Grace Cathedral hill 
All wrapped in bones of setting sun 
All dust and stone and moribund 
I paid twenty-five cents to light 
A little white candle 
For a New Year's Day 
I sat and watched it burn away 
Then turned and weaved 
Through slow decay 
We were both a little hungry 
So we went to get hot dog 

Down to Hyde Street Pier 
The light was slight and disappeared 
The air it stunk of fish and beer 
We heard a Superman trumpet 
Play the national anthem 

And the world may be long for you 
But'll never belong to you 
But on a motorbike 
When all the city lights 
Blind your eyes tonight 
Are you feeling better now? 

Some way to greet the year: 
Your eyes all bright and 
Brim with tears 
The pilgrims, pills, and tourists here 
Will sink fifty-three bucks to buy 
A brand new halo 

Sweet on a green-eyed girl 
All fiery Irish clip and curl 
All brine and piss and vinegar 
I paid twenty-five cents to light 
A little white candle 

And the world may be long for you 
But'll never belong to you 
But on a motorbike 
When all the city lights 
Blind your eyes tonight 
Are you feeling better now?