Original subtitles

I'm tired of this constant nagging.

It's like you're turning into one of your sisters.

And I'm tired of your drinking and feeling sorry for yourself.

Feeling sorry for myself?

Half the bloody country is out of work.

- You're not that special. - Oh, let me out of here.

- It's my bloody house. - Your bloody house? Brilliant.

I've been paying the mortgage on it for the last 15 years.

If we didn't share a mortgage, I would leave you.

- I've had enough of it. - Go on and leave any time you like.

Go on then, you stupid bitch.

Though there are still no accurate figures

for the number of young Irish people coming to London

in search of work, the crude indications that do exist show an enormous increase.

Many take the boat with barely enough money

to survive a few days in London, but still they emigrate

because they see hope across the sea, hope they cannot see in Ireland.

This meeting has been called to order.

Pray proceed.

Well, as some of you may have noticed,

your mother and I really are under a lot of pressure at the moment.

Like the rest of the country.

I haven't had a single commission this year.

Your mother is down to a three-day week.

It doesn't look like it's going to get much brighter.

So we had a look at our accounts,

and... well, we-we see we could make a significant saving

if we altered the education situation.

What education situation?

- Well... - She means your school.

They're taking you out of school.

- What? - No, no.

We're not taking you out of school.

We're transferring you from one school

- to another school. - Why?

Because we need to make some cuts in the budget somewhere.

I'd suggest taking your brother out of college,

but he's already dropped out of his own volition.

Thank you, Robert.

The Christian Brothers have a fine history of education.

Who are the Christian Brothers?

The Christian Brothers are an educational institution

- formed by... - The Christian Brothers, Conor,

are an order of the Catholic Church self-appointed in their education formation

and systematic beating of their young charges.

Oh, shut up, Brendan.

Six years in the hands of the Jesuits, and look what they did for you.

You're just gonna have to face up to this, Conor.

Do you know what the Christian Brothers' motto is?

"Viriliter Age."

Do you know what that means?

"Let's rape our students"?

No, Brendan, it doesn't.

It means "act manly."

What are you doing? Get out of the bleedin' way.

Morning, Brother Baxter.

Sit down.

- French, Brother Barnabas. - Huh?

You're teaching French, not Latin.

Oh, how modern.

Mind you, I'd be surprised if any of you knew where France is,

not to mind speaking the language.

Oh, go on.

It's on the continent.

Above Spain.

You'll be the new lad, then, from the Jesuits.

What's your name?

Conor Lawlor.

- Conor Lawlor? - Shut up!

Right, Conor. Morning prayers are at quarter to 9:00.

The canteen is located just below the PE hall.

They serve chips and bars.

We have a strict black-shoe policy here, Mr. Lawlor.

Your parents should have read it in the introductory rule book, page 142.

I don't have black shoes, sir.

Well, you're just going to have to get a pair then, aren't you?

And report to me first thing in the morning with them.

Good man.

Brother.

As you were.

Sorry.

Where did he say the restaurant was again?

Do you mean the canteen?

Of course, the can-canteen, yeah.

"The restaurant."

You're not in France now, you bleedin' spanner.

Do you smoke?

- Do you? - Occasionally.

I'm not really a smoker.

My brother is. Uh, sometimes steal a bit of his tobacco when my friends are over.

So do you want to have a smoke then or...?

- Here? - Come on, we'll have a smoke. Follow me.

Come on.

Here, do you want one?

Nah, I'm okay.

I already had two this morning.

Actually, look at this yoke.

It's a Black Widow.

Savage.

- Now, I hear you're a queer. - What?

Yeah, I hear you're a little queer.

No, you must have me mixed up with someone else.

Nah, I don't think so.

Dance.

- Dance? - Dance!

Dance, like a little queer, go.

Are you joking?

Jig.

Move it.

No, more arms.

Uh, yeah, disco, kind of.

Now dance with your pants down.

What?

Hmm. Get into that cubicle, dance with your pants down.

No.

What did you just say?

Uh, I'm not, I'm not doing that.

It's Thursday.

It's 7:00.

It's Top of the Pops.

Conor, Brendan, come on, it's 7:00!

They can't be here tonight, as they are in the USA,

so instead we have to go to Rio.

It's Duran Duran.

Hey, we're working here.

So are we.

This is my homework, Brendan.

I have a really important essay due in the morning.

Just because you've given up on your dreams doesn't mean we have to, all right?

Can we put the fire on?

No.

You're gonna love this, man.

Yes! Beautiful.

The jury's still out on which way these guys'll go,

but they're a lot of fun, and John Taylor

is one of the most proficient bass players in the UK at the moment.

Gives them a really funky edge, which I hope they're gonna go for.

Hey, it's not exactly the Beatles, is it?

Oh, you know, will you go outside and start up

the time machine there so we can all go back in time

- for Dad, Conor. - Well, if this is the future,

we're all screwed, aren't we? I mean, look at this guy.

He's not even singing live.

It's a video, Robert.

It's art.

Everybody's making them these days. Look at it.

He's very attractive, though, isn't he?

You're welcome to him.

Promise?

Who's that guitarist?

John Taylor.

All the girls love him.

Cute, isn't he, Ann?

And he's not a guitarist.

- He's a bassist. - Yeah, Ann.

I mean, why can't they get them to play live?

What are they trying to hide?

It's because they're in the USA.

Did you not hear him?

And this lasts forever.

It's the perfect mixture of music and visuals.

It's short, to the point.

