1. |
I Don't Know
03:03
|
|||
I DON’T KNOW
______________
[DAVE]
This is Ghost Quartet. Side 1, Track 1. “I Don’t Know.”
[ALL]
NOW I DON’T KNOW
BUT I’VE BEEN TOLD
AND THAT’S TRUE OF EVERYTHING I THINK I KNOW
EVERYTHING I THINK
THAT I DON’T KNOW
BUT I’VE BEEN TOLD
YES I’VE BEEN TOLD
[GELSEY]
I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO BEGIN
[BRITTAIN]
I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHO I AM
I’M NOT HERE
[BOTH]
NO ONE IS HERE
[BRITTAIN]
I STAY AWAKE MOST EVERY NIGHT
WAITING FOR A GLIMPSE TO APPEAR
[BOTH]
WHERE’S MY GHOST IN THE MIRROR
I WANT ONE TOO
[ALL]
I’VE GOT A THOUSAND ONE STORIES
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM’S A LIE
LET ME READ YOU A STORY
LET ME READ YOU A ROMANCE
I WILL READ, YOU WILL LISTEN
AND THIS TERRIBLE NIGHT WILL PASS
WHEN I WAS A CHILD I USED TO PLAY
PLAY WITH ALL THE VOICES IN MY HEAD
LONG LONG AGO
THAT’S NOT ME ANYMORE
NOW I RIDE THE SUBWAY EVERY NIGHT
STARING AT THE GAME ON MY PHONE
KEEP MY HEAD DOWN
I’M ALL ALONE
[DAVE & BRENT]
I DON’T KNOW IF THIS ME AT ALL
OR JUST SOME GHOST OF ME
THAT I DREAMED UP
JUST TO SING MYSELF TO SLEEP
[BRITTAIN]
OR SOMEONE THAT I USED TO BE
OR SOMEONE THAT I WILL BE
OR SOMEONE THAT I AM RIGHT NOW
[ALL]
OR SOMEONE THAT I USED TO BE
OR SOMEONE THAT I WILL BE
OR SOMEONE THAT I AM RIGHT NOW
OR SOMEONE THAT I USED TO BE
OR SOMEONE THAT I WILL BE
OR SOMEONE THAT I AM RIGHT NOW
____________________________________
|
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2. |
The Camera Shop
03:54
|
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THE CAMERA SHOP
___________________
[BRENT]
Side 1, Track 2. “The Camera Shop.”
[BRITTAIN (Rose)]
Excuse me?
[GELSEY (Pearl)]
Can I help you?
[BRITTAIN]
I hope so.
I lost my camera.
[GELSEY]
Did someone steal it?
BRITTAIN]
No. It got smashed.
[GELSEY]
Maybe we can repair it?
[BRITTAIN]
It got smashed and lost. The pieces are lost.
[GELSEY]
I’m sorry.
Here, have some whiskey.
[BRITTAIN]
Thank you.
[GELSEY]
It was a real camera? Not a phone?
[BRITTAIN]
Not a phone. I do not like phones.
[GELSEY]
Me neither
Well, we’ll get you all set up with a new camera.
But sit first, and drink a bit. You need to take care of yourself.
[BRITTAIN]
Thank you.
(pause)
[GELSEY]
Are you traveling?
[BRITTAIN]
Yes, from Portland.
[GELSEY]
Oh, I’ve been there once. They have that cool library.
[BRITTAIN]
That’s Seattle.
[GELSEY]
Oh.
I get them mixed up.
(pause)
Did you grow up there?
[BRITTAIN]
Yes, when I was a kid.
[GELSEY]
That’s nice. It’s nice to have roots.
[BRITTAIN]
What about you, have you been here long?
[GELSEY]
THIS STORE HAS BEEN IN MY FAMILY FOR FOUR GENERATIONS
[BRITTAIN]
Wow.
[GELSEY]
SEE THAT FIDDLE ON THE WALL?
IT BELONGED TO MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER
HER NAME WAS ROSE
[BRITTAIN]
Well, that’s my name!
[GELSEY]
It’s a beautiful name.
OLD-FASHIONED, YOU DON’T HEAR IT A LOT ANYMORE
[BRITTAIN]
THE COLOR IS SO LIGHT…WHAT’S IT MADE OF?
[GELSEY]
AN OLD BREASTBONE
[BRITTAIN]
CREEPY
[GELSEY]
IT WAS THE BREASTBONE OF HER SISTER
HER NAME WAS PEARL
I’LL TELL YOU THE STORY:
_________
[GELSEY (Pearl White)]
ROSE AND PEARL LIVED BY THE SEA
GATHERING SALT BY THE MOONLIGHT
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN (Pearl White & Rose Red)]
AND ROSE LOVED A MAN WHO LIVED IN THE TREES
ROSE CRIED TO PEARL, “HOLD ME TIGHT, HOLD ME TIGHT”
[GELSEY]
ROSE WENT TO HIS TREEHOUSE
AND LOOKED AT THE STARS THROUGH HIS TELESCOPE
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
SHE WANTED TO HOLD HIS HAND
SO SHE WROTE HIM A POEM
SIGNED IT AND SEALED IT
[GELSEY]
IN A RICE PAPER ENVELOPE
[BRITTAIN]
WITH A LILY FOR A STAMP
[GELSEY]
BUT THE MAN STOLE HER WORK
HE WAS THE EDITOR OF A PRESTIGIOUS ASTRONOMY JOURNAL
HE WROTE DOWN ALL SHE SAW
AND PUBLISHED IT IN HIS NAME
AND ROSE GREW TO HATE HIM
AND THEN PEARL CAUGHT HIS EYE
_________
[BRITTAIN (Rose)]
I’M A LITTLE CONFUSED
AND MORE THAN A LITTLE FRIGHTENED
[GELSEY (Pearl)]
IT’S OK MY DEAR
THIS IS A CIRCULAR STORY
_________
[GELSEY (Pearl White)]
AND SO ROSE RAN INTO THE FOREST
AND ASKED A GREAT BEAR TO MAUL THE ASTRONOMER
AND TO TURN THE CRUEL SISTER INTO A BLACK CROW
AND PUT THE CROW AND THE CORPSE IN A CAVE
UNTIL THE CROW STARTED TO STARVE
AND SHE’D HAVE NO CHOICE
BUT TO PECK OUT THE EYES OF HER LOVER AND EAT THEM
_________
[BRITTAIN (Rose)]
I DON’T BELIEVE ANY OF THIS
[GELSEY (Pearl)]
DON’T YOU REMEMBER?
THE BEAR NAMED HIS PRICE:
_________
[BRENT (Bear)]
ONE POT OF HONEY
ONE PIECE OF STARDUST
ONE SECRET BAPTISM
AND A PHOTO OF A GHOST
[ALL]
ONE POT OF HONEY
ONE PIECE OF STARDUST
ONE SECRET BAPTISM
AND A PHOTO OF A GHOST
[GELSEY]
ROSE STOLE THE HONEY FROM A SOLDIER
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN (Pearl White & Rose Red)]
SHE PRETENDED TO LOVE
[GELSEY]
STOLE THE STARDUST FROM AN ANCIENT
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
SHE PRETENDED TO CARE
[GELSEY]
AND FOR THE BAPTISM
SHE STOLE A BABY
FROM ITS MOTHER
A FRIGHTENED TEENAGER IN A MANSION
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
AND TOOK THE CHILD INTO THE SEA
AND THE CHILD WAS BLESSED
____________________________________
|
||||
3. |
Starchild
02:32
|
|||
STARCHILD
___________
[GELSEY]
Side 1, Track 3. “Starchild.”
