[Verse 1]
I found myself lying on the balcony
Stripling terror, naked to the bone;
The secret asteroid jungle nearly done for me –
I saw it all just a moment ago

[Chorus]
I know I'd better watch out
For the Central Hotel...
I'm not going back

[Verse 2]
Repetition, superstition, singularity
Though every cell in the body has changed
The walls move in well-accustomed hilarity –
The circuit changes, but the joke stays the same

[Chorus]
I know I'd better watch out
For the Central Hotel
I think I'd better get out
I'm not feeling so well
And I won't be going back
Not if I can help it

[Post-Chorus]
I can't help it, I can't help it
If I still am what I was;
I can't help it, I can't help it
I can't stop the therefore because I can't help it
The grace of God shows I'll be going on
I'll be coming back
[Saxophone Solo]

[Verse]
I know nothing of the miles of the marathon
I hear nothing of the footfall behind
I search for rhythm and I find that I haven't one (I search for rhythm and I find that I haven't one)
Slow motion in the runner's mind

[Chorus]
I know I'd better watch out
For the Central Hotel
I think I'd better get out
I'm not feeling so well
I know I'd better check out
But anyone here can tell
I'll be coming back, I'll be back

[Outro]
I'm the Central Hotel
I'm the Central Hotel
I'm the Central Hotel