Look at it.

I mean, what tyranny could stand up to that?

Good morning, Mr. Lawlor.

Well, I brought it up with my mum, but she said

we can't afford another pair at the moment.

I bought these before I knew about the shoe color policy

here at Synge Street.

But it's not as if they're runners or something.

They're... they're brown.

They're-they're quite sensible.

They're not black.

I'm-I'm not sure what you want me to do.

Take them off.

You can leave them at the door there.

Seeing as you're so fond of them, you can pick them up here at 4:00 every day

until you comply with the rules of the school.

What?

See you.

Could I have a Mars bar, please?

25p.

Thank you.

Here.

Ooh!

You should've just danced.

Who is that psycho?

That's Barry Bray.

- He'll be out for your blood for the year. - Why?

'Cause you've shown signs of weakness.

So how do you know him?

He lives in the same flat as me.

His ma and da are drugs addicts.

But don't worry.

You just need to come up with a plan for the year.

A solution.

Here.

Check it out.

"Darren Mulvey Business Solutions."

Call me anytime.

There's no number on it.

Oh, no, we don't have a phone.

Just call around, yeah?

Who's she?

I don't know.

She's always there.

She's beautiful.

Yeah, good luck.

She doesn't speak to anyone.

Stuck-up cow.

She said her boyfriend's a drug dealer.

She's not interested in any of the boys in school.

Then why is she standing over there every morning, then?

Need a light?

No. I'm trying to give up.

I don't have any matches anyway.

So, how come you're not in school?

I don't go to school.

I'm a model.

Cool, like, for magazines?

I'm going to London soon.

Just waiting for my portfolio shots.

There's no real work for models in Dublin, you know?

Yeah, tell me about it.

Do you want to be in a video?

It's for my band.

You're in a band?

Yes, and we need a girl for it.

Have you ever been in a video before?

No.

Is that a problem?

I hope not.

I'll ask the producer.

Who's the producer?

That kid behind me.

I could call you with the details, if I had your digits.

So, if you're in a band, sing me a song.

I can't sing out here.

You're gonna have to sing for, like, thousands of people.

I'm just one.

Sing.

Don't make me sing.

Jesus.

Sing that song off the radio.

You know, the one by A-ha.

Sing it.

Sing it.

No, it's too low.

That's all I know.

Cool, bye.

- We need to form a band. - What?

How are you, Darren?

- Is Eamon there? - Eamon?

Hey, Eamon.

What are you doing?

Nothing really.

Just feeding me new bunny.

Conor, this is Eamon. Eamon, this is Conor.

Conor's new in school, and he's putting a band together.

Oh, good Jesus.

So?

Wow.

Where'd you get all this gear?

Me da's in a covers band.

Weddings, parties, pubs.

Eamon can play every instrument known to mankind.

Can't you, Eamon?

Probably.

Show him.

Check it.

So what do you think...

So, what do you play yourself?

I'm more of a singer.

I write songs, words, lyrics.

But I haven't put them to music yet.

What kind of music are yous gonna be doing?

Well, I-I don't know yet.

What d'you mean you don't know? You have to know what you're gonna be playing.

What are you into?

I'm a futurist.

What does that mean?

Like, uh, no nostalgia.

Not like your da's band.

Not looking backwards, just forwards.

Oh, cool. Like Depeche Mode?

- Okay. - Or Joy Division?

Right.

Or Duran Duran?

What do you think of them?

Jury is out on which way those guys'll go.

They're a lot of fun, and James Taylor is one of the most proficient bass players

in the UK at the moment, giving them a funky edge.

John Taylor.

Yeah, John. Of course.

I'll be in your band.

I'll play guitar.

And I'll help write songs.

We could rehearse here 'cause my da's in Saint John of Gods.

- Is that a pub? - No, Darren.

It's a place where alcoholics go to get off the drink,

stop beating up their wives and kids.

Right.

And neighbors.

Who's gonna be the manager?

Me.

Have you managed bands before?

No, I'm just breaking into the market.

Got to get everything straight.

Get everything down on paper first.

Otherwise, the major record labels can rip you off when they come hunting.

That's what me da says.

When'd you want to rehearse?

Not at the weekends.

He's got a job packing shelves in Quinnsworth on Saturdays.

You're not giving that up for any band, d'you hear me?

Yeah.

What about Mondays and Wednesdays after school?

That's fine.

Sounds good.

Now all we need is other musicians.

Do yous know any?

- No. - Eamon?

He usually just plays on his own.

Don't you, love?

Right, well, we can't get any peace in here.

Let's continue this meeting outside.

No smoking now.

Ma, how many times do I have to tell you?

I don't smoke.

There's a black guy in 3B.

So?

- Be cool if he was in the band. - Why?

He's probably the one black guy in the whole school.

Probably in Dublin.

Having a golliwog in the band give us a real edge.

You can't say "golliwog."

Why not?

Trust me, you just can't.

And anyway, what if he can't play anything?

He'll be able to play something; he's black.

- Wow. - Can I help you?

Is this the house where the colored lad lives?

Four doors down.

What do you think?

How many black people do you think that lives on this shitty estate?

- Do you know Ngig? - What's that?

Ngig. My son.

We're putting a band together. Does he play any instruments?

Why don't you ask him yourself?

We are putting

a band together.

I am the manager.

What the hell is wrong with him?

Oh, you, um, sound different from your mam.

Course I do; been here half me bleedin' life.

What'd you think?