[BRITTAIN (Starchild)]
WHEN I WAS A BABY
I WAS BLESSED BY A STRANGER
IN WATERS I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND
AND NOW I’M INFECTED
WITH DISBELIEF AND BLASPHEMY
I’LL NEVER HAVE A HOLY LAND
I AM GHOST
IN THE EYES OF MY GOD
BUT I WILL TRANSCEND
AND VOMIT THIS LOSER OUT OF ME
I WILL BECOME THE NEXT BIG THING
[ALL]
I WILL LIGHT MYSELF ON FIRE
[BRITTAIN]
IT’S TIME TO GET OUT OF BED
AND BE THE STARCHILD I CAN BE
A BILLION LIGHT YEARS AWAY
SOMEONE’S THINKING THE SAME THING
BUT HE’S ALREADY TURNED TO DUST
AND THE STARLIGHT I SEE
IS A BILLION LIGHT YEARS OLD
A GHOST JUST LIKE THE REST OF US
NOTHING I SEE
IS THERE ANYMORE
[ALL]
BUT I WILL TRANSCEND
AND VOMIT THIS LOSER OUT OF ME
I WILL BECOME THE NEXT BIG THING
I WILL LIGHT MYSELF ON FIRE
[BRITTAIN]
IT’S TIME TO GET OUT OF BED
AND BE THE STARCHILD I CAN BE
____________________________________
|
||||
4. |
Subway
02:21
|
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SUBWAY
________
[BRITTAIN]
Side 1, Track 4. “Subway.”
[DAVE, BRITTAIN, GELSEY & BRENT (Driver, Photographer, Pearl & Pusher)]
THERE’S A DRIVER
THERE’S A VICTIM
THERE’S A PUSHER
THERE’S A PHOTOGRAPHER
THERE’S A DRIVER
THERE’S A VICTIM
THERE’S A PUSHER
THERE’S A PHOTOGRAPHER
[DAVE & BRENT]
THE DRIVER ZONES OUT
THE VICTIM PLAYS A GAME
THE PUSHER SCREAMS OUT
THE PHOTOGRAPHER DOESN’T HELP
[ALL]
THE DRIVER ZONES OUT
THE VICTIM PLAYS A GAME
THE PUSHER SCREAMS OUT
THE PHOTOGRAPHER DOESN’T HELP
[GELSEY]
AND THE GAME IS ON MY PHONE
IN THE GAME I’M A SOLDIER
IN THE GAME THERE’S A BEAR
IN THE GAME THE BEAR ROARS
[BRITTAIN]
SHE SELECTS THE SWORD
[ALL]
SHE SELECTS THE SWORD
AND THE PUSHER GIVES A PUSH
[DAVE]
AND THE DRIVER CAN’T STOP
AND THE VICTIM CAN’T CLIMB
AND THE PUSHER CAN’T STOP
AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER DOESN’T HELP
[ALL]
AND THE DRIVER CAN’T STOP
AND THE VICTIM CAN’T CLIMB
AND THE PUSHER CAN’T STOP
AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER DOESN’T HELP...
AND THE DRIVER HAS A DRINK
AND THE VICTIM HAS A DRINK
AND THE PUSHER HAS A DRINK
AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER HAS A DRINK
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
THERE’S A MAN ON THE PLATFORM
SCREAMING ABOUT THE APOCALYPSE
SCREAMING ABOUT THE DAY OF REVELATION IS AT HAND
[ALL]
REVEAL IT TO ME
REVEAL ME EVERYTHING
REVEAL IT TO ME PLEASE RIGHT NOW
REVEAL IT TO ME PLEASE RIGHT NOW
REVEAL IT TO ME PLEASE RIGHT NOW
____________________________________
|
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5. |
Usher, Part 1
04:07
|
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USHER, PART 1
________
[BRENT]
Side 1, Track 5. “Usher, Part One.”
[GELSEY (Lady Usher)]
I suffer from a family evil
I am a slave to terror
I have a morbid acuteness of the senses
I only eat the most insipid foods
Only wear garments of certain textures
The odors of flowers are oppressive to me
My eyes are tortured by faint light
And there are only certain peculiar sounds
Like those from stringed instruments
Which do not inspire me with horror
I dread the future
My little girl is dying
[DAVE (Edgar)]
ON A DULL, DARK, AND SOUNDLESS DAY
IN THE AUTUMN OF 1873
MY WIFE AND I SAT AT THE BED OF OUR ONLY DAUGHTER
ROXIE
[DAVE & GELSEY]
THE BLEAK WALLS
THE DECAYING TREES
THE UTTER DEPRESSION OF THE SOUL
THE BITTER GHOST OF EVERYDAY LIFE
THE ICY SINKING OF THE HEART
FOR SEVENTEEN YEARS
OUR ROXIE HAD DANCED
[DAVE]
SO BEAUTIFUL
[GELSEY]
DANCED ON THE EDGE OF A STAR
[DAVE & GELSEY]
BUT NOW, FOLLOWING THE LOSS OF HER OWN CHILD
A SICKNESS HAD TAKEN OVER
[GELSEY]
HER CHILD WAS STOLEN
AND SHE BLAMES HERSELF
SHE IS WASTING AWAY
HER LIQUID EYES
HER THIN LIPS
HER PALE SKIN
[DAVE & GELSEY]
HER SPIDER WEB HAIR
FLOATING IN FRONT OF HER FACE
[BRITTAIN (Roxie)]
LITTLE GIRL, LITTLE GIRL
WHERE’S MY LITTLE GIRL
WHERE’S MY STARCHILD?
[DAVE]
THE FATHER WAS LONG GONE
AN ASTRONOMER OF SOME RENOWN
[BRITTAIN]
WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME?
WHY DID YOU DISAPPEAR?
[GELSEY]
I BURY MY FACE IN MY HANDS
[DAVE]
ASTONISHMENT AND DREAD
IN THE HOUSE OF USHER
____________________________________
|
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6. |
Soldier & Rose
04:31
|
|||
SOLDIER & ROSE
________________
[DAVE]
Side 1, Track 6. “Soldier & Rose.”
[GELSEY (Soldier)]
I AM A SOLDIER
AND AS A SOLDIER
I’VE GOTTEN USED TO DEATH
GHOSTS DON’T BOTHER ME ANYMORE
I KNOW I’VE GOT MINE COMING
SO SOME MOANING IN THE NIGHT
ISN’T ANY BIG THING
[BRITTAIN (Rose Red)]
COME HERE SOLDIER
LOOK ME IN THE EYES
IF I TOLD YOU I LOVED YOU
WOULD YOU GIVE ME SOME HONEY?
[GELSEY]
I’VE GOT MINE COMING
IT’S JUST A MATTER OF TIME
[BRITTAIN]
COME HERE SOLDIER
SIT DOWN IN MY LAP
IF I TOLD YOU WHEN I SAW YOU
I FELT A LITTLE SHOCK
AND THAT ALL THE STARS
AND MOONS AND SKIES
AND BIRDS AND TREES
AND SHARKS AND SEAS
AND EVEN I
BEGAN TO CRY
AND TREMBLE
[DAVE & BRENT]
TREMBLE
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
AND MY HEART LEAPS IN MY THROAT
I FEEL ELECTRIC PULSES IN MY FINGERTIPS
[DAVE & BRENT]
TREMBLE
[BRITTAIN]
COME HERE SOLDIER
LET ME SUCK YOUR THUMB
IF I TOLD YOU THIS IS SPECIAL
AND LOVE IS MORE THAN CHEMICALS
THAT IT’S ME AND YOU
AND ANGELS TOO
AND TIME WILL END
AND WE’LL TRANSCEND
AND RISE ABOVE THE ASH AND DIRT
AND BABY I COULD NEVER HURT YOU
CUZ YOU ARE ME
[DAVE & BRENT]
TREMBLE
[BRITTAIN]
WOULD YOU BELIEVE ME?
DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE?
DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE?
[GELSEY]
I AM A SOLDIER
I DON’T BELIEVE IN ANYTHING
BUT IF YOU’RE GONNA STEAL MY HONEY
PLEASE WAIT UNTIL I’M DRUNK
THEN TAKE ME ONTO THE DANCE FLOOR
AND LET ME CRY AGAINST YOUR CHEEK
THEN TAKE ME OUT BACK
AND SHOOT ME IN THE ALLEY
I WON’T SPEAK
I WON’T SAY A WORD
I WON’T COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU
I WON’T HAVE THE TIME
____________________________________
|
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7. |
Any Kind of Dead Person
03:28
|
|||
ANY KIND OF DEAD PERSON
___________________________
[BRITTAIN]
Side 1, Track 7. “Any Kind of Dead Person.”
