Ritchie was an old friend of mine

He took lots of pills to pass the time

Used to be filled with political conviction

He started to struggle with heroin addiction



[Chorus:]

His skin turned cold and his face turned blue

Not yet 30 but it happened to you

Russian Roulette with a needle in your vein

A junkies life ends up the same



It seems like he changed overnight

He took more dope to feel alright

Didn't pay attention to the warning signs

Started living on borrowed time



[Chorus:]

His skin turned cold and his face turned blue

Not yet 30 but it happened to you

Russian Roulette with a needle in your vein

A junkies life ends up the same



I'm so sorry but I can't go on

He lost his strength to carry on

Shot a speed ball into his vein

To end his life and to end the pain