There’s a place off the freeway
Sweet smells in the air
Nice meals at cantina
Have a bite, not a care
Saw this guy and he looked tense
His suit was wrinkled and ripe
His forehead sweating and his eyes were dim
He seemed the jittery type

Music poured through a hallway
The songs I knew so well
To suit I introduced myself
“You need some helpin’
Cos’ you look like hell,”
While he talked, he would ramble
But through words he relayed
“I see shadows in the corridor
I think they know my name…

Welcome to my no-end paranoia
Not a lovely place (not a lovely place)
Need a kindly face
Roomful of doom in my no-end paranoia
I’ve a need for cheer (I’ve a need for cheer)
I might find it here”

His world was shadowy, twisted
He had this count’nance of dread
“I find a soft and cooling, soothing noise
Brings stuff grim.
Demons dance never too far
Dark fuels my fret.
Night screams I remember
No chance I’ll forget.”

Then he downed round of scotch blend
“These help me feel fine,”
He said “I’d rather face this spirit here than
These deep in my mind.
It can’t still those voices I’m hearing
Both night and day
Whispers creep through the evening with a knife
They slice my soul away

Welcome to my no-end paranoia
I’m a basket case (such a basket case)
I’m in ugly shape
But talkin’ with you softens all my paranoia
It’s a nice surprise (such a nice surprise)
You’re a decent guy.”

His fear was appealing
His bleak outlook was nice
And I said “Free you up from prison of fear?
I’ve the key tonight.
For it is in my nature
To mollify the weak.
We monsters have an appetite
And tonight, friend, you’re the feast.”

Poor soul, I remember, he was
Running for the door.
We patrons put an end to that.
Those details I won’t report
“Your check,” said the bartend
He had blood stains on his sleeve.
You can stop there any time for bite
And we will save a seat.