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 be good Who never ever learned to read or write so well But he could play the guitar just like ringin a bell
Chorus Go, go, go jonny go go go johnny go go go johnny go go go johnny go go go, johnny be good
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack Or sit beneath the tree by the railroad track O the engineer would see him sitting in the shade Strummin' to the rhythm that the driver made People passing by they'd stop and say Oh my but that little country boy can play
Chorus
His mama told him some day you will be a man And you will be the leader of a big old band Many people coming from miles around And hear you play your music till the sun goes down Maybe someday your name gonna be in lights Sayin' jonny be good tonight