Down from the country, oh he had such plans - about making some money, about living, being a man
Packed his belongings in a battered old case
Yes that look of fulfillment, well it stretched across his face
Thought about his new life, maybe he'd find himself a girl; share a flat and a mattress
Sure, they'd build that Brave New World
Take a job in an office, start low but proud
He could work all the hours - hours the clock would allow
And he'd reach new horizons, put some money away
Buy a house in the suburbs, maybe have a son on the way
Yes, down in the country: schemes and dreams stretch high, no limitations, they train you right
You take the whole world on a whim
Down in the station with his foot on his case, well he met some new friends, said they'd show him round the place
And they bought him a burger, and they showed him the sights
And he played Space Invaders
Oh he got stoned by the light
Then down to the nightclubs, bought him all of his drinks
And the sweet-smelling ladies, well, they're looking just at him
Had a glass too many, had nowhere to go
And he tripped on a table, they said: Time we walked you home
And they each took a shoulder, brought a grin to his face
Gentle limp through the doorway, gently lifted up his case
Short-cut through the alley, stopped a while for a rest
Fingers rifled his pockets ... but no success
And they spread his belongings in the dirt and the rain, and of course they found nothing, as he feebly tried to explain
Now down in the country, sort things out with your fists
And he never had a prayer as the switchblade cut his wrists, his chest, his arms
And the neon gods took him, and they showed him the ropes
Now he hops down the alley - a city ghost