"Three Chords" lyrics

Grandpa 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!