About the song
Background
- Release: “Carol” appeared on Chuck Berry’s 1958 album Chuck Berry is on Top and also as a single.
- Inspiration: While the “Carol” in the song could be a particular person, Berry was known to use names that sounded catchy rather than having specific real-world figures in mind.
- Legacy: “Carol” is a rock and roll archetype, influencing countless bands with its energetic guitar riffs and youthful spirit.
Themes
- Teenage Enthusiasm: The song primarily captures the infectious energy of a teenager excited about cars, music, and dancing. It’s a celebration of classic teenage fun.
- Pursuit: There’s an element of a young guy trying to impress and win over a girl (“Carol”). He boasts about his car and his dancing skills in hopes of winning her over.
- The Power of Music: The music scene is depicted as thrilling and central to the teenage social experience.
Overall
“Carol” is a pure dose of rock and roll nostalgia. It celebrates youthful exuberance, the thrill of dancing, and the simple joy of pursuing a crush. It’s one of Chuck Berry’s most iconic songs, helping solidify the fundamental sound of this entire genre of music.
Video
Lyrics
Oh Carol, don’t let him steal your heart awayI’m gonna learn to dance if it takes me all night and day
Climb into my machine so we can cruise on outI know a swingin’ little joint where we can jump and shoutIt’s not too far back off the highway, not so long a rideYou park your car out in the open, you can walk insideA little cutie takes your hat and you can thank her, ma’amEvery time you make the scene you find the joint is jammed
Oh Carol, don’t let him steal your heart awayI’m gonna learn to dance if it takes me all night and day
And if you wanna hear some music like the boys are playin’Hold tight, pat your foot, don’t let ’em carry it awayDon’t let the heat overcome you when they play so loudOh, don’t the music intrigue you when they get a crowdIf you can’t dance, I know you wish you couldI got my eyes on you baby, ’cause you dance so good
Oh Carol, don’t let him steal your heart awayI’m gonna learn to dance if it takes me all night and day
Don’t let him steal your heart awayI’ve got to learn to dance if it takes you all night and dayOh Carol