Original subtitles

We begin on Christmas Eve with me, Mark, and my roommate, Roger.

We live in an industrial loft on the corner of 11th Street and Avenue B.

It's the top floor of what was once a music-publishing factory.

Old rock 'n' roll posters hang on the walls.

They have Roger's picture advertising gigs...

...at CBGB's and the Pyramid Club.

We have an illegal wood-burning stove.

Its exhaust pipe crawls up to a skylight.

All of our electrical appliances are plugged...

...into one thick extension cord which snakes its way out a window.

Outside, a small tent city has sprung up in the lot next to our building.

Inside, it's freezing because we have no heat.

Smile!

December 24th, 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

From here on in, I shoot without a script

See if anything comes of it Instead of my old shit

First shot Roger

Tuning the Fender guitar He hasn't played in a year

-This won't tune -So we hear

He's just coming back From half a year of withdrawal

-You talking to me? -Not at all

Are you ready? Hold that focus steady

Tell the folks at home What you're doing, Roger

I'm writing one great--

-The phone rings -Saved

Re-screen Zoom in on the answering machine

-Speak. -Speak.

That was a very loud beep I don't even know if this is working

Mark? Mark? Are you there?

Are you screening your calls? It's Mom

We wanted to call And say we love you

And we'll miss you tomorrow

Cindy and the kids are here Send their love

Oh, I hope you like the hot plate

Just don't leave it on, dear When you leave the house

Oh, and Mark

We're sorry to hear That Maureen dumped you

I say c'est la vie So let her be a lesbian

There are other fishies in the sea Love, Mom

Tell the folks at home What you're doing, Roger

-I'm writing one great song -The phone rings

We screen

-Speak. -Speak.

-Chestnuts roasting -Collins

-I'm downstairs -Hey

Roger picked up the phone?

-No, it's me -Throw down the key

A wild night is now preordained

I may be detained

What does he mean?

What do you mean, detained?

-Benny. Shit. -Shit.

-Dudes, I'm on my way -Great, fuck

-I need the rent -What rent?

-This past year's rent, which I let slide. -Let slide?

You said we were golden.

-When you bought the building -When we were roommates

-Remember, you lived here? -How could I forget?

You, me, Collins and Maureen.

How is the drama queen?

She's performing tonight.

I know. Still a production manager?

Two days ago, I was bumped.

-You still dating her? -Last month, I was dumped

-She's in love -Oh, she's got a new man?

-Well, no-- -What's his name?

-Joanne. -Joanne.

Rent, my amigos, is due, or I will have to evict you.

Be there in a few.

The power blows.

How do you document real life

When real life's getting more Like fiction each day?

Headlines, bread lines Blow my mind

And now this deadline Eviction or pay

Rent

How do you write a song When the chords sound wrong?

Though they once sounded Right and rare

When the notes are sour Where is the power

You once had to ignite the air?

-We're hungry and frozen -Some life we've chosen

-How we gonna pay? -How we gonna pay?

-How we gonna pay -How we gonna pay

-Last year's rent? -Last year's rent?

We light candles.

How do you start a fire When there's nothing to burn

And it feels like something's stuck In your flue?

How can you generate heat When you can't feel your feet

-And they're turning blue? -And they're turning blue?

You light up a mean blaze

-With posters -And screenplays

-How we gonna pay? -How we gonna pay?

-How we gonna pay -How we gonna pay

-Last year's rent? -Last year's rent?

Don't screen, Maureen, it's me.

Joanne, your substitute production manager.

Hey, hey, hey. Did you eat?

Don't change the subject, Maureen

But, darling, You haven't eaten all day

You won't throw up You won't throw up

The digital delay didn't blow up, exactly.

There may have been one teeny, tiny spark.

You're not calling Mark.

How do you stay on your feet

When on every street It's trick or treat

And tonight it's trick?

Welcome back to town I should lie down

Everything's brown And, uh-oh, I feel sick

-Where is he? -Getting dizzy

-How we gonna pay? -How we gonna pay?

How we gonna pay?

How we gonna pay

Last year's rent?

Allison, baby You sound sad

I can't believe those two After everything I've done

Ever since our wedding, I'm dirt They'll see

I can help them all out In the long run

The music ignites the night

-With passionate fire -Maureen, I'm not a theater person.

The narration crackles and pops With incendiary wit

Could never be a theater person.

Zoom in as they burn the past To the ground

And feel the heat Of the future's glow

Hello. Maureen.

Your equipment won't work? Okay, all right, I'll go.

How do you leave the past behind

When it keeps finding ways To get to your heart?

It reaches way down deep And tears you inside out

Till you're torn apart Rent

How can you connect in an age Where strangers, landlords, lovers

Your own blood cells betray?

What binds the fabric together

When the raging, shifting winds Of change keep ripping away?

Draw a line in the sand And then make a stand

-Use your camera to spar -Use your guitar

When they act tough You call their bluff

We're not gonna pay

Last year's rent

This year's rent

Next year's rent

Rent, rent, rent, rent, rent

We're not gonna pay rent

'Cause everything is rent

Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing

Christmas bells are ringing

Somewhere else, not here

You okay, honey?

I'm afraid so

They get any money?

No, had none to get

But they purloined my coat

Well, you missed a sleeve

-Thanks -Hell, it's Christmas Eve

I'm Angel

Angel

Indeed.

An angel of the first degree

Friends call me Collins.

Tom Collins.

Nice tree

Let's get a Band-Aid for your knee I'll change it

There's a Life Support meeting At 9:30

Yes, this body Provides a comfortable home

For the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

-As does mine -Oh, we'll get along fine

Get you a coat Have a bite and make a night

-I'm flush -My friends are waiting

You're cute when you blush

The more, the merry Ho, ho, ho

And I do not take no

-Where are you going? -Maureen calls.

You're such a sucker.

I don't suppose you'd like to see her show in the lot tonight...

...or come to dinner?