[DAVE]
IF YOU COULD BE A BIRD
WHAT KIND OF BIRD WOULD YOU BE?
[BRITTAIN]
A ROBIN
[GELSEY]
IF YOU COULD BE A CAT
WHAT KIND OF CAT WOULD YOU BE?
[BRITTAIN]
A LION
[BRENT]
AND IF YOU COULD BE A PART OF BREAKFAST
WHAT PART OF BREAKFAST WOULD YOU BE?
[BRITTAIN]
THE PIECE OF TOAST
[DAVE]
AND IF YOU COULD BE A DEAD GUY
WHAT KIND OF DEAD GUY WOULD YOU BE?
[BRITTAIN]
I’D BE A GHOST
DON’T WANNA BE A ZOMBIE
CUZ ZOMBIES ARE JUST GOOD FUN
DON’T WANNA BE A VAMPIRE
CUZ THEY CAN’T FEEL THE SUN
DON’T WANNA BE A MEDICAL CORPSE
THE STUDENTS WOULD CUT ME WRONG
NO I JUST WANNA BE A GHOST
AND GO WOOOOO ALL NIGHT LONG
DON’T WANNA BE A GHOUL
CUZ I RESPECT MYSELF
DON’T WANNA BE SOME ASHES
IN A COFFEE CAN ON THE SHELF
DON’T WANNA BE A WRAITH
I COULD NEVER BE THAT STRONG
NO I JUST WANNA BE A GHOST
AND GO WOOOOO ALL NIGHT LONG
DON’T WANNA BE A POLTERGEIST
CUZ I’M NO MOVIE STAR
DON’T WANNA BE A LICH
I’M NOT EVEN SURE WHAT THEY ARE
DON’T WANNA BE JUST A BRAIN IN A JAR
IN A LAB IN SOUTH HONG KONG
NO I JUST WANNA BE A GHOST
AND GO WOOOOO ALL NIGHT LONG
DON’T WANNA BE A SPOOK
CUZ THAT WORD’S A LITTLE RACIST
DON’T WANNA BE A MUMMY
I ADMIT IT, I’M AN AGEIST
DON’T WANNA BE A WHITE WALKER
THAT’S SOME OTHER FELLOW’S SONG
NO I JUST WANNA BE A GHOST
AND GO WOOOOO ALL NIGHT LONG
YEAH I JUST WANNA BE A GHOST
[ALL]
SHE JUST WANTS TO BE A GHOST
[BRITTAIN]
YEAH I JUST WANNA BE A GHOST
[ALL]
SHE JUST WANTS TO BE A GHOST
[BRITTAIN]
YEAH I JUST WANNA BE A GHOST
AND GO WOOOOO ALL NIGHT LONG
____________________________________
|
||||
8. |
The Astronomer
03:05
|
|||
THE ASTRONOMER
__________________
[DAVE]
This is Side 2. Track 1, “The Astronomer.”
[DAVE (Astronomer)]
I AM NOT A PRIEST
AND I AM NOT A MONK
AND I DON’T GO TO CHURCH MUCH
BUT WHEN I DO I STAND AND I SING LOUD
[ALL]
I SING LOUD
[DAVE]
I AM THE ASTRONOMER
AND WHEN I LOOK THROUGH MY TELESCOPE
I AM CERTAIN OF THE UNIVERSE
I AM FILLED WITH WONDER FROM THE STARS
AND I NEVER SAW ANYTHING
I COULDN’T BLAME ON MY MIND
SO I DON’T BELIEVE IN GHOSTS
BUT I LIKE TO SING
BUT I LIKE TO SING
AND WHEN I HEAR THE CALL TO PRAYER
BUZZING THROUGH THE SPEAKERS OF THE MOSQUES
THERE’S A SHOCK, THERE’S A STILLNESS
AS THE MELODIES TWIST AND ZAP
AND THE AIR IS FILLED WITH DIAMONDS
AND I WISH THAT I COULD SING LIKE THAT
BUT I DON’T PRACTICE ENOUGH
[ALL]
PRACTICE
PRACTICE
[DAVE]
NO I DON’T PRACTICE ENOUGH
[ALL]
PRACTICE
PRACTICE
[DAVE]
I’M CONFOUNDED BY MUSIC
AND BABIES AND LAUGHTER
AND STORIES AND GOODNESS
INFINITY AND LUCK
I’M CONFUSED BY THE NOTION
THAT SOMEBODY LOVES ME
AND DRUGS MAKE ME CRAZY
AND A CLAIRVOYANT TOLD ME ONCE I’VE GOT AN OLD SOUL
OH LORD I WISH I COULD SING LIKE THAT
BUT I DON’T PRACTICE ENOUGH
[ALL]
PRACTICE
PRACTICE
[DAVE]
NO I DON’T PRACTICE ENOUGH
[ALL]
PRACTICE
PRACTICE
[DAVE]
THERE’S A MAN IN IRAN
WHO SAYS HE TALKS TO GHOSTS
AND THE WAY THAT HE DOES IT
IS HE HASN’T SPOKE TO ANYONE ALIVE IN 42 YEARS
HE TURNS HIS MIND OFF EVERY DAY
AND STARES AT THE WALL
AND HE IS ONE WITH THE UNIVERSE
AND HE SAYS THAT EVERY SOUL THAT EVER DIED
IS LIVING IN THE SHADOWS OF THE SKY
BUT IF THAT’S THE EXPERIMENT
IF THAT’S WHAT A SCIENTIST WOULD HAVE TO DO
IF THAT’S HOW LONG IT TAKES
I’M AFRAID I JUST HAVEN’T GOT THE TIME
SO I’LL GO HOME
POUR SOME WHISKEY
AND I’LL SIGH
AND WHEN IT’S TIME TO GO TO BED
I’LL KEEP THE NIGHTLIGHT ON
[ALL]
PRACTICE
PRACTICE
____________________________________
FAMILY MEETING
_________________
[BRENT]
Side 2, Track 2.
[DAVE (Edgar)]
Roxie? Roxie honey, can you come in here a minute?
[BRITTAIN (Roxie)]
I don’t wanna.
[DAVE]
Roxie, it’s family meeting.
[BRENT]
“Family Meeting.”
[GELSEY (Lady Usher)]
Family meeting.
[BRITTAIN]
I’m playing.
[BRENT (Fool)]
I was just gonna go see the falconer…
[DAVE]
No, it’s family meeting.
[GELSEY]
We can all play later. Put away your toys…
[BRENT]
But the falconer is only in town til the end of Festival!
[DAVE]
It can wait son, we can take the carriage into town when we’re done!
Roxie honey, we wanted to talk to you a bit.
[BRITTAIN]
'Bout what?
[DAVE]
Well, about Rose.
[BRITTAIN]
Rose?
[BRENT]
If this is just about Rose can I go?
[DAVE]
We could really use you’re support here kiddo.
[BRITTAIN]
What about Rose?
[DAVE]
Roxie honey, how old are you now?
[BRITTAIN]
Seven.
[DAVE]
Seven! Hey, that’s pretty old! You’re getting to be a real big girl.
[BRITTAIN]
Yeah, guess so.
[DAVE]
Remember last spring when we put a bunch of your old toys and books away, in the Northern wing?
[BRITTAIN]
Yeah…
[DAVE]
Well don’t you think that maybe it’s time to kind of, put Rose away too?
[BRITTAIN]
No!
[BRENT]
None of us have ever even seen her, so—
[DAVE]
Look Roxie, it’s fine to have an imagination…I mean I used to play when I was little, and I had friends in my head, sure. This is a big house, I know it gets lonely. But we’re afraid that Rose may be holding you back from playing with the other kids.
