Three Chords

Randpa Wilbur was the first to be saved

He traveled the country playing on the church stage

They'd pass the hat, that was all he was paid

He was a dying breed long before his day

The lights came up and he brought them to tears

They'd run the aisle, talked in tongues and they cheered

They asked him how he did it, his response was the same

There was a little voice inside that kept on calling his name

That said

Give 'em three chords

And the holy ghost

They'll start a-moving

And shaking on the floor

Don't let up

When they start to sweat

They'll be dancing all night long

When revival hits

Now watch 'em dance

Go on and dance

Now Wilbur's gone and the path that he charted

Now it's up to me to carry on what he started

The message is different, but the chords are the same

Every night in the green room I hear him calling my name

He says

Give 'em three chords

And some rock 'n roll

They start a-moving

And shaking on the floor

Don't let up

When they start to dance

They'll be waving and a-clapping

And a-shaking their hands

Oh, yeah

There they go

They want to feel the rhythm

And they're ready for more

So give 'em three chords

Give 'em three more

Now watch 'em dance

Go on and dance

Go on and dance

Go on and dance

He gave 'em three chords

And the holy ghost

I give 'em rock 'n roll

Don't let up

When they start to dance

They keep moving and a-shaking

And a-waving their hands

Oh, yeah

There they go

They want to feel the rhythm

And they're ready for more

So give 'em three chords

And some rock 'n roll, yeah

Now watch 'em dance

Go watch 'em dance

Go watch 'em dance

Give 'em that organ Rodney!