Fame a la mode
Flashbulbs explode
All the electronic circuits overload
When you are the show
Then you know the show must go on

Hitting the road
Salary's over
I'm responsible for shouldering the load
When you are the show
Then you know the show must go on

Drag classic queen
Wearing crushed velveteen
Can't someone slow down the machine?
Too much caffeine
And too much nicotine
Someone slow down the machine

I'm longing for space
Longing for time
Why can't folks just say what they mean?
Why can't this ever-lovin' life I'm leading
Ever feel clean?
Slow down the machine
I really need so bad to unwind
I really need to rest my mind

Velvet stockade, spiked lemonade
Fifty magazine reporters to persuade
When you are the show
Then you know the show must go on

Making the grade, not getting paid
I'm rehearsing for a ticker-tape parade
When you are the show
Then you know the show must go on

Gotta get a scene, trippy, trip, trip scene
Trippy, trip, trip, trip, star-tripper's dream
Please slow down the machine (trippy)
Cream limousines
Black and blue scream (please)

Longing for space
Longing for time
Why can't folks just say what they mean?
Why can't this ever-lovin' life I'm leading
Ever feel clean?
Slow down the machine
I really need so bad to unwind
I really need to rest my mind