[BRITTAIN]
That’s not nice!
[GELSEY]
Roxie, it’s time to grow up.
[BRITTAIN]
Oh, get over yourself Mom!
[BRENT]
Oooooo...
[DAVE]
Roxie!
[BRITTAIN]
Look, I know who she is.
She told me, Rose told me.
[DAVE]
Roxie…
[BRITTAIN]
She’s my sister, she died when I was a baby, blah blah blah. And now she’s lonely and wants me to “cross over.” And maybe that’d be sad for you, but maybe it’d be great for me.
She says all the adults over there wish they had died when they were little too, cuz it’s so much better over there than all this crap, and all this crap with getting old, and disease, and war, and torture, and butchers, and having to be alone with your stupid mind all the time?
She says that over there they don’t have computers or any of that shit and everyone’s mind is just fine. They just hang out in nature all the time, only it’s better cuz it’s perfect nature, with no bugs or humidity or anything. And no, Brent, it’s not so perfect it’s boring, they figured that out too, so there are grey days and rain and stuff, but it’s fine, cuz everyone likes to be a little sad some of the time, and watch the rain on the windowsills... Cuz they're all soul. They are all soul.
Did you know Rose is a Starchild? That's right, she's a freaking Starchild! So I’m sorry if this is like, sad for you, but you're gonna be dead in like, 30 years, and even less if you two keep drinking like—
[GELSEY/DAVE]
Roxie!
[BRITTAIN]
—and when you meet me over there you’ll see, and you’ll think God, that 30 years of being all sad was just stupid, but who cares anymore, because now it's just an eternity of soul! And swimming! And fruit!
So why don't you just shut up! Why don’t you, just have another fucking drink, and shut the fuck up!
____________________________________
|
||||
9. |
Four Friends
05:08
|
|||
FOUR FRIENDS
_______________
[DAVE]
Side 2, Track 3. “Four Friends.”
[ALL]
OH EVAN WILLIAMS
YOU DIRTY-FACED, SCRUFFY-KNEED BOY
[BRENT]
WHEN I WAS POOR AND LONELY
I’D PUT YOU IN A JELLY JAR
PUT YOU IN THE POCKET OF MY OLD TRENCH COAT
AND SNEAK YOU INTO THE BAR
NOW I GOT PLENTY OF MONEY
BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN I DON’T LOVE YOU
WHEN THE ENDTIMES FALL AND THE ZOMBIES CRAWL
I‘M GONNA DRINK YOU OUT OF MY SHOE
[ALL]
I LIKE TO LOSE MY MIND
GET BLURRY SLOPPY BOOZY AND BLIND
LIKE TO PUT MY HAND ON A PRETTY GIRL’S KNEE
AND I GOT FOUR DEAR FRIENDS TO HELP ME
OH JAMESON
YOU DIGNIFIED, RIGHTEOUS YOUNG MAN
[BRITTAIN]
I DON’T CARE MUCH FOR GOD
NO MATTER WHAT SET OF RULES YOU GOT
PROTESTANT THIS AND-A CATHOLIC THAT
TO ME IT’S JUST DIDDLY-SQUAT
BUT I LOVE A GOOD REBELLION
AND I LOVE TO HEAR A FIDDLE SLIDE
SO WHEN THE REBELS CROON ‘BOUT THAT RISING MOON
I’M STANDING RIGHT HERE ON JAMIE’S SIDE
[ALL]
I LIKE TO LOSE MY MIND
GET BLURRY SLOPPY BOOZY AND BLIND
LIKE TO PUT MY HAND ON A PRETTY GIRL’S KNEE
AND I GOT FOUR DEAR FRIENDS TO HELP ME
OH, MAKER’S MARK
YOU SWEET LITTLE TEMPTRESS YOU
[DAVE]
I REMEMBER YOU AND MY DADDY
SITTING IN THE EASY CHAIR
HE’D RIP OPEN YOUR WAX AND POUR A FINGER OR TWO
AND THEN HE'D SIT IN THE DARK AND JUST STARE
I KNOW THAT HE WAS THINKIN’ ‘BOUT SOMETHING
MAYBE SOMETHING SAD FROM LONG AGO
BUT WHEN HE’D TUCK ME IN, WITH THAT SAD LITTLE GRIN
I’D THINK MAYBE I DON’T WANNA KNOW
[ALL]
I LIKE TO LOSE MY MIND
GET BLURRY SLOPPY BOOZY AND BLIND
LIKE TO PUT MY HAND ON A PRETTY GIRL’S KNEE
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
PRETTY BOY’S KNEE
[ALL]
AND I GOT FOUR DEAR FRIENDS TO HELP ME
OH, LAGAVULIN
YOU LOVELY LADY OF THE LOCHS
[GELSEY]
THERE’S A FOREST BURNING SOMEWHERE
AND THE MOON IS RED AS BLOOD
BUT THEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES AND THE FAIRIES COME
AND I’M SQUISHING MY TOES IN THE MUD
I’M DANCING ON THE STONES OF THE ORACLE
I’M KISSING IN THE WATERFALL
I’M UNDER YOUR SPELL, IN A WISHING WELL
I’M LOST AND I DON’T CARE AT ALL
[ALL]
I LIKE TO LOSE MY MIND
GET BLURRY SLOPPY BOOZY AND BLIND
I LIKE TO PUT MY HAND ON A PRETTY GIRL’S KNEE
[DAVE & BRENT]
PRETTY BOY’S KNEE
[ALL]
AND I GOT FOUR DEAR FRIENDS TO HELP ME
FOUR DEAR FRIENDS TO HELP ME
FOUR DEAR FRIENDS TO HELP ME
____________________________________
|
||||
10. |
Fathers & Sons
02:22
|
|||
FATHERS & SONS
_________________
[GELSEY]
Side 2, Track 4. “Fathers & Sons.”
[DAVE & BRENT (Edgar & Fool)]
LET ME DRINK TONIGHT
DON’T BOTHER ME
YOU ALL CAN GO AWAY
AND JUST THE BOTTLE CAN STAY
LA DA DA DA DA
DA DA DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA
I’M NEVER REALLY HAPPY
AND I’M NEVER REALLY SAD
BUT I’M A PRETTY BAD LOVER
AND I’D PROBABLY BE A DEADBEAT DAD
[DAVE]
MY SON MY SON
GET AWAY FROM ME
STRIKE OUT ON YOUR OWN
PACK YOUR BAGS UP AND FLEE
AND NEVER LOOK BACK
AT YOUR ROTTEN POP
DRINKING IN THE BATHROOM
OF AN ICE CREAM SHOP
[BRENT (Fool/Pusher)]
MY DAD MY DAD
I’M OUTTA HERE
I’LL FINISH MY DRINK
AND THEN I’LL DISAPPEAR
I'M GONNA PLAY CELLO
IN A ROCK’N’ROLL BAND
MAKE MONEY ON THE SIDE
FROM MY HEROIN STAND
AND IF ANYONE PUSHES ME
I’M GONNA PUSH THEM BACK
AND IF ANYONE PUSHES ME
I’M GONNA PUSH THEM BACK
[DAVE & BRENT]
LA DA DA DA DA
DA DA DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA
LA DA DA DA DA
DA DA DA DA
DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY (Rose & Pearl)]
THERE’S A MAN ON THE PLATFORM
SCREAMING ABOUT THE APOCALYPSE
SCREAMING ABOUT THE DAY OF REVELATION
THE DAY OF REVELATION IS AT HAND
REVEAL IT TO ME
REVEAL ME EVERYTHING
REVEAL IT TO ME PLEASE RIGHT NOW
[DAVE & BRENT]
I’M NEVER REALLY HAPPY
AND I’M NEVER REALLY SAD
BUT I’M A PRETTY BAD LOVER
AND I’D PROBABLY BE A DEADBEAT DAD
____________________________________
|
||||
11. |
Usher, Part 2
02:48
|
|||
USHER, PART 2
________
[BRENT]
Side 2, Track 5. “Usher, Part 2.”
