A racing stampede 
Down in the valley 
The waves are horses made of mercury 
Our boat is shakin' 
Wet timber aching 
Helter skelter in the pouring rain 
 
The boiling river's driving me insane 
The rain-gods are calling my name 
 
The end of the world is already in sight 
 
[CHORUS:] 
Midnight in China 
We're stuck between the devil and 
The deep blue sea 
Heaven! Fire 
The angels of hell 
Found their heaven on earth ! 
 
Caught in ancient China 
The slaves just pull the ropes 
A neverending tug of war 
And the river always wins the game 
Helter skelter in the pouring rain