This song is indeed about drug addiction, a druggie needing a fix and seeing his dealer. According to Mike Rutherford, it's broader meaning has to do with the nightlife in general, but originally it was about a drug addiction. The song was originally called "Monkey Zulu". Monkey was a term used for heroin. Zulu came from the sound of the synthesized percussion, which had an Afro-beat feel to it. Phil Collins wrote the lyrics.
This song is indeed about drug addiction, a druggie needing a fix and seeing his dealer. According to Mike Rutherford, it's broader meaning has to do with the nightlife in general, but originally it was about a drug addiction. The song was originally called "Monkey Zulu". Monkey was a term used for heroin. Zulu came from the sound of the synthesized percussion, which had an Afro-beat feel to it. Phil Collins wrote the lyrics.