[DAVE (Edgar)]
AS ROXIE LAY DYING IN HER BEDROOM
MY WIFE SANG
AND OUR SON PLAYED HIS GUITAR
WILD IMPROVISATIONS
DIRGES AND WALTZES
FEVERED RHAPSODIES
[GELSEY & BRENT (Lady Usher & Fool)]
THE STONES ARE ALIVE
THE STONES ARE ALIVE
THE DECAYING TREES
THE MOSS ON THE WALL
THE MOSS ON THE WALL
THE CONDENSATION ON THE WINDOW
IT IS ALL ALIVE
ALL ALIVE
[ALL]
THE DRIVER CAN’T STOP
THE GHOST IS HERE
THE DRIVER CAN’T STOP
THE GHOST IS HERE
THE DRIVER CAN’T STOP
DRIVER CAN’T STOP
THE GHOST IS HERE
DRIVER CAN’T STOP
DRIVER CAN’T STOP
THE GHOST IS HERE
[BRITTAIN (Roxie)]
WHERE IS MY BROTHER?
[BRENT]
I’m right here.
[BRITTAIN]
WHERE IS MY SISTER?
[GELSEY]
You don’t have a sister.
[BRITTAIN]
WHERE IS MY LITTLE GIRL?
[DAVE]
SHE’S GONE
[BRITTAIN]
SHE’S GONE
[DAVE]
AND WITH THAT, ROXIE DIED
[DAVE & GELSEY]
AND WE LOOKED UPON THE FACE OF OUR LITTLE GIRL
[BRITTAIN]
THE MOCKERY OF A FAINT BLUSH
THE SUSPICIOUSLY LINGERING SMILE UPON THE LIP
SO TERRIBLE IN DEATH
[GELSEY]
O ROXIE
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DIE
I FORGIVE YOU
O ROXIE
O ROXIE
O ROSE
I SHALL PRESERVE HER CORPSE A FORTNIGHT
IN THE VAULT UNDERNEATH OUR BEDROOM
____________________________________
|
||||
12. |
The Telescope
04:21
|
|||
THE TELESCOPE
________________
[BRITTAIN]
Side 2, Track 6. “The Telescope.”
[DAVE (Astronomer)]
LOOK INTO MY TELESCOPE
TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE
[BRITTAIN (Rose Red)]
I SEE A RED STAR
[DAVE]
ANTARES
A RED HYPERGIANT STAR
4900 LIGHT YEARS AWAY
AND A BILLION TIMES LARGER THAN OUR SUN
[BRITTAIN]
I SEE FIRE IN THE DARKNESS
RAGE AGAINST THE VOID
I SEE EVERYTIME MAN CRIED OUT
AND RAISED HIS SWORD AGAINST GOD
[DAVE]
THAT’S GOOD, THAT’S GOOD
NOW LOOK INTO MY TELESCOPE
TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE
[BRITTAIN]
I SEE A BLUE STAR
[DAVE]
GROOMBRIDGE 1830
ALSO KNOWN AS ARGELANDER’S STAR
A CLASS G8 SUBDWARF
MEMBER OF THE GALACTIC HALO
[BRITTAIN]
I SEE MOTHERS WEEPING IN CHAIRS
CLUTCHING THEIR SHAWLS IN THE MORNING
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
EVERYTHING IS LOST
ALL IS GONE
[BRITTAIN]
AND SHE TRIES TO FIND THE JOY IN LIFE
BUT SHE IS WASTING AWAY
[DAVE & BRITTAIN]
I LOVE THE WAY YOU SEE THE WORLD
I LOVE THE WAY YOUR SOUL SINGS
I WISH THAT I COULD SING LIKE YOU
I WISH THAT I COULD FEEL THINGS
[BRITTAIN]
NEVER TAKE THE STARS AWAY FROM ME
[DAVE]
LOOK INTO MY TELESCOPE
TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE
[BRITTAIN]
I SEE
I SEE TWO STARS
[DAVE]
YES
SIGMA ORIONIS AB
A BINARY STAR
TWO STARS
LOST IN TIME
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
TWO WOMEN
IN THE FOREST
IN THE EVENING
IN A LIGHT RAIN
THE OLDER HAS NO EXPRESSION ON HER FACE
THE YOUNGER HANGS HER HEAD DOWN
THE YOUNGER IS IN LOVE
WAS IN LOVE
IS IN LOVE
WAS IN LOVE
[DAVE & BRITTAIN]
BUT THE LOVER IS IN LOVE
WITH THE OLDER NOT THE YOUNGER
BUT THE LOVER IS IN LOVE
WITH THE OLDER NOT THE YOUNGER
[DAVE & GELSEY]
I LOVE THE WAY YOU SEE THE WORLD
I LOVE THE WAY YOUR SOUL SINGS
I WISH THAT I COULD SING LIKE YOU
I WISH THAT I COULD FEEL THINGS
[GELSEY]
NEVER TAKE THE STARS AWAY FROM ME
____________________________________
|
||||
13. |
Tango Dancer
04:46
|
|||
TANGO DANCER
________________
[DAVE]
Side 2, Track 7. “Tango Dancer.”
[BRITTAIN (Rose Red)]
Excuse me?
[GELSEY (Scheherazade)]
Can I help you?
[BRITTAIN]
I hope so.
Are you…ancient?
[GELSEY]
That’s not polite, child.
[BRITTAIN]
I’m sorry—you know, you know what I mean.
[GELSEY]
Yes, child. And yes, I am.
Do I know you? You remind me of my sister.
[BRITTAIN]
No, I’m from far away. My name is Rose. Rose Red.
[GELSEY]
My sister's name was Dunyazad.
[BRITTAIN]
It’s a beautiful name.
I know her, from the stories.
[GELSEY]
She’s been dead a long time now.
What do you need?
[BRITTAIN]
Um, Stardust? Just one piece.
[GELSEY]
Hm. I don’t know if I have any left.
1001 is a pretty big number.
[BRITTAIN]
I always figured you could have gone on forever.
[GELSEY]
Nope. Not forever.
I HAVE A LOT OF MEMORIES
AND I HAVE A LOT OF SADNESS
BUT THE TWO DON’T LINE UP
THE TWO DON’T LINE UP
I USED TO RUN THRU THE SAND
CAMPFIRE STARS IN THE DISTANCE
AND I’D GAZE INTO THE DARKNESS
AND WONDER ABOUT THE VOID
AND I’M HAUNTED BY THAT MEMORY
OF WHO I USED TO BE
SO GLEEFUL
SO BLANK
SO READY
I WAS EMPTY THEN
AND I’M EMPTY NOW
BUT IT’S NOT THE SAME AT ALL
MY HEAD WAS WITH FILLED STORIES
OF SWIMMING AND SINGING ON THE MOON
AND I’D STAY UP ALL NIGHT LONG
I’D STAY UP ALL NIGHT LONG
AND ALL OF THE BOYS WOULD FALL OVER
OH HOW DAZZLING I COULD BE
BUT THE MAGIC IS GONE
ALL MY JOY GOT BLOATED AND SICK
AND I’M HAUNTED BY THOSE MEMORIES
OF WHO I USED TO BE
SO GLEEFUL
SO BLANK
SO READY
LAST NIGHT I DREAMED
I MET MYSELF AT A TANGO
ALL THE DANCERS WERE RUTHLESS AND DERANGED
AND I ASKED MY YOUNGER SELF FOR A DANCE
JUST LIKE
(She dances a bit, then stops)
BUT MYSELF DIDN’T HAVE TIME FOR ME
DIDN’T HAVE TIME FOR ANYONE SO USED UP
SO SHE DANCED ALONE
AND I SAT IN A CHAIR
BY THE WALL
ALL ALONE
STARING AT MY PHONE
[ALL]
I WAS EMPTY THEN
AND I’M EMPTY NOW
BUT IT’S NOT THE SAME AT ALL
____________________________________
MONK
______
[BRENT]
Side 2, Track 8. “Monk.”
