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

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


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