[Verse 1]
When the red light shines
On the streets of hate
Where the devil dines
Who knows what he ate?

[Verse 2]
"It's a simple thing
Trying to stay afloat"
The captain said
Without his boat

[Verse 3]
Some things are getting better
Other things a little worse
It's a situation
Much like a curse

[Verse 4]
It's the devil's sidewalk
It's the devil's door
"I try to avoid it"
Waid the captain of the shore

[Verse 5]
There's a garden growing
And a million weeds
With no way of knowing
Who has done which deed
[Verse 6]
"That's an honest tale"
Said the helmsman to the mate
About a woman delicious
And a matter of fate

[Verse 7]
Big wheel keep rollin'
Down on me
One thing I can tell you
Is you got to be free

[Verse 8]
John Lennon said that
And I believe in love
And I believe in action
When push comes to shove

[Verse 9]
"Who cares what you believe?"
Said the captain amazed
"If you stood in my shoes
Your eyes would be glazed"

[Verse 10]
So my fair damsel
Won't you take your leave?
Are you headed for the country?
Where you wear the green sleeve
[Verse 11]
And the children laugh
And the old folks sing
And the church bells toll
For a miraculous thing

[Verse 12]
Where the big red furnace
Just glows and glows
Where the heart beats
Where the big wheel rolls