(Dave plays “Ruby, My Dear.”)
[BRITTAIN (Dunyazad)]
But Scheherazade, how did Rose Red steal the Starchild from Roxie? I mean surely Lady Usher had a security system? Were they outside, in a park?
[GELSEY (Scheherazade)]
Yes, they were outside. In a park.
[BRITTAIN]
Oh. Oh, of course.
You tell such wonderful stories Scheherazade.
[GELSEY]
Thank you Dunyazad.
(Shouted to Brent) I sure hope the Shah thinks so!
(Brent grunts.)
I’m glad you’re here. It's good to be with you.
[BRITTAIN]
Yeah.
(They listen for a bit.)
Hey, what’s behind that door?
[GELSEY]
David thinks Monk.
[BRITTAIN]
A monk? Like you?
[GELSEY]
Ha. No, no not like me.
Monk. Thelonious Monk.
He thinks that the ghost of Thelonious Monk is living behind that door, this hidden door in the 14th century Persian palace of Shah Zaman. David serenades him every night with music from that piano. And it’s the last piano in the world, and its keys cut his fingers with every note he plays, because the Gods have decreed that humans don’t deserve music anymore, because they think we don’t treat it holy enough. And every sound gives him migraine thickness, blinding pressure, bamboo shoots in the fingernail. Yet, listen.
He plays Thelonious Monk’s music every night in the hope that Monk’s ghost will awaken from his slumber, open the door and forgive him, and grant him a smile, a kiss, and a meaning for all of his pain.
[BRITTAIN]
Oh.
[GELSEY]
Will you dance with me?
[BRITTAIN]
Okay.
(They dance.)
[GELSEY]
Do you remember a time when we weren’t just sisters?
Do you remember anything else?
[BRITTAIN]
No, not yet.
But…I’m getting there.
____________________________________
|
||||
14. |
Lights Out
01:32
|
|||
LIGHTS OUT
____________
[DAVE]
This is Side 3. Track 1, “Lights Out.”
(The lights go out.)
[BRITTAIN (Roxie)]
MOMMY?
MOMMY WILL YOU READ ME A STORY?
[GELSEY (Lady Usher)]
ROXIE
ROXIE HONEY YOU’VE GOT TO GO TO SLEEP
[BRITTAIN]
BUT I CAN’T
IT’S NOT DARK ENOUGH
THERE’S TOO MANY LITTLE LIGHTS
LITTLE MOONS
LITTLE CANDLES
LITTLE SNOWFLAKES
LITTLE GLOWS
LITTLE BITS OF STARDUST
[GELSEY]
HUSH NOW ROXIE HONEY
THOSE ARE LITTLE MAGIC LIGHTS IS ALL
EACH LITTLE MAGIC LIGHT IS A LITTLE MAGIC STORY
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
LITTLE MOONS
LITTLE CANDLES
LITTLE SNOWFLAKES
LITTLE GLOWS
LITTLE BITS OF STARDUST
[BRITTAIN]
It’s better when you tell it Mom.
Did your mom ever tell you stories?
[GELSEY]
My mom wasn’t very nice.
[BRITTAIN]
Oh. I’m sorry Mom.
JUST ONE STORY?
[GELSEY]
ALL RIGHT
ARABIAN NIGHTS?
[BRITTAIN]
YEAH
[GELSEY]
ALL RIGHT
This is Side 3, Track 2. “The Photograph.”
____________________________________
|
||||
15. |
The Photograph
04:20
|
|||
THE PHOTOGRAPH
__________________
[CHORUS (Dave & Brent)]
HOW DID ROSE LOSE HER CAMERA?
[GELSEY (Pearl)]
SHE THREW IT TO THE GROUND
DISGUSTED BY WHAT SHE HAD DONE
[CHORUS]
WHAT HAD SHE DONE?
[GELSEY]
SHE HAD TAKEN A PHOTOGRAPH OF SOMETHING INAPPROPRIATE
OR RATHER, A PHOTOGRAPH AT AN INAPPROPRIATE TIME
OR RATHER, A PHOTOGRAPH INSTEAD OF BEING A HERO
[CHORUS]
WHAT WAS THE PHOTOGRAPH OF?
[GELSEY]
A GHOST
OR RATHER
A GHOST
[CHORUS]
DOES THE GHOST HAUNT HER?
[GELSEY]
SHE SEES HER EYES WHEN SHE CLOSES HER EYES
HER EYES LOOKING BACK AT HER
HER EYES UNDERNEATH HER EYELIDS
SHE IS ALWAYS SCREAMING
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
SCREAMING
[CHORUS]
HAS ANYONE ELSE EVER SCREAMED?
[GELSEY]
HER DAUGHTER
HER SISTER
HER MOTHER
HER LOVER
ROSE
[ALL]
ROSE
[CHORUS]
DOES ROSE BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?
[GELSEY]
ROSE BELIEVES IN THE RESTORATIVE PROPERTIES OF THE OCEAN
IN THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARING MEALS
AND NEVER DRINKING COFFEE ON THE GO
SHE BELIEVES IN THE STANDARD MODEL OF LOVE
IN WHICH THE TWO LOVERS ARE BONDED
INTO SOMETHING GREATER THAN THEMSELVES
SHE BELIEVES IN THE OVERSOUL
THAT ALL LIVING THINGS IN THE UNIVERSE
ARE PART OF A SINGLE CONSCIOUSNESS
SHE BELIEVES IN FRESHLY WASHED LINENS
AND FLOWERS ON THE TABLE
AND BUYING USED BOOKS FULL OF MARGINALIA
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
SHE BELIEVES IN SOUL
[CHORUS]
HOW DID HER BELIEF SYSTEM BREAK DOWN
WITH THE APPEARANCE OF THE GHOST?
[GELSEY]
SOFTLY, WITHOUT TRAUMA
IN A SERIES OF IMPERCEPTIBLE SHIFTS
[CHORUS]
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAS ROSE BEEN?
[GELSEY]
ROSE IS THE SAME AS ANYONE ELSE
____________________________________
|
||||
16. |
Bad Men
04:04
|
|||
BAD MEN
_________
[BRENT]
Side 3, Track 3. “Bad Men.”
[BRITTAIN (Dunyazad)]
Scheherazade was ending the story for the night:
[GELSEY (Scheherazade)]
“AND SO ROSE LEFT THE SHOP WITH A BRAND NEW CAMERA
AND THE NUMBER OF THE SUBWAY DRIVER WRITTEN ON HER ARM”
BUT NOW THE SUN IS RISING
AND THAT IS ALL I AM PERMITTED TO SAY
Do you like my story, Shah Zaman?
[BRENT (Shah Zaman)]
It is a marvelous tale!
[BRITTAIN]
WHAT A GOOD, SWEET STORY IT IS!
YOU ARE A REAL SCHEHERAZADE
[GELSEY]
HOW CAN THIS COMPARE
TO THE STORY I SHALL TELL YOU
TOMORROW NIGHT
IF THE SHAH SPARES ME
AND I AM STILL ALIVE?
[BRENT]
When I kill you, I will miss you.
[GELSEY]
How will you grieve for me, O Shah?
