I used to live close by the river
I used to let my heart go with the stream
I knew I held the key to any door
I held the key to everything and more
Once upon a time I took it easy

Once upon a time I took it rough
I used to earn my living with the things I loved
Now they pay me for what I love not
The river's running backwards
And my heart is quickly closing now
Ha! Ha! Houdini's laughing
laughing last

Ha! Ha! Houdini's laughing.
Houdini's laughing last
I've been sliding down this track of tears
Swimming with this water chute
Drowning in discontent
But now the sun is shining with a different grin
It can be cold as ice
It can be hot as fire
Burning in my eyes

I used to live near by the border
I used to say good morning to the wall
Today they sell the truth at every corner
It seems that they can't stand the truth at all
Once upon a time I took it badly
Once upon a time I felt so fine
I wanted to hold on but I could hardly
Remember everything, all that was mine
The river 's running backwards
And my heart is quickly closing now
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Houdini's laughing
Laughing last

Ha! Ha! Houdini's laughing.
Houdini's laughing last
I've been sliding down this track of tears
Swimming with this water chute
Drowning in discontent
But now the sun is shining with a different grin
It can be cold as ice
It can be hot as fire
Burning in my eyes