Robbie Robertson Lyrics
"Straight Down The Line"

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