Would you have any interest in playing in a band?

What kind of music are yous playing?

We're not a hundred percent sure yet, but do you play any instruments?

Maybe.

"Futurist band forming.

Looking for a bass player, drummer."

That's us.

"Influences include Depeche Mode, Duran Duran and many more."

- Faggots. - Piss off, Ryan.

"Contact Management Solutions, 361 at St. Theresa's Gardens.

No telephone, just call in."

Sounds like a gig for us.

Let's go.

So what are we called, then?

All right, what about...

The Rabbits?

What's the story with you and rabbits?

I don't know, I just love them.

What about La Vie?

What's that mean?

It's French for "The Life."

What's French for, uh, "That's not gonna be the name of the band"?

C'est nes pas le nom du groupe.

There you go.

What about... Sing Street?

Do you actually not get that like?

Sing Street.

- Oh! - I like that.

- Gobshites. - Yeah, I like it.

- Sped up a bit there at the end. - Really?

- That sounded great. - Yeah, we sound deadly.

Oh, lads, we're gonna be amazing.

What are you doing?

I'm just letting the stink of that out, man.

Whew.

That was bad, bad music.

And there is nothing as bad in this world as bad music.

- You know you can record over tapes? - No.

That was a novelty act.

You want to have actual sexual intercourse, right?

- Yeah. What, what? - The girl.

It's all about the girl, isn't it? Yeah, the girl, yeah.

And you're gonna use somebody else's art to get her? Are you kidding?

We're just starting.

We need to learn how to play.

Did the Sex Pistols know how to play?

You don't need to know how to play. Who are you?

Steely Dan? You need to learn how not to play, Conor.

That's the trick. That's rock and roll.

And that takes practice.

And you're not a covers band, by the way.

- Really? - No.

Every school has a covers band.

Every pub has a covers band.

Every wedding has a covers band.

And every covers band has a middle-aged member

who'll never know whether they could've made it in the music industry or not

because they never had the balls to write a song for someone else.

Rock and roll is a risk.

You risk being ridiculed.

But I don't know how to write a song.

Close that door and sit down.

- Really? - It's gonna be a long night.

I've school in the morning.

This is school.

"She's standing on the corner like an angel in disguise.

"I want to try and warn her.

She's got dangerous eyes."

"Dangerous eyes."

I like that.

What does it mean?

I don't know.

What's the song about, Conor?

It's like when you don't know someone, they're more interesting.

They can be anything you want them to be.

Yeah.

But when you know them,

there's limits to them.

No, that doesn't make any sense.

What's it called?

"The Riddle of the Model."

So what about a rhythm like this?

Nice.

Slow it down a little.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's cool, that's it.

I've an idea.

Maybe for the chorus, like, a...

Yeah.

Yeah. There you can do a stop.

- Yeah. - And I come in and sing.

Like, would everybody stop?

- Yeah. Yeah, everyone. - Like, the drums

- will do a... - Yeah.

No, yeah. We-we all stop.

- Fireworks and lights and shit. I don't know. - Yeah.

- Everyone. - And they all...

- Everyone stops, yeah. - Crazy shit, that'd be cool.

- I like that. - Yeah, yeah.

So maybe like a...

- Yeah. - Yeah, I like that. That's good.

- Yeah, that's cool. - Yeah.

Do you, do you have a hoover?

Check out this effect.

It's like "Video Killed the Radio Star."

Go.

Hey.

How's it going?

Uh, here's the tape.

What's this?

Oh, that's the song; I mentioned it to you.

Oh, you're the kid in the band.

Yeah, you should probably learn the lyrics.

So you can lip-sync to them properly.

We're shooting at the lane at the back of Quinnsworth.

- You know Quinnsworth? - Yeah.

This Saturday at 12:00.

Cool. Well, I'll try and make it.

What would I wear?

I don't know.

It's kind of like a Chinese theme.

So, like, a kimono?

Well, it's more like a riff than a song.

More of an Eastern bit in the song.

It's called "The Riddle of the Model."

That's really sweet.

Oh.

No, it's not about you.

It's about another model I know.

Oh.

Right, well, I'll give it a listen, but I'm, like, really, really busy at the moment.

You know, so I'll try.

Yeah, you should. It's a, it's a good song.

We've got a great team.

It's a really good opportunity.

Cool.

So this Saturday at 12:00, then?

12:00. Sounds good.

- Thanks. - Cool.

Bye.

Looks like loads of gear back home, doesn't it?

And yet, strangely, it just looks like shit here.

Yeah.

Ah, hey, where is this chick?

I don't know.

Who the hell brought a cowboy costume?

Me. It's all I could find.

No one wears a cowboy costume in a band.

There's a cowboy in the Village People.

And Adam Ant.

Adam Ant is a highwayman.

So we can have a highwayman, but we can't have a cowboy?

Are you mentally ill?

I got fangs in the joke shop.

What are you gonna do with them?

- It's a music video, not a bleedin' horror film. - Spanner.

So what did yous bring?

It's me da's show band outfit.

So it's a gay band?

Okay.

Coming from the one who wants to look like the Village People.

What's gay about the Village People?

Hello, all. Sorry I'm late.

I was out last night.

At a nightclub.

Jesus Christ, what are you all wearing?

Yeah, we're just working that out.

Um, maybe you can help.

Well, who's your costume person?

We don't really have a costume person.

Well, who's your cameraman?

Maybe he can make some of this work.

Well, we don't really have...