Zoom in on my empty wallet.

Touché.

Take your AZT.

Close on Roger

His girlfriend April left a note Saying, "We've got AIDS"

Before slitting her wrists In the bathroom

I'll check up on you later.

If you change your mind.... You have to get out of the house.

I'm writing one great song Before l....

God.

One song Glory

One song before I go

Glory One song to leave behind

Find one song

One last refrain

Glory From the pretty-boy front man

Who wasted opportunity

One song He had the world at his feet

Glory In the eyes of a young girl

A young girl

Find glory

Beyond the cheap colored lights

One song Before the sun sets

Glory

On another empty life

Time flies

Time dies

Glory

One blaze of glory

Glory

Find glory

In a song that rings true Truth like a blazing fire

An eternal flame

Find one song

A song about love Glory

From the soul of a young man

A young man

Find the one song Before the virus takes hold

Glory Like a sunset

One song To redeem this empty life

Time flies

And then no need To endure anymore

Time dies

The door.

-What'd you forget? -Got a light?

I know you, you're--

You're shivering

It's nothing They turned off my heat

And I'm just a little weak on my feet Would you light my candle?

-What are you staring at? -Nothing

Your hair in the moonlight

You look familiar

-Can you make it? -Just haven't eaten much today

At least the room Stopped spinning anyway

-What? -Nothing

-Your smile reminded me of-- -I always "remind people of"

-Who is she? -She died

-Her name was April -It's out again

Sorry 'bout your friend Would you light my candle?

-Well? -Yeah?

Oh, the wax

-It's-- -Dripping

-I like it between my-- -Fingers

I figured

Oh, well, good night

-It blew out again? -No, I think that I dropped my stash

I know I've seen you out and about

When I used to go out

Your candle's out

I'm illin' I had it when I walked in the door

It was pure Is it on the floor?

The floor?

They say that I have the best ass Below 1 4th Street

-Is it true? -What?

-You're staring again -Oh, no

I mean, you do have a nice--

I mean, you look familiar

-Like your dead girlfriend -Only when you smile

But I'm sure I've seen you Somewhere else

Do you go to the Cat Scratch Club? That's where I work

I dance Help me look

Yes They used to tie you up

It's a living

I didn't recognize you Without the handcuffs

We could light the candle

Oh, won't you light the candle?

Why don't you forget that stuff?

-You look like you're 1 6 -I'm 1 9

But I'm old for my age I'm just born to be bad

I once was born to be bad I used to shiver like that

-I have no heat, I told you -I used to sweat

-I got a cold -Uh-huh, I used to be a junkie

-But now and then I like to feel good -Uh-huh

-Oh, here -What's that?

Candy-bar wrapper.

We could light the candle

Oh, what'd you do to my candle?

-That was my last match -Our eyes'll adjust

-Thank God for the moon -Maybe it's not the moon at all

I hear Spike Lee's shootin' Down the street

Bah humbug

-Cold hands -Yours too

Big Like my father's

Do you wanna dance?

With you?

-No, with my father -I'm Roger

They call me

They call me Mimi

Hi, you've reached Maureen and Joanne. Leave a message.

Don't forget "Over the Moon," my performance...

...protesting the eviction of the homeless and artists...

...from the 1 1th Street lot tonight at midnight, between A and B.

Party at Life Cafe to follow.

Well, Joanne, we're off I tried you at the office

And they said you were Stage managing or something

Remind her that those unwed mothers in Harlem need her help too.

Call Daisy for our itinerary Or Alfred at Pound Ridge

Or Eileen at the State Department In a pinch

We'll be at the spa for New Year's Unless the senator changes his mind

-The hearings -Oh, yes, kitten

Mommy's confirmation hearings Begin on the 1 0th

We'll need you alone By the 6th

-Harold! -You hear that?

Just three weeks away And she's already nervous

-I am not -For Mommy's sake, kitten

No Doc Martens this time And wear a dress, oh, and Kitten

-Have a merry -And a bra

Enter Tom Collins.

Computer genius, teacher, vagabond anarchist...

...who ran naked through the Parthenon.

Bustelo, Marlboro Banana by the bunch

A box of Cap'n Crunch Will taste so good

-And firewood -Look, it's Santa Claus

-Hold your applause -Oh, hi

-"Oh, hi," after seven months? -Sorry

This boy could use some Stoli

Oh, holy night

You struck gold at MIT

They expelled me for my theory of actual reality...

...which I'll soon impart to the couch potatoes at New York University.

-Still haven't left the house? -I was waiting for you, don't you know?

Well, tonight's the night. Come to the Life Cafe after Maureen's show.

No flow.

Gentlemen, our benefactor On this Christmas Eve

Whose charity is only matched By talent, I believe

A new member of the Alphabet City Avant-garde

Angel Dumott Schunard

Today for you Tomorrow for me

-And you should hear her beat -You earned this on the street?

It was my lucky day today On Avenue A

When a lady in a limousine Drove my way

She said, "Darling, be a dear Haven't slept in a year

I need your help to make my Neighbor's yappy dog disappear

This Akita, Evita, just won't shut up I believe if you play nonstop

That pup will breathe its very last High-strung breath

I'm certain that cur Will bark itself to death"

Today for you Tomorrow for me

We agreed on a fee $1 000 guarantee, tax free

And a bonus if I trim her tree

Now, who could foretell That it would go so well?

But sure as I am here That dog is now in doggy hell

After an hour, Evita, in all her glory

From a window ledge Of that 23rd story

Like Thelma and Louise did When they got the blues

Swan-dove into the courtyard Of the Gracie Mews

Today for you Tomorrow for me

You go, girl.

Back on the street Where I met my sweet

Where he was moaning and groaning On the cold concrete

The nurse took him home For some Mercurochrome

Then I dressed his wounds And got him back on his feet

Sing it Today for you

Tomorrow for me

Today for you Tomorrow for me

I said Today for you

Tomorrow for me Today for you

Tomorrow

For me

Joy to the world

Hey. You bum. Yeah, you. Move over.