[BRENT]
I WILL COMMAND A GREAT FEAST FOR THE KINGDOM
WITH THE LARGEST BOAR THAT THE COURT HAS EVER SEEN
AND GREAT OAKEN CASKS FULL OF HONEY SWEET WINE
AND WE’LL TOAST TO THE COULD-HAVE-BEEN QUEEN
AND WHEN THE FEAST IS IN FULL SWING
AND THE BUTTERFLY JESTERS ARE DANCING
I WILL TAKE THE LARGEST CASK
BACK TO MY ROOM
AND I'LL DRINK ALL ALONE IN MY ROOM
AND I'LL CRY LIKE A BABY
AND I’LL DRINK SO MUCH I’LL GET SICK
AND I’LL LIE ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR
AND I’LL DRINK SOME MORE
AND I’LL KEEP DRINKING
FOR FORTY-TWO YEARS
AN OLD OLD MAN
ALL ALONE IN HIS CHAIR
WATCHING GAME SHOWS
MAKING FUN OF THE CONTESTANTS
FOR THEIR STUPID ANSWERS
AND THEIR WASTED LIVES
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
A WASTED SACK OF A MAN
AN EMPTY BROWN PAPER BAG
SOGGY AND GROSS
[BRENT]
IF YOU CAN LOSE YOUR TEMPER
THEN I CAN LOSE MY MIND
IF YOU CAN LOSE YOUR TEMPER
THEN I CAN LOSE MY MIND
[ALL]
IF YOU CAN LOSE YOUR TEMPER
THEN I CAN LOSE MY MIND
IF YOU CAN LOSE YOUR TEMPER
THEN I CAN LOSE MY MIND
[DAVE]
COME LOOK AT THE STARS
DEAR PEARL
COME LOOK AT THE STARS
DEAR PEARL
[BRITTAIN (Rose Red)]
How could you. Sister, how could you?
[GELSEY (Pearl White)]
He likes my singing. He likes my singing, that’s all.
[DAVE]
Wait, wait, Rose Red, we were never—
We never—
[BRITTAIN]
I always knew you were shallow
I always knew you didn’t know me
I always knew you didn’t believe in me
I always knew that I bored you
I always knew I wasn’t pretty enough to hold you
I always knew you’d go with someone smarter than me
I always knew your mind was elsewhere
I always knew you were a snob
I always knew you had your head in the stars
I always knew you and your books
You and your fucking books
I am not a puzzle
I'm not some fucking logic puzzle for you to figure out
I am not a fucking game
Why don’t you just go fuck your books?
Why don’t you just go fuck all your fucking books?
And we’ll see who’s smarter
We’ll see
[BRENT (Bear)]
Do you have the things I asked for?
One Pot of Honey
One Piece of Stardust
One Secret Baptism
And a Photo of a Ghost?
[BRITTAIN]
HELLO THERE BEAR
I HAVE THE THINGS YOU ASKED
I HAD TO GO THROUGH SEVERAL LIFETIMES TO GET THEM
AND NOW I’M IN YOUR CAVE
IN MY SEXY RED CLOAK
[BRENT]
I KNOW LITTLE GIRL
AND NOW I’M GONNA EAT YOU UP
EAT YOU UP
EAT YOU UP LIKE BERRIES
[BRITTAIN]
BUT WILL YOU DO WHAT I ASKED?
MAUL THE ASTRONOMER
TURN MY SISTER INTO A CROW?
[BRENT]
I AM NOT A MURDERER
OR A CRAZY PERSON
I JUST LIKE HONEY
[GELSEY & DAVE]
HE JUST LIKES HONEY
[BRENT]
YOU’LL JUST HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF!
NOW GO AWAY LITTLE GIRL
[BRITTAIN]
I HATE YOU
[ALL]
THE DRIVER CAN’T STOP THE GHOST IS HERE
THE DRIVER CAN’T STOP THE GHOST IS HERE
Side 3, Track 4. “Usher, Part 3” 2-3-4...
____________________________________
|
||||
17. |
Usher, Part 3
07:10
|
|||
USHER, PART 3
_______________
[DAVE (Edgar)]
DAYS AND NIGHTS OF BITTER GRIEF
OUR SON HAD FLED TO NEW YORK CITY WITH HIS CELLO
THE LADY AND I SLEPT IN SEPARATE CHAMBERS
AS ROXIE LAY DEAD
IN THE VAULT BENEATH US
[BRITTAIN (Roxie)]
THE DEAD CAN SING
SLEEP WILL NOT COME
THERE IS A STORM TONIGHT
THERE IS A STORM TONIGHT
THE DEAD CAN SING
[DAVE]
I GASPED AND STRUGGLED
AND BOLTED UPRIGHT IN MY BED
THE TERRIBLE WIND
THE SONG OF THE DEAD
THE STORM
THE STORM
MY WIFE RAPPED AT THE DOOR
[GELSEY (Lady Usher)]
CAN YOU HEAR HER?
THROW OPEN THE WINDOWS
LET THE STORM IN
WE DON’T NEED MOONS
OR STARS OR GOD
WE HAVE THE WIND
THE TERRIBLE WIND
[DAVE]
MY WIFE’S MADNESS HAD GROWN TO EPIC PROPORTIONS
THE ONLY THINGS THAT SOOTHED HER WERE FICTIONS
STORIES FROM OUR VAST LIBRARY
LET ME READ YOU A STORY
LET ME READ YOU A ROMANCE
I WILL READ, YOU WILL LISTEN
AND THIS TERRIBLE NIGHT WILL PASS
[ALL]
LET ME READ YOU A STORY
LET ME READ YOU A ROMANCE
I WILL READ, YOU WILL LISTEN
AND THIS TERRIBLE NIGHT WILL PASS
[DAVE]
I OPENED THE BOOK
READ THE TITLE
Book Seven, Chapter Ten:
The Tale of Pearl and the Pusher, and the Subway Driver, and the Photograph.
[DAVE & BRENT]
PEARL STOOD ON THE PLATFORM
PLAYING A GAME ON HER PHONE
TRYING TO BEAT THE BOSS AT THE END OF THE LEVEL
AND THERE’S A MAN ON THE PLATFORM
SCREAMING ABOUT THE APOCALYPSE
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
AND BEHIND HER
UNDER THE RAVING
SHE HEARD THE ECHO
OF A FOOTSTEP
[DAVE]
AND BENEATH ME
UNDER THE RAVING
I HEARD A FOOTSTEP
IN THE HOUSE
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
IN THE GAME
ON THE PLATFORM
[DAVE & BRENT]
PEARL STOOD ON THE PLATFORM
PLAYING A GAME ON HER PHONE
TRYING TO BEAT THE BOSS AT THE END OF THE LEVEL
AND THE BOSS WAS A BEAR
A GRAET BIG BEAR
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
HOW WILL YOU DEFEAT HIM?
[DAVE & BRENT]
PEARL WENT TO THE OPTION MENU
SELECTED THE SILVER SWORD
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
AND THERE’S A MAN ON THE PLATFORM
SCREAMING ABOUT THE TRAIN COMING
[DAVE & BRENT]
PEARL RAISED THE SILVER SWORD
STRUCK THE BEAR ON ITS SIDE
AND THE BEAR SHRIEKED
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
AND THE BEAR SHRIEKED
[BRITTAIN]
A SHRIEK SO HARSH AND HORRID AND PIERCING
[DAVE & GELSEY]
AND BENEATH ME
UNDER THE RAVING
I HEARD A SHRIEKING
MY LITTLE GIRL
[ALL]
THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED BEFORE
[DAVE]
DEEP WITHIN THE HOUSE OF USHER
I HEARD A FLASHBULB RIP
AND THE DEAD STOOD IN THE DOORWAY
ROXIE
[BRITTAIN]
THERE IS BLOOD UPON MY ROBES
[DAVE]
AND THE DEAD GIRL LEAPT UPON HER MOTHER
AND HER SISTER
AND HER DAUGHTER
AND HER LOVER
WITH THE RAGE OF FOUR GENERATIONS
AND LADY USHER’S HEART BURST
EXPLODED WITHIN HER CHEST
[DAVE & BRENT]
PEARL STOOD ON THE PLATFORM
BATTLING THE BEAR
THE BEAR BREATHED FIRE
THE BEAR HAD ACID IN HIS HONEYPOT
[BRITTAIN & GELSEY]
AND THE TRAIN WAS COMING
AND THE TRAIN WAS COMING
AND THE TRAIN WAS COMING
AND THE TRAIN WAS COMING…
[DAVE & BRENT]
AND THE MAN ON THE PLATFORM
SCREAMING ABOUT THE APOCALYPSE
THE MAN WE KNOW AS THE PUSHER
TOOK A LAST DRINK
STEELED HIMSELF
GOT BEHIND PEARL
AND HE GOT BEHIND PEARL
[BRENT (Pusher)]
AND THE PUSHER
COULDN’T HELP HIMSELF
[ALL]
AND THE PUSHER PUSHED PEARL
ONTO THE SUBWAY TRACK
[GELSEY (Pearl)]
PUSHED ME INTO THE PATH
OF THE SCREAMING TRAIN
I fell onto the track
And everything slowed down
All the color got a little grey
(Do you hear it?