I'm the cameraman.

Thought you were the producer.

And the cameraman.

Saving money at all costs, yeah.

What'd you think of the song?

I really liked it.

It's the only reason I'm here.

Did you write it?

Eamon wrote most of the music.

So you wrote the lyrics?

Cool.

You've got really good cheekbones.

- What? - Yeah.

Yeah, you should let me do your makeup.

- Really? - Yeah. Now this light's gonna be

really harsh on camera.

It'll take the edge off.

I'm actually wearing some right now.

In fact, you should all be wearing makeup.

Yeah, I'm not wearing any makeup.

Relax, you're not even in the band.

Yeah, thank God.

I'm in the band, and I will not be wearing any makeup. Thank you.

Why? You've got great lips.

No, piss off. I'm not wearing makeup.

Whatever.

Those of you who actually care about the band

and want to do this half properly, queue over there.

Okay, so we're playing over here,

and Raphina's standing over there against the wall.

I go up to you and start singing to you.

Make sure to pan up to her eyes when I sing the line, "She's got dangerous eyes."

I think a zoom would be better.

Okay, a zoom, whatever.

Do you think I should have, lightning flashes on my eyelids when I close 'em?

Can you do that?

I can do anything.

Cool.

So then for the chorus, you walk off and I follow,

circling you like when he's following her in the "Thriller" video.

- Have you seen the "Thriller" video? - Yeah.

Cool. So then I follow you up the laneway,

keeping behind you, and then we'll swing around and get the angle in front.

- Let's shoot it. - Right, let's shoot.

It's just some kids filming something.

What are yous filming, lads?

A video for a band.

Hi, Barry.

Are these in your school, Barry?

Yeah, they are, yeah.

But they're wearing bleedin' makeup.

I know.

Oh, yous making a movie, lads, is it?

Nah, it's just a video for a band.

You should get in a band, Barry.

Put on lipstick, dance around and all.

- You'd be bleedin' great. - Piss off.

- What did you say? - Nothin'.

See yous, lads.

See yous at the Oscars.

Right, lads, lots of energy in this.

And, Ngig, I want to see you really pressing those keys.

Here's some playback.

Why don't we go eat these in the park?

There you go.

- Thank you. - No problem.

Can I spin you home?

I didn't know you had a car.

So where d'you live?

Not far from the school. Harcourt Terrace.

Ah, by the canal.

Did you grow up there?

Yeah. Though we're probably moving.

My parents are broke.

That's why they sent me to that school.

Yeah, I was wondering about that.

You're a bit posh for around there.

Speak for yourself. Your house is massive.

Is it?

My parents are probably splitting up.

That's sad. Are you doing okay with it?

Oh, yeah.

It's a bit intense being around them.

Jesus, all that drama.

I'm glad I don't have parents.

Haven't we been down this square already?

Uh, no.

You are the slowest cyclist I have ever met.

Okay.

Thanks.

- That was great fun. - Yeah, it was really fun.

Hey, baby!

Hi.

- This is Evan Adams. - Word.

- How do you do? - This is the singer

in the band I was telling you about.

Oh, yeah, she played me your song.

Good vibes.

Little bit of Duran Duran in there, bit of New Romance.

What style would you say you were?

I'm a futurist.

Epic.

See you in the future, then.

- Ready, baby? - Yeah.

- Okay. - I'll see you soon.

See you.

Let's make another video sometime.

Nice blouse!

Aw, shit.

You have to imagine it's not as...

Shit?

This will be good.

- Really? - Yeah.

You just need some proper cameras and a good director.

But as long as it's in your head, that's what counts.

It's an exercise in imagination.

Think big, Conor. This is just a means to an end.

And she looks amazing.

She's got to be in all the videos.

- Yeah? - Oh, yeah.

She's world-class.

Without her, you're just a bunch of gay-looking kids down an alleyway.

Have you kissed her yet?

- No way. - Why not?

She's a year older than me.

And, anyway, she's got a boyfriend.

- Ah. Who? - Evan Adams.

He's, like, a full-grown man.

He's got a car and all and stubble.

What's he doing hanging out with a kid?

She's not really like a kid.

Hmm.

- What's this? - Homework.

You're good. Get better.

How d'you know he's her boyfriend anyway?

It seemed like it.

Pulled off in his car, music blaring.

He's pretty cool.

What was he listening to?

Genesis.

He will not be a problem.

- Really? - Trust me.

No woman can truly love a man who listens to Phil Collins.

Shh.

Listen.

I think she's having an affair.

What? Why?

She gets a lift home from her boss a couple of times a week.

She doesn't drive. What's wrong with that?

She gets out of the car about 100 yards away from the house.

It's a nervous thing.

She's overcompensating.

Good night, then.

Hey, Conor, what's going on?

I don't know.

What are you doing?

Just, just rabbit stuff.

D'you want to write a new song?

Yes, I do.

Records.

Really good records.

My brother loves this.

He says it's homework.

You see how bass guitar and the bass pedal are playing the same rhythm?

You'll hear it now, wait.

I told all of yous, you especially, shitting on the bed all the time.

You can't put rabbits on the bed and not expect them to shit on your bed.

A chord like...

Yeah.

Somewhere in the...

- That's good. I like that. - Yeah.

I love that middle A.

Yeah, go get the guitar; let's try it out.

It-it'll sound better on the acoustic.

It's gonna sound great with the lads.

Boys, look at David Bowie.

Oh, I like this.

- What is it? - My band.

