Chuck Berry – Roll Over Beethoven

I'm gonna write a little letter
Gonna mail it to my local DJ
It's a rockin' rhythm record
I want my jockey to play
Roll over Beethoven, I gotta hear it again today

You know, my temperature's risin'
And the jukebox blows a fuse
My heart's beatin' rhythm
And my soul keeps on singin' the blues
Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news

I got the rockin' pneumonia,
I need a shot of rhythm and blues
I think I'm rollin' arthritis
Sittin' down by the rhythm review
Roll over Beethoven rockin' in two by two

Well, if you feel you like it
Go get your lover, then reel and rock it
Roll it over and move on up just
A trifle further and reel and rock it
Roll it over
Roll over Beethoven rockin' in two by two

Well, early in the mornin' I'm a-givin' you a warnin'
Don't you step on my blue suede shoes
Hey diddle diddle, I am playin' my fiddle
Ain't got nothin' to lose
Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news

You know she wiggles like a glow worm
Dance like a spinnin' top
She got a crazy partner
Oughta see 'em reel and rock
Long as she got a dime the music will never stop

Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven
Roll over Beethoven and dig these rhythm and blues


Lyrics submitted by Babi

"Roll Over Beethoven" as written by Chuck Berry

Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP

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Roll Over Beethoven song meanings
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10 Comments

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  • +1
    General CommentChuck Berry telling the world that classical music is dead, and that people are gonna be listning to his Rock'n'roll now rather than that Beathoven nonsence.

    Also inspired by the fact that as a child he didnt get a chance to show off his musical ability, as his sister was always playing classical music on the Piano. He wanted his turn!
    Comrade_Liaron March 06, 2005   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • 0
    General Commentwhenever i hear this song im reminded of that crappy movie...what a shame.
    cactustreeon December 21, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Commentand your point is?
    THis guy is massively cool. He is his own man in all these early songs. What a talent unparalleled.
    quilceneon August 11, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Commenti think people don't give enough credit to chuck berry, he practically invented rock and roll. And this song is amazing, it has all you need in a real rock&roll song.
    ramones8on November 03, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General CommentPerfect example of a Berry lyric that flows with the beat. The third verse is pure genius.
    Muggeron November 21, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General CommentIf Berry were a white man, we would never have heard of Elvis.
    The_Roveron April 10, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThis is a great song. Nobody comments much on people like chuck berry but he was so important for music. Thats what this songs about, music beginning to change with the birth of rock and roll in the 50's. This guy heavily influenced The Beatles and look how much they influenced music even to today.
    The lyrics in this song are amazing: 'I got the rockin' pneumonia, I need a shot of rythmn and blues'. Thats genius!
    Roll over Beethoven and tell Tschaikowsky the news. Amazing!
    Mr_Soulon April 11, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentBetter than Johnny B. Goode, in my opinion.
    violet skyon May 11, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentIf you listen very closely to the verse after the guitar solo, "Well, early in the mornin'" is actually a mistake. Chuck starts singing "Roll Over Beethoven" again. He says "Roll O...early in the morning..." He catches himself and corrects it which makes this even more of a classic if not one of the best ever Rock & Roll songs written.
    The_Roveron September 06, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThe one the greatest and most influential piece of art.
    No wonder they call him the father of Rock 'n roll.
    Husseinon March 13, 2009   Link

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