To the city beat on a treacherous curve
up upon the high wire you're observed -
You live as you live, you'll get what you deserve:
High life, dig those highlights,
sun city nightlife:
You'll be like a moth consumed by a flame.
It's a rich man's world, kick those beggars and fools;
Conspicuous consumption the only rule,
but the law of retribution will be terribly cruel.

Oh, but you mustn't stop to think about your place upon the planet,
if you did, you might steel yourself away
and it doesn't really matter if the show goes up tomorrow.
After all, this pretty place is day to day
highlights of the highlife
dancing at midnight
dancing all moral existence away.

Nightlife highlights highlife twilight
oh, you mustn't ever think about you place upon the planet,
don't look further than the bottom of a drink
don't ever think about the way you'll feel tomorrow,
don't stop dancing or the boat will sink
all in all it's gone before you blink.

Highlights of the high life
sun city nightlife
you'll be like a moth consumed by flame...
Twilight of the high life,
chimes at midnight...
You're still dancing all moral existence away.