At first when I heard of some people who say That ole 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 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 won't 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 ev'rybody just how mean I was 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 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