At first when I heard of some people who say
That the old-time religion is real
I said I'll go down, take a look at the crowd
For it's just a weak mind that I feel

I walked up the steps and I peeked in at the door
The Devil said don't you go in
I said It won't hurt me, I'll just step inside
And sit as far back as I can

They sang like they meant it with all of their hearts
I said it's emotion, that's all
When they get down to pray I'll just get up and leave
I don't want to be seen here at all

The preacher got up and he started to preach
As He looked right straight down at me
He told everybody just how mean that I was
He didn't talk like He thought so much of me

But something got a hold of me
Yes something got a hold of me
I went there to fight but oh my that night
God certainly got hold of me

I sat in my seat just a-thinking it o'er
And then they all started to pray
The fire fell from Heaven, I knelt to the floor
I prayed there as God had His way
At last now I know that I don't need to doubt
I got an experience that night
I'll never forget it as long as I live
I found that salvation is right

Yes something got a hold of me
Yes something got a hold of me
I went there to fight but oh my that night
God certainly got hold of me