Straight Down the Line

From the Chitlin' Circuit to the Peppermint Lounge

Been run off more than once for going underground

Where I met an old bluesman with a walking cane

He wore a striped suit and used someone else's name

He said, son, I've seen it all and it's not what you think

Mmm-mmm

He said, there's some tough choices to be made

Then he took a little drink

And I heard him say

I do not play no rock and roll

Would not be moved to sell my soul

The demons are out tonight

Rock you sinners

Mmm-hmm

Oh, the demons are out tonight

Roll you sinners

Straight down the line

I passed an old church on my way back east

I heard a Gospel choir singing of war and peace

I was deeply moved so I stepped inside

I just stood in the back where I could easily hide

A woman in a black robe stood up and pointed me out

Mmm-hmm

She said, hallelu-, hallelu-, Lord

Then she began to shout

This is what she said

I do not play no rock and roll

I would not be moved to sell my soul

The demons are out tonight

Rock you sinner

Mmm-hmm

Oh, the demons are out tonight

Roll you sinner

Straight down the line

Now he could croon a tune as good as anyone

And if he sings a song, then that song been sung

Now some things got tradition

Some shine like new

And some things you can't change no matter what you do

He said, my friend, I've done it all

Either for love or money

And if I laugh at your jokes

Oh, that means his jokes are funny

And one more thing

I do not play no rock and roll

Would not be moved to sell my soul

The demons are out tonight

Rock you sinners

Mmm-hmm

Oh, the demons are out tonight

Roll you sinners

Straight down the line