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