"Come Back Jonee" is a lyrical deconstruction of "Johnny B. Goode," a rock'n'roll classic by Chuck Berry. The original holds a very straight focus, about a boy who everyone knows will one day go far because he's so good on his guitar. The Devo song tips that song onto its side and scoops out its belly, delving into Johnny's other potential issues. It explores the idea that he's in a failing relationship and can't live up to other expectations in life, and that his obsession with his guitar ends up costing him everything else.
"Come Back Jonee" is a lyrical deconstruction of "Johnny B. Goode," a rock'n'roll classic by Chuck Berry. The original holds a very straight focus, about a boy who everyone knows will one day go far because he's so good on his guitar. The Devo song tips that song onto its side and scoops out its belly, delving into Johnny's other potential issues. It explores the idea that he's in a failing relationship and can't live up to other expectations in life, and that his obsession with his guitar ends up costing him everything else.