Get your ass off that Range Rover.

That attitude toward the homeless...

...is exactly what Maureen is protesting tonight.

Close-up: Our ex-roommate, Benjamin Coffin lIl....

...who married Allison Grey of the Westport Greys...

...then bought our building and the lot next door...

...from his father-in-law, in hopes of starting a cyber-studio.

Maureen is protesting Losing her performance space

Not my attitude

What happened to Benny?

What happened to his heart And the ideals he once pursued?

Any owner of that lot next door

Has the right to do with it As he pleases

Happy birthday, Jesus

-The rent -You're wasting your time

-We're broke -You broke your word, this is absurd

There is one way You won't have to pay

I knew it.

Next door, the home of CyberArts

And now that the block is rezoned Our dream can become a reality

You'll see, boys

A state-of-the-art, digital Virtual interactive studio

I'll forgo your rent And on paper guarantee

That you can stay here for free

-If you do me one small favor. -What?

Convince Maureen to cancel her protest.

Why not just get an injunction or call the cops?

I did, and they're on standby.

But my investors would rather I handle this quietly

You can't wipe out an entire tent city...

...then watch It's a Wonderful Life on TV.

You wanna produce films and write songs?

You need somewhere to do it

It's what we used to dream about Think twice before you pooh-pooh it

You'll see, boys

You'll see the beauty of a studio

That lets us do our work And get paid

With condos on the top Whose rent keeps open our shop

Just stop the protest And you'll have it made

You'll see

Or you'll pack.

That boy could use some Prozac.

-Or heavy drugs. -Or group hugs.

Which reminds me, we have a detour to make tonight.

Anyone who wants to can come along.

Life Support's a group for people coping with life.

We don't have to stay too long.

First I've got a protest to save

-Pleasure. -I'm not much company.

-Behave. -He'll catch up later.

He's just got other things on his mind.

We'll see, boys

Let it be, boys

-I like boys -Boys like me

We'll see

And so, into the abyss

The lot, where a small stage is partially set up.

Line in. I went to Harvard for this?

-Close on Mark's nose dive. -Line out.

Will he get out of here alive?

-Mark? -Hi.

I told her not to call you

That's Maureen, but can I help Since I'm here?

I've hired an engineer.

Great.

So nice to have met you.

Wait.

She's three hours late.

The samples won't delay But the cable--

There's another way Say something, anything

Test, one, two, three

Anything but that

-This is weird -It's weird

-Very weird -Fuckin' weird

I'm so mad that I don't know what to do

Fighting with microphones Freezing down to my bones

And to top it all off I'm with you

Feel like going insane? Got a fire in your brain?

And you're thinking Of drinking gasoline?

-As a matter of fact -Honey, I know this act

It's called the Tango: Maureen

The Tango: Maureen

It's a dark, dizzy merry-go-round

-As she keeps you dangling -You're wrong

-Your heart she is mangling -It's different with me

And you toss and you turn

'Cause her cold eyes can burn

Yet you yearn, and you churn And rebound

I think I know what you mean

-The Tango: Maureen -The Tango: Maureen

Has she ever pouted her lips And called you "pookie"?

Never.

Have you ever Doubted a kiss or two?

This is spooky

Did you swoon When she walked through the door?

Every time, so be cautious

Did she moon over other boys?

-More than moon -I'm getting nauseous

Where'd you learn how to tango?

With the French ambassador's daughter in her room at Miss Porter's.

And you?

With Nanette Himmelfarb, the rabbi's daughter...

...at the Scarsdale Jewish Community Center.

It's hard to do this backwards.

You should try it in heels.

-She cheated -She cheated

-Maureen cheated -Fuckin' cheated

I'm defeated I should give up right now

Gotta look on the bright side With all of your might

I'd fall for her still, anyhow

When you're dancing her dance You don't stand a chance

Her grip of romance makes you fall

-So you think, "Might as well" -"Dance a tango to hell"

"At least I'll have tangoed at all"

The Tango: Maureen

Gotta dance till your diva is through

You pretend to believe her

'Cause in the end You can't leave her

But the end, it will come Still you have to play dumb

Till you're glum and you bum And turn blue

Why do we love when she's mean?

And she can be so obscene

Try the mike.

My Maureen

-Patched. -Thanks.

You know, I feel great now.

I feel lousy.

Hey, honey. We're-- "Pookie"?

You never called me "Pookie."

Forget it. We're patched.

The Tango: Maureen

Steve.

Gordon.

Ali.

-Pam. -Lisa.

Hi. I'm Angel.

Tom. Collins.

I'm Paul. Let's begin.

There's only us

There's only this

Sorry. Excuse me.

And you are...?

Oh, I'm not-- I'm just here-- I don't have-- I'm here with....

Mark

Mark I'm Mark.

Well, this is quite an operation

Sit down, Mark.

We'll continue the affirmation.

Forget regret

Or life is yours to miss

Excuse me, Paul I'm having a problem with this

This credo

My T-cells are low. I regret that news, okay?

All right, but, Gordon How do you feel today?

-What do you mean? -How do you feel today?

-Okay. -Is that all?

-Best I've felt all year -Then why choose fear?

I'm a New Yorker Fear's my life

Look, I find Some of what you teach suspect

Because I'm used to Relying on intellect

But I try to open up To what I don't know

Because reason says I should have died

Three years ago

No other road

No other way

No day but today

What's the time?

Well, it's gotta be close to midnight

My body's talking to me It says, "Time for danger"

It says, "I wanna commit a crime

Wanna be the cause of a fight

I wanna put on a tight skirt

And flirt with a stranger"

I've had a knack from way back

At breaking the rules Once I learn the game

Get up, life's too quick I know someplace sick

Where this chick'll Dance in the flames

We don't need any money

I always get in for free

You can get in too

If you get in with me

Let's go

Out tonight

I have to go

Out tonight

You wanna play? Let's run away

We won't be back Before it's Christmas Day

Take me out tonight

Meow.

