Central Hotel Lyrics - Peter Hammill

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. 

I know I'd better watch out 

For the Central Hotel... 

I'm not going back. 

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. 

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. 

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, 

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. 

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 

Slow motion in the runner's mind. 

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. 

I'm the Central Hotel