Do you hear it?
Her footstep is on the stair)
I saw the train
Howling toward me
Its light was dazzling
Blinding
I tried to climb out
For just a moment
But then I stopped
I stopped and listened to the train
(The heavy and horrible beating of her heart
She shrieks
I tell you she is outside the door!
We have put her living in the tomb!)
And then I looked up on the platform
And saw Rose
Back from the dead
Standing there with her camera
I lifted my head
And smiled
Smiled for the camera
You know that moment right before you die
Is such a gift
Because you get to choose what goes through your head
What your last song will be
I thought of someone I love very much
Smiling in bed
Clutching a teddy bear
And then
I let the train rip through me
____________________________________
|
||||
18. |
Prayer
01:54
|
|||
PRAYER
________
(During this song, the lights slowly fade up.)
[ALL]
I WILL TRY TO FORGIVE MYSELF
FOR LIVING IN THE DARK
FOR MY LOSS OF WONDER
FOR FORGETTING HOW TO PLAY
I WILL TRY TO FORGIVE MYSELF
FOR BEING ABSENT IN PUBLIC
AND BORED BEFORE STARS
FOR NOT REMEMBERING
FOR NOT BEING IN MY BODY
FOR NOT STARTING RIGHT NOW
I WILL TRY
TO SEE MYSELF AS I AM
____________________________________
|
||||
19. |
Hero
06:54
|
|||
HERO
______
[DAVE]
Side 4. Track 1. “Hero.”
[BRITTAIN (Rose)]
GUESS I MESSED UP
GUESS I MADE A BAD CALL
BUT I HAVE NO IDEA
WHAT I COULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENT
ONE LITTLE CHOICE
ONE SMALL ACTION
ONE COINCIDENCE OF THOUGHT
AND THE LIGHTS WENT OUT
I WANT TO DANCE
I WANT TO GAZE AT THE STARS
I WANT TO TAKE A PICTURE
AT THE END OF THE WORLD
I NEVER THOUGHT
THAT THINGS REALLY DIE
NOT IN REAL LIFE, IN REAL LIFE
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS GHOSTS
I AM NOT A HERO
I AM NOT A MOVIE STAR
I AM NOT A GENIUS, I KNOW
I AM NOT A MONK
I’M NOT SPECIAL
I’M THE SAME AS ANYONE ELSE
YOU AND I
WE WERE ALWAYS A MESS
DRINKING OUR BOURBON
SCREAMING IN THE STREETS
WHEN I SAW YOU COMING
ICE AND RAGE IN YOUR EYES
I PUT ON MY ARMOR AND MY SHIELD
AND RAISED UP MY SWORD
I AM NOT A HERO
I AM NOT A MOVIE STAR
I AM NOT A GENIUS, I KNOW
I AM NOT A MONK
I’M NOT SPECIAL
I’M THE SAME AS YOU
AND YOU
YOU WERE THERE TOO
YOU DROVE THAT TRAIN
RIGHT THROUGH MY HEART
AND YOU
YOU WERE THERE TOO
YOU DROVE THAT TRAIN
RIGHT THROUGH MY HEART
BUT I GUESS IT’S TIME
TO PUT THAT TO BED
I GUESS IT’S TIME
TO LET THE DEAD BE DEAD
____________________________________
|
||||
20. |
The Wind & Rain
06:20
|
|||
MIDNIGHT
__________
[GELSEY]
Side 4, Track 2. “Midnight.”
(Dave plays “’Round Midnight.”)
[GELSEY (Pearl)]
So David,
Why didn’t Monk just go to heaven?
Why would he still be hanging around here?
[DAVE (Driver)]
Um.
Well maybe he lost his way.
Or didn’t know he was dead?
Soul wasn’t at peace,
Had unfinished work to do,
Wanted to watch over someone...
I mean there’s all sorts of reasons.
[GELSEY] (to Brittain)
Are you remembering now?
Coming back to you?
[BRITTAIN (Rose)]
I think so.
Who all am I?
[GELSEY]
Oh Rose.
You’re my sister,
And you’re my lover,
And you’re my child,
And you’re my best friend.
And,
And Rose don’t you recognize me?
It’s me,
It’s me, it’s me, your little girl.
I’m your little girl.
[DAVE]
Or, maybe there just isn’t a heaven.
I mean actually that’s pretty likely, so…
[BRITTAIN] (to Dave)
Do you remember when we used to go up in your treehouse?
Look at the stars through your telescope?
[DAVE]
I don’t actually think that that’s happened yet.
[BRITTAIN]
Dance with me?
[DAVE]
Okay.
(Brent takes over the tune. They dance.)
[BRITTAIN]
Do you ever think about kids?
[DAVE]
Uh—
Uh, I don’t know.
I mean, I guess in the abstract, yeah, but—
I don’t really make a lot, down at the MTA, so...
What about photography, does that pay pretty well, or...?
(They keep dancing.)
[GELSEY]
They had kids you know.
Sisters.
[BRENT (Brent)]
Weird.
(Brent plays for a bit.)
[GELSEY]
That’s really pretty.
You’re a really good cello player Brent.
[BRENT]
Thanks.
I practice a lot.
____________________________________
THE WIND & RAIN
____________
[BRITTAIN]
Side 4, Track 3. “The Wind & Rain.”
[GELSEY]
THERE WERE TWO SISTERS WHO LIVED BY THE SEA
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
AND THE YOUNGER ONE LOVED A MAN IN THE TREES
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
BUT THE MAN BROKE HER HEART LIKE HE DIDN’T CARE
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
THE SISTER RAN HER FINGERS THROUGH HIS HAIR
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
SO THE YOUNGER GOT DRUNK ON WHISKEY AND WINE
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
SCREAMED HIS NAME AND IT ECHOED THROUGH THE PINES
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
AND SHE PUSHED HER SISTER IN THE RIVER TO DROWN
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
WATCHED HER COLDLY AS SHE FLOATED DOWN
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
[ALL]
AND SHE FLOATED TILL SHE CAME TO THE MILLER’S POND
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
DEAD ON THE WATER LIKE A GOLDEN SWAN
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
AND THE MILLER PULLED HER OUT WITH A RUSTY FISHING HOOK
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
DREW THAT FAIR MAID FROM THE COLD COLD BROOK, CRYIN’
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
AND HE LEFT HER BONES ON THE BANKS TO DRY
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
LEFT HER BONES THERE RIGHT UNDER THE SKY, CRYIN’
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
AND ALONG THE ROAD CAME A FIDDLER FAIR
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
FOUND HER BONES JUST A LYING THERE, CRYIN'
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
AND HE MADE A LITTLE FIDDLE OF HER BREAST BONE
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
MADE A LITTLE FIDDLE OF HER BREAST BONE, CRYIN’
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
AND HE STRUNG HIS FIDDLE BOW WITH HER LONG BROWN HAIR
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
STRUNG HIS FIDDLE BOW WITH HER LONG BROWN HAIR, CRYIN’
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
[GELSEY & BRITTAIN]
BUT THE ONLY TUNE THAT THE FIDDLE WOULD PLAY WAS
OH, THE WIND AND RAIN
THE ONLY TUNE THAT THE FIDDLE WOULD PLAY WAS
OH, THE DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN
|
Dave Malloy New York
Theater composer, writer, performer. Shows include Moby-Dick; Octet; Ghost Quartet; Preludes; Black Wizard / Blue Wizard; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812; All Hands; Three Pianos; Beardo; Beowulf - A Thousand Years of Baggage; The Sewers; Sandwich; Clown Bible; and (The 99-cent) Miss Saigon. ... more
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