- You're in a band? Cool. - Yeah.

What are they called?

Sing Street.

Who's this now? Your girlfriend?

Yeah.

No.

She's a friend of mine.

- She's a model. - Hmm.

But she's got a boyfriend.

An older guy.

Ah.

All the complicated boys and girls.

Good work.

Brother Baxter would like to see, uh, Conor Lawlor.

Okay. Conor.

Conor Lawlor.

What's going on?

With what?

This.

Oh, well.

I checked the rule book...

the-the one you mentioned about brown shoes...

and I couldn't find anything about makeup or altering hair color.

Oh, and look.

I painted these with paint from the art room.

Head down to the toilet and remove the makeup right now.

- Why? - Because I told you to.

But I'm in a band.

It's a school band, and I think it's important that we have a look.

You're a man. Men don't wear makeup.

But why not?

People in the 18th century wore makeup.

That means people like Mozart wore makeup, and he was a man.

So you're Mozart now, are you?

That makes me Salieri, is it?

Who's Salieri?

You've a fine face.

Pretty enough without makeup.

Take it off.

You can use my bathroom, if you like.

Come on in here.

I'm gonna go to class now.

Jesus!

You can't do this!

Do you want to bet?

I'll get you clean, don't worry.

Clean you all up.

Get all that shite off you.

Take pride in your God-given features.

No more Ziggy Stardust.

- Hey, Cosmo. - Who?

Cosmo. That's what I'm calling you now.

You're gonna need a catchy name if you're gonna be in a band.

Right.

What happened?

Nothing.

Come on.

I really liked your song.

It made me cry.

Oh.

I'm really sorry.

No, that's a good thing.

So who's the guy with the car?

Evan?

Yeah.

Is he your boyfriend?

We're on and off.

It's complicated.

We're actually on a little break at the moment.

Yeah.

Good idea.

Take a break for a year or so.

Get some perspective.

He's actually a really nice guy.

Yeah.

Shit taste in music, though.

We're going to London soon.

I'm too young to go on my own, so he's organized everything.

What's in it for Evan?

Are you jealous, Cosmo?

Why would I be jealous?

Exactly.

Will you write me a happy song sometime?

I need a laugh.

But what if I don't feel happy?

Your problem is that you're not happy being sad.

But that's what love is, Cosmo.

Happy-sad.

Shit, I've got to go soon.

We only have a half hour dinner window in our house.

So, what's the house like, where you live?

It's nice.

Nicer than some of the dumps I've lived in.

So where are your parents?

My dad's brown bread.

He got hit by a car.

Oh, my God. Sorry.

Really don't be.

He was a drunk. He deserved it.

And me ma's in and out of hospital.

Why?

She's a nurse.

Oh, right.

No, she's manic-depressive.

So, like, happy-sad.

You're funny, I like that.

Well, let me know if you need me for any more videos before I go.

When are you going?

Soon.

What did she mean by that?

Well, I think what she means is that you need to reach a place in your life

where you're okay with your sadness.

It's pretty high concept stuff.

How old d'you say she was again?

Sixteen.

It's monastic.

She's like a monk.

She sounds really pretentious.

Why, 'cause she wants to leave school and follow her vocation?

You call wanting to be a model a vocation?

Anything can be a vocation, Ann.

Being a taxi driver, being a bin man, being a poet,

being a singer, being an artist.

Brendan, I never wanted to be an artist.

We couldn't get the brush out of your hand when you were a kid.

What is wrong with being an architect?

It's not a vocation.

I thought everything was a vocation.

Don't be playing word games with me, Ann.

I don't do "words," all right?

Come on, Conor.

Turn out the lights before you go to bed, Ann.

So her dad's dead and her mam is a lunatic.

And you thought you had problems.

I see now what the older boyfriend thing is about.

Daddy issues.

I used to know chicks like this.

They're tricky, and they need a lot of protecting.

Are you up to that, Conor?

I don't know.

So what's it all about?

I think she's just an amazing human being.

I've never seen anyone like her.

The way she talks and looks.

She wears these sunglasses, and when she takes them off, her eyes

are like the clouds clearing past the moon.

Sometimes I just want to cry looking at her.

They're happy-sad.

So how do you mean you're "happy-sad"?

Yeah, how am I supposed to market that?

It means we're not pop anymore.

We were pop?

Listen, I'm happy being anything.

I just want to play music.

That's fine.

Be who you are, Eamon.

Well, I don't know who I am.

Maybe I'm happy-sad, too.

I don't know.

What does happy-sad even mean?

How can we be both things? It makes no sense.

It means that I'm stuck in this shithole

full of morons and rapists and bullies, and I'm gonna deal with it, okay?

It's just how life is.

I'm gonna try and accept it and get on with it

and make some art.

So how does that affect our music?

- Positively. - All right.

Okay.

So the idea of this video is about a guy standing halfway down a pier,

and a beautiful woman walks past him towards the lighthouse.

Half an hour later, she hasn't come back.

So he investigates, but she's gone.

What?

She killed herself.

No, she's a mermaid, and she's jumped back into the sea.

You see, she got washed up in a fishing net so she's been in the city,

and she's been dying to get back to the water, to her friends.

Back to where she belongs.

That's much better.

I know.

Okay, so we're playing here and Raphina walks by.

- So where do I jump from? - Here.

- Aah! - Yeah.

How'd that look, lads?

Yeah, it looked all right.

It's a bit shit.

That supposed to look like they're jumping in or something?