Yeah

When I get a wink From the doorman

Do you know how lucky you'll be?

That you're on the line

With the feline of Avenue B

Let's go

Out tonight

I have to go

Out tonight

You wanna prowl? Be my night owl?

Well, take my hand, we're gonna

Howl

Out tonight

In the evening I gotta roam

Can't sleep in the city Of neon and chrome

Feels too damn much like home

When the Spanish babies cry

So let's find a bar

So dark we forget who we are

Where all the scars From the nevers and maybes die

Let's go

Out tonight

I have to go

Out tonight

You're sweet Wanna hit the street?

Wanna wail at the moon Like a cat in heat?

Just take me

Out tonight

Please take me

Out tonight

Don't forsake me

Out tonight

I'll let you make me

Out tonight

Tonight

Tonight Tonight

Who do you think you are?

Barging in on me and my guitar

Little girl, hey, the door is that way

You better go You know the fire's out anyway

Take your powder Take your candle

Your sweet whisper I just can't handle

Well, take your hair In the moonlight

Your brown eyes Goodbye, good night

I should tell you I should tell you

I should tell you, I should-- No

Another time, another place

Our temperature would climb There'd be a long embrace

We'd do another dance It'd be another play

Looking for romance?

Come back another day

Another day

The heart may freeze

Or it can burn

The pain will ease

If I can learn

There is no future

There is no past

I live this moment as

My last

There's only us

There's only this

Forget regret

Or life is yours to miss

No other road

No other way

No day but today

Excuse me if I'm off track

But if you're so wise Then tell me

Why do you need smack?

Take your needle

Take your fancy prayer

Don't forget Get the moonlight out of your hair

Long ago you might have Lit up my heart

But the fire's dead Ain't never ever gonna start

Another time Another place

The words would only rhyme We'd be in outer space

It'd be another song We'd sing another way

You wanna prove me wrong? Come back another day

Another day

There's only yes

Only tonight

We must let go

To know what's right

No other course

No other way

No day but today

I can't control

Control your temper

My destiny

She doesn't see

I trust my soul

-Who says that there's a soul? -My only goal

Is just to be

Just let me be

-Who do you think you are? -There's only now, there's only here

-Barging in on me and my guitar -Give in to love, or live in fear

-Little girl, hey -No other path

-The door is that way -No other way

No day but today

The fire's out anyway

No day but today

Take your powder Take your candle

No day but today

Take your brown eyes Your pretty smile, your silhouette

No day but today

Another time, another place Another rhyme, a warm embrace

No day but today

Another dance Another way, another chance

Another day

No day but today

I'm writing one great song

Before l....

Will I lose my dignity?

Will someone care?

Will I wake tomorrow

From this nightmare?

Will I lose my dignity?

Will someone care?

Will I wake tomorrow

From this nightmare?

-Will I lose my dignity? -Will I lose my dignity?

Will someone care?

-Will I wake tomorrow -Will I wake tomorrow

-From this nightmare? -From this nightmare?

-Will I lose my dignity? -Will I lose my dignity?

-Will someone care? -Will I lose my dignity?

-Will I wake tomorrow -Will someone care?

-From this nightmare? -Will I wake tomorrow

-Will I lose my dignity? -From this nightmare?

Will I lose my dignity?

-Will someone care? -Will I lose my dignity?

-Will I wake tomorrow -Will someone care?

-From this nightmare? -Will I wake tomorrow?

Christmas bells are ringing

-Christmas bells are ringing -Christmas bells are ringing

Christmas bells are ringing

Out of town Santa Fe

Honest living, man.

Evening, officer.

Smile for Ted Koppel, Officer Martin.

And a merry Christmas To your family

Right.

Who the fuck do you think you are? I don't need no goddamn help

From some Bleeding heart cameraman

My life's not for you To make a name for yourself on

Easy, sugar, easy He was just trying to--

Just trying to use me To kill his guilt

It's not that kind of movie, honey.

Let's go. This line is full of motherfucking artists.

Hey. Artist. You got a dollar?

Yeah, I thought not.

New York City.

Center of the universe

Sing it, girl.

Times are shitty, but I'm pretty sure they can't get worse.

I hear you.

It's a comfort to know

When you're singing The hit-the-road blues

That anywhere else you could Possibly go after New York would be

A pleasure cruise

Now you're talking.

Well, I'm thwarted by a Metaphysic puzzle

And I'm sick of grading papers That I know

I'm shouting in my sleep I need a muzzle

All this misery pays no salary So

Let's open up a restaurant In Santa Fe

Sunny Santa Fe would be nice

We'll open up a restaurant In Santa Fe

And leave this To the roaches and mice

-You teach? -I teach.

Computer Age Philosophy.

But my students would rather watch TV.

-America. -America.

You're a sensitive aesthete

Brush the sauce onto the meat

You can make the menu Sparkle with a rhyme

You can drum a gentle drum

And I can seat guests as they come

Chatting not about Heidegger But wine

Let's open up a restaurant In Santa Fe

-Santa Fe -Our labors would reap financial gain

-Gain -Gain

We'll open up a restaurant In Santa Fe

-Santa Fe -And save from devastation our brains

Save our brains

We'll pack up all our junk And fly so far away

Devote ourselves to projects That sell

We'll open up a restaurant In Santa Fe

Forget this cold bohemian hell

Do you know the way To Santa Fe?

You know, tumbleweeds

Prairie dogs

Yeah

I'll see you at the show I'll try and convince Roger to go

-Alone at last -He'll be back. I guarantee.

-I've been hearing violins all night. -Anything to do with me?

Are we a thing?

Darling, we're everything.

