Explanation of lyrics

The “Dark Desert Highway” refers to a craving drug trip that has a disastrous aftermath. The warm smell of Colitas (the Spanish term for tumble weeds) makes his head heavy and sight dim.

"Her mind is Tiffany twisted" Refers to worshiping wealth and material goods. It's actually the first commandment - don't worship other things (other Gods). The devil twisted her mind with the temptations of bright, shiny objects, like he will do.

Her case of the bends is caused by the expensive car, the Mercedes Benz. Basically, her whole worldview is warped by money.

She asks for them to bring her wine. The response, “we haven't had that spirit here since 1969” is referring to the fact that in 1969 it was no longer legal to drink alcohol while you were in a drug rehab program. Prior to that you couldn't do drugs but you were allowed to drink alcohol.

"we are all just prisoners here, of our own device". I beg to differ.  A lot of people trapped were led to it (be it drugs or prostitutes), and did not go themselves, but satan will like to convince you it was your doing.  Granted, they cant force you, but they can lead you to it, and even pressure you.

"We are programmed to receive.  You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave".  That means satan has altered your mind/spirit enough to receive his commands at any time and any place we are.  He is able to control your body in any way he likes, including blocking your breathing.  If he wants he can posses you completely where he is the dominant spirit in your body and you are just on for the ride.

"There were voices down that corridor".  Hearing voices in your head is one of the initial stages of satan pulling you under his power.  It is how he will eventually speak to you once you are captured.  They are like loud "thoughts" you know are definitely not from your own mind.

The “steely knives” are often interpreted as other addicted people “stabbing” a line of cocaine. By the end of the song, we are faced with the terrible toll drugs can take on a person. “They just can't kill the beast” of addiction.