I lit another cigarette

She did a little pirouette

No friend of mine - a dollar's fine

A cruel world - when you cross this line



The masquerade is over

The mask - it fades away

Like a backstreet loner

No need to be afraid



In Johnny Nofinger's bar

I travelled so far

I've been to all those places



Just a shot on the bar

A cheap cigar

And all the dead-eyed faces



Hold down the fever

Don't you cross the line

Hold down the fever

Stop yourself in time



Never step on the ride

Just take my advice

I've suffered all the seasons



Feel it coming again

I paid the price

There's no rhyme - no reason



Hold down the fever, ...



When masquerades are over

The show will fade away

You'll be a backstreet loner

You better be afraid



Hold down the fever, ...