Live in my house

I'll be your shelter

Just pay me back With 1 000 kisses

Be my lover

And I'll cover you

Open your door I'll be your tenant

Don't got much baggage To lay at your feet

But sweet kisses I've got to spare

I'll be there and I'll cover you

-I think they meant it -I think they meant it

When they said you can't buy love

Now I know you can rent it

-A new lease you are, my love -A new lease you are, my love

-On life -On life

-Be my life -Be my life

-Girl, where you taking me? -Wherever you wanna go.

-All right. -My wig, hold on.

Just slip me on

I'll be your blanket

Wherever, whatever

I'll be your coat

You'll be my king And I'll be your castle

No, you'll be my queen And I'll be your moat

I think they meant it

When they said you can't buy love

Now I know you can rent it

A new lease you are, my love

-On life -On life

-All my life -All my life

-I've longed to discover -I've longed to discover

-Something as true as this is -Something as true as this is

-So with a thousand sweet kisses -If you're cold and you're lonely

I'll cover you With a thousand sweet kisses

-You've got one nickel only -I'll cover you

With a thousand sweet kisses

-When you're worn-out and tired -I'll cover you

With a thousand sweet kisses

-When your heart has expired -I'll cover you

-Oh, lover -Oh, lover

-I'll cover you -I'll cover you

-Yeah, yeah, yeah -Yeah, yeah, yeah

-Oh, lover -Oh, lover

-I'll cover you -I'll cover you

Steve, Joanne. The Murget case? A dismissal. Good work, counselor.

We're okay

Honey bear, wait I'm on the other phone

Yes, I have the cowbell We're okay

So tell them we'll sue But a settlement will do

Sexual harassment And civil rights too

Oh, Steve, you're great No, you cut the paper plate

Did you cheat on Mark A lot would you say?

We're okay

Honey, hold on. Steve, I need-- Hold on.

Hello?

Dad, yes, I beeped you

Maureen is coming To Mother's hearing

We're okay

Honey bear, what? Newt's lesbian sister? I'll tell them.

You heard? They heard.

We're okay

And you, Dad Yep, Jill is there

Steve, got-- Jill with the short, black hair

The Calvin Klein model? Steve, gotta go

The model who lives In Penthouse A?

We're

We're okay

I'm on my way

Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing

Christmas bells are singing On TV at Saks

Honest living, honest living Honest living, honest living

Can't you spare a dime or two Here but for the grace of God go you

You'll be merry I'll be merry

Though merry Ain't in my vocabulary

No sleigh bells No Santa Claus

No yule log No tinsel

No holly No hearth

-No -Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer No room at the Holiday Inn

Oh, no

And it's beginning to snow

Hats, bats, shoes, booze Mountain bikes, potpourri

Leather bags, girlie mags Forty-fives, AZT

No one's buying Feel like crying

No room at the Holiday Inn Oh, no

And it's beginning to snow

How about a fur In perfect shape

Owned by an MBA from uptown?

I got a tweed Broken in by a greedy

Broker who went broke And then broke down

-You don't have to do this -Hush your mouth, it's Christmas

I do not deserve you, Angel

-Give, give -Wait

-All you do is give -What's on the floor?

-Give me some way -Let's see some more

-To show -No, no, no

How you've touched me so

Kiss me It's beginning to snow

She said "Would you light my candle?"

And she put on a pout

And she wanted you To take her out tonight?

-Right -She got you out

She was more than okay But I pushed her away

It was bad, I got mad And I had to get her

Out of my sight

Wait, wait, wait You said she was sweet

Let's go eat I'll just get fat

It's the one vice left When you're dead meat

-There, that's her -Maureen?

Mimi!

I should go Hey, it's beginning to snow

I'm dreaming of a white Right Christmas

Follow the man, follow the man With his pockets full of the jam

Follow the man, follow the man

Help me out, Daddy, if you can

-Got any D, man? -I'm cool

-Got any C, man? -I'm cool

Got any X? Any smack?

Any horse? Any jugie boogie boy? Any blow?

-Hey -Hey

I just want to say I'm sorry for the way

-Forget it -I blew up

-Can I make it up to you? -How?

-Dinner party? -That'll do

Hey, lover boy, cutie pie You steal my client, you die

You didn't miss me You won't miss her

You'll never lack for customers

I'm willin', I'm illin' I gotta get my sickness off

Gotta run, gotta ride Gotta gun, gotta hide, gotta go

And it's beginning to snow

We're out of luck, Allison The protest is on

L.L.Bean, Geoffrey Beene Burberry zip out lining

Mark, this is Mimi. She'll be dining with us.

-Here's a new arrival -That is an ounce

-Hats, bats, rats -That's my coat

-We give discounts -I think we've met

-Let's get a better one -It's a sham

-That's what he said -I said it's a gram

-She's a thief -But she brought us together

-Which investor is coming? -I'll take the leather

Your father? Damn.

Let's go to the lot

Maureen's performing

-Who's Maureen? -His ex.

But I am over her

I should tell you I have to tell you

-Let's not hold hands yet -Is that a warning?

I need to take it slow

I should tell you, I should tell you I should tell you, I should tell you

I should tell you l--

And it's beginning to And it's beginning to

And it's beginning to

Joanne? Which way to the stage?

Snow

Maureen's performance.

Last night I had a dream.

I found myself in a desert called Cyberland.

It was hot.

My canteen had sprung a leak, and I was...

...thirsty.

Out of the abyss walked a cow.

Elsie.

I asked if she had anything to drink. She said:

"I'm forbidden to produce milk

In Cyberland we only drink

Diet Coke"

Yes.

She said:

"Only thing to do

Is jump over the moon

They've closed everything real down Like barns and troughs

And performance spaces

And replaced it all with lies And rules and virtual life"

But there is a way out.

Leap of faith, leap of faith Leap of faith, leap of faith

Only thing to do Is jump over the moon

I gotta get out of here

It's like I'm being tied to the hood Of a yellow rental truck

Packed in With fertilizer and fuel oil

Pushed over a cliff By a suicidal Mickey Mouse

I've

Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta

Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta

Gotta, gotta find a way

To jump over the moon

Only thing to do Is jump over the moon

Then a little bulldog entered.

