A freezing rain across the Chicago streets
Velvet punches the mirror's echo
It's hard to keep a steady hand today
With nothing but a ghostly stare
Kicks a faded flyer out the door
Pulls the collar tight against his face
Waiting for the shaking to subside
Wondering if the fix will ease the pain

And they say you're doing great
While they're pissing in your face
And they never even look you in the eye
But they want you on the stage
Like a tiger in a cage
Yeah, they all want a piece of Velvet till he's dry

Takes the train early afternoon
Down to the basement on Girard
To the flickering, cracked marquee
Where Velvet plays the beautiful star
Underneath the heavy, sweat-filled air
The nameless faces stare, touching skin
Scoops the damp dollars from the floor
And wishes to be here no more

And they say you're doing great
While they're pissing in your face
And they never even look you in the eye
But they want you on the stage
Like a tiger in a cage
Yeah, they all want a piece of Velvet till he's dry

With a rusted needle and silver spoon
Needs the burn to block the afternoon
Sinks against the broken restroom door
To the shadows of life he says
Goodbye