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 blues-man with a walking cane We 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
Whoa, 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, mhm
She said, “Hallelu, Hallelu, Lord”

Then she began to shout, this is what she said
I do not play no rock and roll
Would not be moved to sell my soul
The demons are out tonight
Rock you sinners
Whoa, 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 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
Whoa, the demons are out tonight
Roll you sinners
Straight down the line