Yeah.

It doesn't.

Trust me. It'll work.

Keep bloody filming! Save me!

I can't swim!

- What were you thinking? - Did you get it?

Yeah, it was great!

Ah! Fantastic!

Can you really not swim?

No.

So why'd you do that, then?

For our art, Cosmo.

You can never do anything by half.

Do you understand that?

I'm... I'm sorry.

Look, I was...

Great is what it was.

Fair play.

What about Evan?

Yeah, you ruined it.

You know, on a clear day, you can actually see the mainland of Britain.

Island's only 30 miles from the coast of Wales.

Bet you didn't know that.

It has to have just rained, no dust in the air.

You can just about see it.

No way.

How do you know stuff like that?

My granddad worked on the ships to Holyhead.

He used to take me out here.

We used to go out in his little boat, fishing.

Wow.

So I can wave back to you when I'm in London.

My brother says all the great artists had to get off this island.

The ones who stayed got depressed and turned into alcoholics.

Makes sense.

You talk about your brother a lot.

Do you really love him?

He was gonna go to Germany when he was younger.

But my parents would never let him go without finishing school.

He was gonna run away; he had the whole thing planned, so he says.

So what happened?

My mum found out.

She closed it down.

She didn't want him to go.

Maybe she loved him too much.

Yeah.

Actually, I think you're right.

That's what my dad always used to say.

When my ma would be in hospital, in a spell,

and it was just the two of us.

So I'd get all dressed up to go out with my friends,

then he'd make me stay in.

And afterwards, he'd say,

"I love you too much, is all."

And the thing is, me ma's much better-looking than I am,

so I don't really know why he'd bother with me.

It's a strange kind of love, isn't it?

Parents.

I would've saved her.

And I could've.

- No, you couldn't have. - I could've.

- You're too small. - I'm not too small.

You're way too small.

I've a good joke for you guys.

Vagina. Do you get it?

- No. - Exactly.

All right, uh...

why did the pink...

Look at her.

She races home every evening just to catch that last little bit of sun...

have a cigarette and read her papers.

She's always talking about going on a holiday to Spain.

But he never takes her.

That's all she gets.

Then that tall tree blocks it, and she comes in.

I often wonder what she's thinking about.

That's amazing.

Ah, how's the band getting along?

What are they called again?

"The Queers"?

Good one, Barry.

Is, uh, anyone getting these down?

You know who you're a bit like, Barry?

Uh, Oscar Wilde.

What class is he in, then?

He's not in school, Barry, you spanner.

You know I am gonna kill you one of these days.

No, you're not.

- 'Cause you don't even exist. - What?

Maybe you're living in my world; I'm not living in yours.

You're just material for my songs.

Man, I'd be very careful about what you say to me next.

Floor him, Barry.

I don't want to have to batter you again.

Go ahead, Barry.

Go on.

You only have the power to stop things.

But not to create.

"End of term disco at the school hall.

DJ and lights." So?

I say we ask if we can play there. First gig.

- We're not ready. - We could be.

We need a deadline, something to prepare for.

We have exams. We need to prepare for them.

Yeah, they're midterm exams. They don't mean anything.

Yeah, well, they do to my ma. She wants me to go to college.

Get qualifications and all.

Will there be girls at the disco?

- Yes. - I say we do it.

We have five songs.

We'd need a half-hour set, so three more.

Come on, where are you going?

It's half-9:00 at night.

Why are you acting, all of a sudden, as if it matters?

- Come on, this is bullshit. - As if you care?

You're gonna go down the street. You're gonna be back in ten minutes.

- Not this time. - That's what you always say.

It is not what I always say!

- It's 9:00 at night! It's dark! - I've got somewhere to go to.

You're not taking the car. I suppose Mr. What's-His-Name will come around in his.

- His name's Tony. - Tony can come around with his.

What about this dress? This dress is lovely. Do you want to take that one?

- Don't touch my things! - You'd look pretty sexy in that one.

When was the last time you noticed anything I wore, any way that I looked?

That's a pretty sexy one, isn't it? He'll love that one, won't he?

What about knickers? Have you got knickers?

- You probably don't. You don't need knickers... - Just put them away!

This is life, Conor.

Drive it like you stole it.

Come on!

No!

- Come on, get her up. - Let's get her up!

What do you think you're doing?

That's great!

Try a bit of hi-hat, Larry.

And begin.

What does this even mean?

Suck my balls.

- Quiet! - Night now.

- Hey. - Hi.

Do you want to go on an adventure?

Oh. Okay.

Do you see the pole there, the yellow one?

Yeah.

That's where we're heading.

If my parents found out I took this out, they'd kill me.

Have you taken it out before?

Every few weeks.

A boat's like a musical instrument... it doesn't like it if you don't use it.

That's what my granddad said, you know, so I like to look after it for him.

Look, there's the ferry heading to England.

Full of Irish people.

Okay, so go.

"You just can't stand the way that we walked out from the wreckage."

What wreckage?

Maybe the wreckage of family.

That's what I was thinking about.

Okay, next.

"You just can't stand the way that I turned my life around."

That's about you.

What do you mean?

Well, I was thinking about my parents and how I thought I had problems.

And the way you've turned your life around.

How have I turned my life around?

Well, look at you. You're going to a new country.

You've got a vocation. You look amazing.

- Stop. - Stop what?

Just get on with the song. What's the video gonna be about?

So... I think it's set at a school prom, like in an American high school.

