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