No Money Down

Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley

About No Money Down

"No Money Down" is a song written and recorded by Chuck Berry in December 1955. The recording session was organized by Chess Records following the success of "Maybellene" and "Wee Wee Hours" singles the same year. "No Money Down" was first released as a single in January 1956, with "Down Bound Train" on the B-side, reaching number 8 in the Billboard R&B chart. The song was later included into Chuck Berry's 1957 album After School Session. "No Money Down" features a repeating stop-time riff similar to the one that had previously appeared in Willie Dixon's "Hoochie Coochie Man", Bo Diddley's "I'm a Man" and Muddy Waters's "Mannish Boy". It tells a story, in great detail, of a man who enters a Cadillac showroom to trade in his Ford. 


Year:
2011
2:59
194 
#2

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As I was motivatin'
Back in town
I saw a Cadillac sign
Sayin' "No Money Down"
So I eased on my brakes
And I pulled in the drive
Gunned my motor twice
Then I walked inside
Dealer came to me
Said "Trade in you Ford
And I'll put you in a car
That'll eat up the road
Just tell me what you want
And then sign on that line
And I'll have it brought down to you
In a hour's time"

I'm gonna get me a car
And I'll be headed on down the road
Then I won't have to worry
About that broken down, raggedy Ford

Well Mister I want a yellow convertible
Four door de Ville
With a Continental spare
And a wide chrome wheel
I want power steering
And power brakes
I want a powerful motor
With a jet off take
I want air condition
I want automatic heat
And I want a full Murphy bed
In my back seat
I want short wave radio
I want TV and a phone
You know I gotta talk to my baby
When I'm ridin' alone"

Yes I'm gonna get that car
And I'm gonna head on down the road
Yeah, then I won't have to worry
About that broken down, raggedy Ford

I want four carburetors
And two straight exhausts
I'm burnin' aviation fuel
No matter what the cost
I want railroad air horns
And a military spark
And I want a five year guarantee
On everything I got
I want ten dollar deductible
I want twenty dollar notes
I want thirty thousand liability
That's all she wrote

I got me a car
And I'm headed on down the road
No money down
I don't have to worry
About that broken down, raggedy Ford

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Chuck Berry

Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry (born October 18, 1926) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) and "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Chuck Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive, with lyrics focusing on teen life and consumerism and utilizing guitar solos and showmanship that would be a major influence on subsequent rock music. more »

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Written by: CHUCK BERRY

Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"No Money Down" is an iconic rock song that was originally written and performed by Chuck Berry. The song was one of Berry's first hits, showcasing his unique approach to R&B.
Cover Version
Blues legend Bo Diddley, known for his "shave and a haircut" rhythm, performed a cover version of "No Money Down". It wasn't just a direct cover, but he added his own twist to the song, reflecting his distinctive style.
Release Year
Chuck Berry’s original version of "No Money Down" was released in 1955; and was included in his debut album "After School Session" in 1957. Bo Diddley's cover version of the song, included in his album "The London Bo Diddley Sessions", was released in 1973.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song "No Money Down" outline the extravagant desires of a man making a deal to purchase a Cadillac; wanting everything over the top without any intentions of a down payment.
Chart Performance
The song went on to be a big hit for Berry, peaking at number eight on the US Billboard R&B chart. It however did not chart for Bo Diddley when he released his cover version in 1973.
Influence
"No Money Down" is considered as one of many Berry songs that influenced subsequent rock music. Legendary artist such as The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen have cited Berry, and songs like "No Money Down" as major influences on their own work.
Legacy
Today, "No Money Down" is seen as a cornerstone of Rock ‘n’ Roll history. It remains one of Berry's most popular and often covered songs, solidifying its place as a classic in music history.
Genre List
"No Money Down" falls under genres such as Rhythm and Blues (R&B), Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Blues. The song has been performed many times by artists across various genres, showing its wide appeal.
Album Sales
"After School Session", the album containing "No Money Down" gathered great commercial success and is considered one of Berry's most successful albums.
Live performance
Even though "No Money Down" is not as widely recognized as Chuck Berry's other hits like "Johnny B. Goode" or "Maybellene," it was still a mainstay in his live performances.

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