His name, we have learned, was Benny.

And although he once had principles...

...he abandoned them to live as a lapdog...

...to a wealthy daughter of the revolution.

A one, two, three "That's bull," Benny said

"Ever since the cat took up the fiddle That cow's been jumpy

The dish and the spoon were evicted From the table and eloped

She's had trouble with her milk And the moon ever since

Maybe it's a female thing

'Cause who'd wanna leave Cyberland anyway?

Walls ain't so bad

The dish and the spoon, for instance They're down on their luck

They come knockin' On my doghouse door

And I said 'Not in my backyard, utensils.

Go back to China"'

"The only way out is up" Elsie whispered to me

"A leap

Of faith"

"Still thirsty?"

"Parched."

"Have some milk."

And I lowered myself beneath her swollen udder...

...and sucked the sweetest milk I had ever tasted.

"Climb onboard," she said

And as a harvest moon rose over Cyberland...

...we reared back, we sprang into a gallop...

...leaping out of orbit.

I awoke, singing....

Singing.

Shit.

Leap of faith Leap of faith

Only thing to do

Only thing to do is jump

Only thing to do is Jump over the moon

Over the moon

Over the....

Moo with me.

Moo, yes. Oh, it's so great. Yeah. Up there, let me hear you.

Yes!

Thank you.

No, please, no, not tonight Mister, can't you go?

-Can't have a scene -What?

Please go. You-- Hello sir. I said no. lmportant customer.

What am I, just a blur?

-You sit all night, you never buy -That's a lie, that's a lie

-I had a tea the other day -You couldn't pay

Oh, yeah.

Benjamin Coffin lIl, here?

Oh, no

Wine and beer

The enemy of Avenue A

And Mr. Grey.

What brings the mogul in his own mind to the Life Cafe?

I would like to propose a toast to Maureen's noble try.

-It went well. -Go to hell.

Was the yuppie scum stomped?

Not counting the homeless, how many tickets weren't comped?

-Why did Muffy-- -Allison.

--miss the show?

There was a death in the family if you must know.

-Sorry. -Who died?

Our Akita.

-Evita. -Evita.

Mimi. I'm surprised.

A bright and charming girl like you

Hangs out with these slackers Who don't adhere to deals

They make fun

Yet I'm the one Attempting to do some good

Or do you really want A neighborhood

Where people piss On your stoop every night?

Bohemia Bohemia's a fallacy in your head

This is Calcutta

Bohemia is dead

Dearly beloved

We gather here To say our goodbyes

Here she lies

No one knew her worth

The late, great daughter Of Mother Earth

On this night When we celebrate the birth

In that little town of Bethlehem

We raise our glass You bet your ass

To

La vie

Bohème

La vie bohème

-La vie bohème -To days of inspiration

Playing hooky Makin' something out of nothing

The need to express To communicate

To going against the grain Going insane

-La vie bohème -Going mad

-La vie bohème -To loving tension

No pension To more than one dimension

To starving for attention, Hating convention, hating pretension

Not to mention, of course Hating dear old Mom and Dad

To riding your bike midday Past the three-piece suits

To fruits To no absolutes

To Absolut To choice

To the Village Voice

To any passing fad

To being an us for once Instead of a them

La vie bohème

-Is the equipment in a pyramid? -It is, Maureen

The mixer doesn't have a case Don't give me that face

Hey, mister She's my sister

So that's five miso soup Four seaweed salad

Three soy-burger dinner Two tofu-dog platter

And one pasta with meatless balls

It tastes the same

If you close your eyes

-And 1 3 orders of fries, is that it here? -Wine and beer

To handcrafted beers Made in local breweries

To yoga To yogurt

To rice and beans and cheese

To leather To dildos

To curry vindaloo To huevos rancheros

And Maya Angelou

Emotion, devotion To causing a commotion

Creation Vacation

Mucho masturbation

Compassion To fashion

To passion when it's new

-To Sontag -To Sondheim

To anything taboo

Ginsberg, Dylan, Cunningham And Cage

Lenny Bruce

-Langston Hughes -To the stage

-To Uta -To Buddha

Pablo Neruda too

Why Dorothy and Toto Went over the rainbow

To blow off Auntie Em

La vie bohème

And wipe the speakers off Before you pack

-Yes, Maureen -Well, hurry back

-Sisters? -We're close.

Brothers

Bisexuals, trisexuals Homo sapiens

Carcinogens, hallucinogens, men Pee-wee Herman

German wine, turpentine Gertrude Stein

Antonioni, Bertolucci, Kurosawa

Carmina Burana

To apathy To entropy

To empathy Ecstasy

Václav Havel The Sex Pistols

8BC To no shame

Never playin' the fame game

-To marijuana -To sodomy

It's between God and me

To S & M

Waiter, waiter, waiter.

La vie bohème

In honor of the death of bohemia...

...an impromptu salon will commence immediately following dinner.

Mimi Marquez, clad only in bubblewrap...

...will perform her famous lawn-chair handcuff dance...

...to the sounds of iced tea being stirred.

And Mark Cohen will preview his new documentary...

...about his inability to hold an erection on the High Holy Days.

Maureen Johnson, back from her spectacular...

...one-night engagement at the 1 1th Street lot...

...will sing native American tribal chants backwards...

...through her vocoder, accompanying herself on electric cello.

Which she has never studied.

Your new boyfriend Doesn't know about us

-There's nothing to know -Don't you think we should discuss?

-It was three months ago -He doesn't act like he's with you

-We're taking it slow -Where is he now?

He's right-- Where'd he go?

And Roger will attempt to write a bittersweet, evocative song...

...that doesn't remind us of "Musetta's Waltz."

Angel Dumott Schunard will model the latest fall fashions from Paris...

...while accompanying herself on the 1 0-gallon plastic pickle tub.