I've always wanted to go to an American school.

With girls and hair gel.

Have you seen "Back to the Future"?

I see all the films.

Imagine the band, all in suits.

I have all the shots planned in my head.

My brother told me to think big.

And what if I come in a big '50s dress?

Yeah.

And the whole crowd parts and everyone disappears.

And then we all break out into this big dance routine,

and everyone is there.

And then you and I just run off into the night

with the twinkling lights of the city behind us.

You were a bit attractive back there.

Back where?

On the boat.

Thank you.

Just a little bit.

Bit like a captain.

I like that.

Aye-aye.

You're always very attractive.

I know.

And very conceited.

Just stop talking.

For once.

I've just...

Sorry.

- Now, is it...? - Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

So when are we shooting this video?

Saturday next.

Oh.

Conor?

Good. You're up.

If this is about my exam results...

I can explain, see...

It's not about your exams, Conor.

We need to talk to all of you. Sit down.

Well, so, firstly, we don't want to make a big deal about this, you know.

It's something we've thought about a lot.

A lot of married couples...

Your father and I are splitting up.

Thank you. That's great.

It was just a matter of time.

I'll go get the bags packed.

Let me know when we're ready to go.

Why don't you sit down, Brendan, for a second?

We'll tell you what we're thinking.

You see if you agree.

A consensus?

That's novel. Okay.

Your mother has fallen in love with Tony.

They're gonna be moving into his apartment for awhile and...

Yeah.

We've had an offer on this house.

It's half what it's worth, but we're gonna take it.

I can't afford to live here on my own.

So you're getting a divorce?

Can't get divorced in Ireland, so we'll be legally separated.

I'm gonna be getting an apartment, and you three will live between there and...

there.

I'm not gonna be staying at Tony's.

Let's get that crystal clear.

I'd rather sleep on the street.

I understand this is upsetting for you, Brendan.

You don't understand anything!

For all of you.

This is bullshit.

So you were right.

They're just human beings. I told you that.

I was sort of hoping they'd come to my gig at the end of the month.

What, you thought they'd just become different people

and start noticing what you were doing and what you wanted?

They've got their own shit going on. They're not going to your stupid gig.

So why is it stupid now?

It's not that it's stupid, it's just annoying.

- What's wrong with you? - I don't know. I'm in withdrawal!

- From what? - I haven't smoked hash in two days, Conor.

- Why? - So I can do something with my life.

Like what?

Do you see that guitar?

I used to be able to play that guitar... well.

I used to ride hot girls.

I could run 200 meters faster than anybody in my school.

You're the youngest.

You get to follow the path that I macheted

through the jungle that is our mad family.

I was alone with them for six years.

You think they're crazy now?

Think about what they were like when they were in their late 20s.

Two Catholics in a rented flat with a screaming baby,

who just got married because they wanted to have sex.

They didn't even love each other.

I was in the middle of that, alone.

And then you came along.

Thank God!

And you followed...

the path that I cut for us.

Untouched.

You just moved in my jet stream.

And people laugh at me, Conor.

The stoner, the college dropout.

And they praise you, which is fine!

But once...

I was a fucking jet engine!

Back in a second.

Need to go to the bathroom.

Ngig.

- Can you move that mic stand over a bit more. - Are you expecting her soon?

I thought she was coming, but I don't know where she is.

Right, so you better get something filmed. Yous have an hour.

Come on, Conor. She's not coming.

- Let's just do whatever. - Okay.

Come over, guys.

Okay, so this is like a school video, except not like an Irish school,

more like an American school, and it's prom night.

Have you seen "Back to the Future"?

Okay, well, it's just kind of like '50s dancing, and...

Like what?

It's... like dancing from the '50s, you know, clicking fingers and...

Can we try some now, actually? Just...

Yeah. Yeah.

That's it. Yeah.

Yeah, maybe do a few twirls and stuff.

Just do what's natural.

Make it as natural as possible.

Let's get some playback.

Um...

All right, let's shoot it.

- Oh. - Yeah?

Hi. Is Raphina there?

No. She doesn't live here anymore.

- Wh-Where is she? - I don't know.

Are you the bloke in the band?

Yeah.

I lost money on you.

What?

Yeah, we all... had bets going.

Thought you were gonna win.

Look, she was always gonna do her own thing, wasn't she?

She's mad like that, determined.

Where is she?

She's gone to London with her fella. Last night.

Wow, um...

Did she leave any message for me or anything?

No.

All right. No, uh...

That's cool, yeah.

Your songs are good.

Thanks.

Hold on to that nice and tight there.

That's... 71 inches.

- Raphina? - No, sorry.

- Hey, wait. - What?

Raphina.

- Who? - Raphina.

Oh, no, I'm Raphina's younger sister. Sorry.

No, you're not.

What are you doing? I thought you were in London.

I mean, it was a mad idea, anyway.

Don't even know anyone in London.

I thought he had booked tickets.

No.

No, that was just an act to get a ride.

He doesn't even have a flat or friends or any of that.

So where is he now?

I don't know.

He left me in a B and B in town.

We had this big row.

He said I wasn't pretty enough to be a model, and that I was too small.

Kinda true. I'm pretty short.

What happened to your cheek?

Did he hit you?

Yeah, but I totally deserved it.

So what are you gonna do now?

I don't know.

I was gonna print some CVs, but I haven't really done anything,

except your videos.

McDonald's have an ad in their window.

Would you still fancy me if I did that?

