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