Lyrics:

I school 'em every chance I get
If they don't like it they're all wet
I'm a soft-eyed lover, swing time drummer
To rhythm I was born and bred

I've followed where it's led
I've wallowed and I've bled but
All it's given is one room livin' and
Sufferin' appalling debt

As the years go by
Yeah, my insight flowers
When that nightclub saxophone
Cuts a thousand years of cigar sour

Play it, play it again, Sam
I want American music
I need American music
I love American music

Nasty rockin' on an Ozark porch
My savior rattlin' in a Baptist church
Field hand hollers, slave ship collars
I'm carrying my brother's torch

When the lights go down
And my scales stop showin'
I'll smash my fingers down
On the only truth that's still worth knowin'

Play it, play it again, Sam
I want American music
I need American music
I love American music

When the lights go down
And my scales stop showin'
I'll smash my fingers down
On the only truth that's still worth knowin'

Play it, play it again, Sam
I want American music
I need American music
I love American music