do you smoke opium?" he said

as he opened my wallet on the street

please god please can you breathe just a little softer

It's hard enough to stand up straight cause I'm beat

don't call your girlfriend on the phone

there's lots of other numbers you can use

get this dial tone off me

let's go out and get some coffee

caffeine will make you less and less confused



I didn't want to be Chinese

I just ended up in this part of town

I'm an entertainer

and I will try to make you saner

at least turn your frown upside down

here take a look upon my face

It's dark, I know you can't see at all

but try and take some notice

at least try and focus

or else your going to stumble or even fall



CHORUS

there's one man coming from the south land

just off the new fix

the sleeve tricks

strike it up if judah sticks

the brass band

hold hands

right across the new land

have an ancient pay your rent

at least conceal your identity

cause it's cheaper when it's free

the warble in the purple

and the bubble's in trouble again



I heard there was a murder just upstairs

I saw the graffiti on the van

the tears on her cheek

they were as clean as a squeek

a crack in the window and they ran

please let me hold you by the belt the fall is at least

three stories down

It's easier I swear

comb your teeth and brush your hair

a few flights of steps and we're into town



"do you smoke opium?" he said

as he offered the back seat of a cab

If you have no quid

then don't you even make a bid

don't worry I'll just put it on your tab

the yellow of the hood began to roar

and the seat became soft or so it seemed

just press it to your skin

and let the fun begin

the music in your throat will make you scream



CHORUS



You don't know me but I'm famous

you might even like me given a chance

I'm nervous and I'm shaking

I'm toasted and I'm still baking

from this drug that gives this evening such romance



"do you smoke opium?" he said

as we walked into the early morning gray

with my hand upon his sleeve

before I took my leave

I said "no and now I'll be on my way."