And Collins will recount his exploits as anarchist...

...including his successful reprogramming...

...of the MlT virtual-reality equipment to self-destruct...

...as it broadcasts the words:

Actual reality. ACT UP. Fight AlDS.

Excuse me Did I do somethin' wrong?

I get invited, then ignored All night long

I've been tryin' I'm not lyin'

No one's perfect I've got baggage

Life's too short, babe Time is flyin'

I'm lookin' for baggage That goes with mine

-I should tell you -I've got baggage too

-Should tell you-- -Baggage

Wine and beer

AZT break.

You?

Me

You?

Mimi

I should tell you I'm disaster

I forget how to begin it

Let's just make this part go faster

I have yet to be in it I should tell you

I should tell you

I should tell I blew the candle out

Just to get back in

I'd forgotten how to smile

Until your candle burned my skin

I should tell you

-I should tell -I should tell

-Well, here we go -Well, here we go

-Now we -Now we

Oh, no

I know this something is

-Here goes -Here goes

Guess so, it's starting to

-Who knows? -Who knows?

-Who knows where? -Who knows where?

-Who goes there? -Who goes there?

-Who knows? -Who knows?

-Here goes -Here goes

-Trusting desire -Trusting desire

-Starting to learn -Starting to learn

-Walking through fire -Walking through fire

-Without a burn -Without a burn

-Clinging a shoulder -Clinging a shoulder

-A leap begins -A leap begins

-Stinging and older -Stinging and older

-Asleep on pins -Asleep on pins

-So here we go -So here we go

-Now we -Now we

Oh, no

-I know -Oh, no

-Who knows where? -Who knows where?

-Who goes there? -Who goes there?

-Here goes -Here goes

Are we packed?

Yes, and by next week, I want you to be.

Pookie--

And you should see

They've padlocked your building And they're rioting on Avenue B

-Benny called the cops. -That fuck.

They don't know what they're doing

The cops are sweeping the lot

But no one's leaving. They're just sitting there mooing.

-To dance -No way to make a living

Masochism, pain, perfection

Muscle spasms, chiropractors Short careers, eating disorders

-Film -Adventure, tedium

No family, boring locations Darkrooms

Perfect faces, egos, money Hollywood and sleaze

-Music -Food of love, emotion

Mathematics, isolation Rhythm, power

Feeling, harmony And heavy competition

-Anarchy -Revolution, justice

Screaming for solutions Forcing changes, risk and danger

Making noise and making pleas

To faggots, lezzies, dykes Cross-dressers too

-To me -To me

To you and you and you You and you

To people living with Living with, living with

Not dying from disease

Let he among us without sin

Be the first to condemn

La vie bohème

-La vie bohème -Anyone out of the mainstream

-La vie bohème -Is anyone in the mainstream?

-La vie bohème -Anyone alive with a sex drive

-La vie bohème -Tear down the wall

Aren't we all?

The opposite of war isn't peace

It's creation

La vie bohème

The riot continues. The Christmas tree goes up in flames.

The snow dances.

Oblivious, Mimi and Roger share a small, lovely kiss.

Viva la vie bohème!

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

How do you measure Measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets In midnights, in cups of coffee

In inches, in miles In laughter, in strife

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

How do you measure A year in the life?

How about love?

Measure in love

Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

How do you measure the life Of a woman or man?

In truths that she learned Or in times that he cried

In bridges he burned Or the way that she died

It's time now to sing out The story never ends

Let's celebrate Remember a year in the life of friends

Remember the love

You got to You got to remember the love

Don't you know Got to give love

Give love Give love

Measure, measure your life In love

Seasons of love

Gonna be loved Loved

Pan to the padlocked door.

New Year's Rockin' Eve.

The breaking back into the building party.

-How long till next year? -Three and a half minutes.

I'm giving up my vices I'm going back

Back to school

Eviction or not This week's been so hot

That as long as I got you I know I'll be cool

l couldn't crack the love code, dear

Till you made the lock On my heart explode

It's gonna be a happy New Year

A Happy New Year

Coast is clear

You're supposed to be working That's for midnight

Where are they? There isn't much time

Maybe they're dressing

l mean, what does one wear That's apropos for a party

That's also a crime?

Chips anyone?

You can take the girl Out of Hicksville

But you can't take the Hicksville Out of the girl

My riot got you on TV I deserve a royalty

Be nice, you two Or no God-awful champagne

Don't mind if I do No luck?

Bolted plywood Padlocked with a chain

-A total dead end -Just like my ex-girlfriend

Honey, I know you're there

Please pick up the phone Are you okay?

It's not funny It's not fair

How can I atone? Are you okay?

I lose control But I can learn to behave

Give me one more chance Let me be your slave

I'll kiss your Doc Martens Let me kiss your Doc Martens

Your every wish I will obey

That might be okay. Down, girl. Heel, stay.

l did a bit of research With my friends at Legal Aid

Technically, you're squatters There's hope

-But just in case -Rope!

-We can hoist a line -To the fire escape

-And tie off at that bench -That bench

-I can't take them as chums -Start hoisting, wench

I think I should be laughing Yet I forget

Forget how to begin

I'm feeling something inside And yet I still can't decide

If I should hide Or make a wide-open grin

Last week I wanted just to disappear My life was dust

But now it just may be A happy new year

A happy new year

-Bond. James Bond. -And Pussy Galore, in person.

Pussy, you came prepared.

I was a Boy Scout once, and a Brownie...

...till some brat got scared.

-Moneypenny, my martini -Will bad champagne do?

-That's shaken, not stirred -Pussy, the bolts

Just say the word

Two minutes left to execute our plan

-Where's everyone else? -Playing Spider-Man

Ironic close-up tight On the phone machine's red light

Once the boho boys are gone The power mysteriously comes on

Mark, it's the Wicked Witch Of the West

Your mother Happy New Year from Scarsdale

We're all impressed that the riot Footage made the nightly news

Even your father says mazel tov Honey, call him

Love, Mom

Mark Cohen, Alexi Darling From Buzzline

Oh, that show's so sleazy.

