I wasn't there (I wasn't there)
When I was needed (I wasn't there)
I was out on the road
Playing with my rock and roll band (I wasn't there)
I should have been right by her side
Like a good man ought to be
But this rock'n'roll music sure gotta hold on me

I wasn't there (I wasn't there)
When my shack was burning (I wasn't there)
I was out on the road playing with my rock'n'roll band (I wasn't there)
While someone else put out the fire
I was wailing my guitar
Somehow this rock'n'roll music sure got a hold on me

Somewhere I know, I sold my soul
Sold it to the devil or the king of rock'n'roll
Once I found out, what the music was all about
Picked up my baggage
And I joined in a big rock show
I knew that I had to go

I wasn't there (I wasn't there)
There for my wedding (I wasn't there)
I was back on the road
Playing with my rock and roll band (I wasn't there)
But when I came off stage that night
I found her waiting patiently, good girl
She knows that rock'n'roll music sure got a hold
Rock'n'roll music sure got a hold
She knows that rock'n'roll music sure got a hold on me