The Man And The Donkey
Chuck Berry · Other Songs - Chuck Berry
Down the road came a tired little donkey,
Much he was loaded till his head hung down.
Upon this back so heavy set a big man,
Singin' such a sad song
As he rode into town.
And the man, the man sing to the donkey,
But he sing such a sad song, and the guitar he broke.
The donkey stop, the man he reach to get a big jug,
Him and the donkey take a sip o' the drink.
Down the road, oh the dancing donkey,
Head swingin' so high, all the pain now gone.
The man he sing, some song was a gay song,
And the little donkey kept a-dancin' on.
Down the road was the man and the donkey,
So good feel the donkey, so gay was the man.
How plain when the wind blow was the sound of the gay song,
When the man and the donkey kept a-movin' on down the road.
The Man And The Donkey
Chuck Berry's "The Man And The Donkey" stands as a quintessential example of his early rock and roll mastery, blending rhythmic guitar work with a narrative driven by social commentary. Recorded during the height of his career on Chess Records, the track exemplifies Berry's signature style, where he juxtaposes the mundane struggles of working-class life with the energy of the dance floor. The song's structure, featuring a driving beat and a memorable chorus, reflects the era's transition from rhythm and blues to the emerging rock sound that would define the decade. It remains a staple of his discography, showcasing his ability to craft relatable stories that resonated deeply with audiences while establishing the template for countless future rock anthems.