[Verse 1]
When first I heard of the people who claim
This old-time religion was real
I says I'll go down, take a look at the crowd
It's just the weak-minded, I feel

[Chorus]
But something got a hold of me
Yes, something got a hold of me
I went there to fight, but on that night
There's something got a hold of me

[Verse 2]
I walked right down, peeped in at the door
And the Devil says, don't you go in
I says I'll go in, for that will not hurt
And sit as far back as I can

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
About that time he got up to preach
And he looked right down upon me
He told everybody how mean I had been
Don't think he thought much of me
[Chorus]

[Verse 4]
They sing and shout and they all clasp their hands
And they all got down on their knees
When the fire fell from heaven it fell upon me
And then I fell to the floor

[Chorus]

[Verse 5]
So now I've learnt and no need to doubt
That the old-time religion is real
I have a spirit I'll never forget
That something got a hold of me

[Chorus]