Straight Down The Line - Robbie Robertson

From the Chitlin' Circuit to the Peppermint Lounge

Been run off more than once for goin' underground

Where I met an old bluesman with a walking cane

He wore a stripe suit and used someone else’s name

He said son I’ve seen it all

And it’s not what you think

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

The demons are out tonight

Roll you sinners

Straight down the line

I passed an old church on my way back East

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

She said Hallelu Hallelu

Oh then she began to shout

And I heard her say

I do not play no rock and roll

I would not be moved to sell my soul

The demons are out tonight

Rock you sinners

Oh the demons are out tonight

Roll you sinners

Straight down the line

Now he could croon a tune as good as anyone

And if he sings a song then that song’s been sung

Some things have tradition, some shine like new

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

I would not be moved to sell my soul

The demons are out tonight

Rock you sinners

The demons are out tonight

Roll you sinners

Straight down the line