac a-sittin’ like a ton of lead
A hundred and ten half a mile ahead
The Cadillac lookin’ like it’s sittin’ still
And I caught Mabellene at the top of the hillMaybellene, why can’t you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can’t you be true?
You done started back doin’ the things you used to do