Sister Rosetta

Sister Rosetta, godmother of rock and roll

The original sister of soul, all our music was in her

She brought rhythm from the darkness into the light

She brought the good word to the night

To save all our sinners

Rosetta rolled her eyes when she played

She knew that strange things happen every day

And that the white boy hype would eventually fade

But the way that she played would remain

New York City, it was 1938

The radio couldn't wait for Rosetta to rock it

Instant sensation, a little Elvis, Chuck, and Johnny at home

Heard her on the gramophone and they wouldn't forget it

Rosetta rolled her eyes when she played

She knew that strange things happen every day

And that the white boy hype would eventually fade

But the way that she played would remain

Rosetta's in the hall of fame

Don't let her be forgotten in a church in Arkansas

Remember her teaching the cotton club the glory of the Lord

Don't let her be forgotten, Rosetta deserves more

Remember her teaching a nation

On a train platform in England in 1964

Sister Rosetta, so the bright lights fade away

She saw out the last of her days in the suburbs of Philly

Down by the river, she still heard music in the air

Up above her head and everywhere

On a train bound for glory

Rosetta rolled her eyes when she played

She knew that strange things happen every day

And that the white boy hype would eventually fade

But the way that she played would remain

Rosetta rolled her eyes when she played

She knew that strange things happen every day

And that the white boy hype would eventually fade

But the way that she played would remain

Rosetta's in the hall of fame

Rosetta's in the hall of fame

Rosetta's in the hall of fame