"D'you want chips with that?"

As long as you're happy.

So that's my life now.

Working at McDonald's,

hanging out with a 15-year-old schoolboy.

I'm exactly like my ma.

I'm mad.

I have to go now.

I have a gig to rehearse for.

Oh, tell me about that.

No.

Will you help me write a song?

Always.

Just keep doing that.

Why doesn't she believe in destiny?

Well...

she was always going on about London.

It was so important to her, almost like part of her identity.

But maybe it was just in her head.

And it wasn't really her destiny at all.

Why don't you take her to London?

How much is a plane ticket to London?

Yeah.

Anyway, what about the band?

The band will be fine.

Just go to London and get a record deal.

Come back and just get us out of this shithole.

That's not a bad idea, actually.

Mm.

Nice.

Yeah.

Make a nice piano bit.

Yeah.

Shit!

Take him down!

I'm sorry that I didn't know about you playing guitar and everything.

It's cool.

There's a lot of stuff you don't know about me.

You should come play a solo, at the gig.

Okay, I probably will.

You know, it's been a, it's been a while since you've been out of the house.

Well, I'm here now, aren't I?

Okay.

So I'll see you there, then.

Yeah. Cool.

Sounds like it could be fun.

Cool. All right.

See you later.

Cool, she's not here.

Do you know where the photocopier is?

- Yeah. - Photocopy 200 of these.

Why?

You'll see.

Come on, Darren.

We've got one more thing to do.

Now leave this to me.

Yeah.

Who's that, Barry?

If it's the TV license man, tell him to piss off.

What do yous want?

- We want to talk to you. - Shut up, you stupid bitch!

You know what, Barry, you think you're different from us, and you are.

You're bleedin' nuts.

We all have one thing in common... me, you and him.

We're all shit at school. We're bleedin' useless.

- So? - What are you gonna do

when you get kicked out of school?

Stay at home with your ma and da watching day-time telly, getting wasted?

Yeah, okay.

Well, we're gonna be in a band.

Gigging, on the road.

Different venues each night, different women.

And d'you know what bands need?

What do bands need?

Roadies.

Someone who is strong. Someone who can fight.

Get in here, Barry, and get us another beer!

You worthless shite!

I'm a worthless shite.

I mean, what would you want with me in a fag band?

Being in a band is like being in the army.

Everyone has everyone's back.

D'you think you're up for it?

Get in here and get us another can, Barry, or do you want another smack?

Where do you think you're going?

Get back here, you little prick!

Okay, that was good, but now it's time for some live music.

Faggots!

Hello, Dublin.

We're Sing Street from Dublin.

Faggot!

Dad, you shouldn't have come here if you're just gonna slag us.

This is called "Girls."

Faggots!

That was shite!

Thank you.

Yes.

Come on, keep going!

Get off the stage!

Okay, here's one called "To Find You."

It's a slow song.

Conor, we're not playing a bleedin' slow song at a gig.

- Are you mad? - No?

They love us. We'll blow it.

Eamon?

I don't know, it's a bold move.

Let's do it.

Okay, this song's for anyone who thought they had a girlfriend

for a day, but then she just turned out to be a friend.

What's that about?

Okay.

So this is our last song, so come back in.

Don't worry, it's a fast one.

It's about this school, and it's for Brother Baxter.

Lights!

Oh, oh, yeah, right.

Hey! Hey!

Leave that light switch alone.

Didn't you hear what I told you?

Hey!

You think that's funny?

Don't you push it now, d'you hear me?

What? It's a tribute song.

If you want to keep this band going next term, you'd better be careful.

- Okay? - Yeah, okay.

Go on, Conor!

Are you ready?

This could be all of ours first and last gig, man. You ready to do it?

Let's go.

Okay, so this is our last song. This is called "Brown Shoes."

And it's for every Christian Brother and every bully you ever knew.

Thank you!

We're Sing Street!

That was Sing Street from Dublin.

Shh, keep it down.

Come in.

Hi.

Hey.

Where are the parents?

They're asleep. How was the gig?

Great.

Hi.

This is Raphina?

We need your help.

Can you drive us to Dalkey?

What for?

Well, granddad's little boat is still moored there.

We're gonna sail to England, the two of us.

We're all set. We just need a lift to the harbor.

Yeah, sure.

When are you thinking of going?

Now.

Now?

Do you know anybody in England?

- No. - Do you have any sterling?

No.

- No? - No.

She has her photographs.

I've my demo tapes and videos.

Let's go. Get the keys.

I'll see you, Mum.

I love you.

All right.

Okay.

You call as soon as you get there.

- No messing, all right? - I will.

Okay.

All right.

Hey, uh, before you go, I...

wrote down some song lyrics.

- Really? - Yeah, it's pretty

stream of consciousness stuff, but it's about this kid and a girl.

In the future.

- Put some music to it sometime. - Okay.

Wish I'd done this.

You'll probably die.

But anyway, go on.

Go.

You should come and visit us.

You seem like a mad bastard.

Okay.

You look after that brother of mine. He's gonna be lost without me.

I will.

Call you tonight.

Right, go on. Go on.

Away.

All right, so we're gonna go around the island and straight on.

- Straight to Wales. - Okay. Straight on.

Straight on.

All right.

Right.

Forward ho.

Yes! Yes!

Whoo!

You're gonna want to sit down around now.

Why?

That's why.

Oh, my God.

You okay?

Yeah.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

Conor!

Jesus!

Oh, my God.