Your footage of the riots, A-one Feature segment, network, deal time

I'm sending you a contract

Ker-ching, ker-ching

Marky, give us a call 970-4301

Or at home try 863-6754 Or my cell phone at 91 9-555-0090

Or you can e-mail me At Darling Alexi Newscom.net

Or you can page me at--

-I think we need an agent -We?

-That's selling out -But it's nice to dream

Yeah! It's network TV And it's all thanks to me

Somehow I think I smell the whiff Of a scheme

Me too.

-We can plan another protest -We?

This time you can shoot from the start And you'll direct, starring me!

Five, four, three, open sesame Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Happy New....

I see that you've beaten me To the punch

-How did you know we'd be here? -I had a hunch

-You're not mad? -I'm here to end this war

It's a shame you went And destroyed the door

Why all of a sudden The big about-face?

The credit's yours You made a good case

Mimi came to see me She had much to say

That's not how you put it At all yesterday

I couldn't stop thinking About the whole mess

-Mark, you'd wanna get this on film. -I guess.

I regret the unlucky circumstances Of the past seven days

Circumstance? You padlocked our door

And it's with great pleasure On behalf of CyberArts

-That I hand you this key -Golf claps

-I had no juice in my battery -Reshoot

Oh, I see This is a photo opportunity

The benevolent god ushers the poor artists back to their flat.

Planning on taking the barbed wire from the lot?

-Anything but that -Clearing the lot was a safety concern

We break ground this month But you can return

That's why you're here With people you hate

Instead of with Muffy At Muffy's estate

I'd honestly rather be with you tonight Than in Westport

-Spare us, sport, the sound bite. -Mimi, since you're so seductive

Persuade him not to be So counterproductive

-Tell them what you wore to my place -I was on my way to work

Black leather and lace My desk was a mess, I'm still sore

I kicked him And told him I wasn't his whore

Your boyfriend know Who your last boyfriend was?

I'm not her boyfriend. I don't care what she does.

People, is this any way to start A new year? Have compassion

-Benny just lost his cat -My dog, but I appreciate that

My cat had a fall I went through hell

Like losing-- How'd you know that she fell?

-Champagne? -Don't mind if I do

-To dogs -No, Benny, to you!

-Let's make a resolution -I'll drink to that

Let's always stay friends

-Though we may have our disputes -This family tree's got deep roots

-Friendship is thicker than blood -That depends

-Depends on trust -It depends on true devotion

-Depends on love -Depends on not denying emotion

Perhaps.

-It's gonna be a happy new year -I guess

It's gonna be a happy new year

-You're right -It's gonna be a happy new year

-I'm sorry. -I'm sorry.

-Coming? -In a minute, I'm fine, go

Well, well, well. What have we here?

It's gonna be a happy New Year

There, there. There, there.

Valentine's Day. Pan across the empty lot.

Roger's down at Mimi's, where he's been for almost two months now.

Although, he keeps talking about selling his guitar...

...and heading out of town. Still jealous of Benny.

God knows where Collins and Angel are.

Could be that new shantytown near the river or a suite at the Plaza.

Maureen and Joanne are rehearsing.

-I said, once more from the top! -I said, no!

That is, if they're speaking this week.

Me? I'm here.

Nowhere.

The line is, "CyberArts and its corporate sponsor...

...Grey Communications, wish to mitigate the Christmas Eve riots."

-What is so difficult about that? -It just doesn't roll off my tongue.

I like my version.

You, dressed as a groundhog to protest the groundbreaking?

-It's a metaphor. -It's less than brilliant.

-That's it, Miss lvy League. -What?

Ever since New Year's, I haven't said boo.

I let you direct.

Didn't pierce my nipples because it grossed you out.

I didn't dance that night because you wanted to go home.

You were flirting with the woman in rubber!

That's what this is about?

There will always be women in rubber flirting with me.

Give me a break.

Every single day I walk down the street

I hear people say, "Baby" It's so sweet

Ever since puberty Everybody stares at me

Boys, girls, I can't help it, baby

So be kind And don't lose your mind

Just remember that I'm your baby

Take me for what I am

Who I was meant to be

And if you give a damn

Take me, baby, or leave me

A tiger in a cage Can never see the sun

This diva needs her stage Baby, let's have fun

You are the one I choose Folks would kill to fill your shoes

You love The limelight too, baby

So be mine Or don't waste my time

Crying, "Oh, honey bear Are you still my baby?"

Take me for what I am

Who I was meant to be

And if you give a damn

Take me, baby, or leave me

No way can I be what I'm not

But, hey, don't you want Your girl hot?

Don't fight Don't lose your head

'Cause every night

Who's in your bed? Who?

Who's in your bed?

-Kiss, Pookie. -It won't work.

I look before I leap

I love margins and discipline

I make lists in my sleep, baby What's my sin?

Never quit I follow through

I hate mess But I love you

What to do With my impromptu baby?

So be wise 'Cause this girl satisfies

You got a prize So don't compromise

You're one lucky baby

Take me for what I am

A control freak.

Who I was meant to be

A snob, yet overattentive.

And if you give a damn

A lovable, droll geek.

Take me, baby, or leave me

An anal-retentive.

-That's it -That's it

The straw that breaks my back

-I quit -I quit

Unless you take it back

-Women -Women

What is it about them?

-Can't live with them or without them -Can't live with them or without them

-Take me for what I am -Take me for what I am

-Who I was meant to be -Who I was meant to be

-And if you give a damn -And if you give a damn

You better take me, baby

-Oh, take me, baby -Or leave me

Take me or leave me

-Take me, baby -Take me, baby

-Or leave me -Or leave me

-Guess I'm leaving -Guess I'm leaving

-I'm gone -I'm gone

In diapers, report cards In spoked wheels, in speeding tickets

In contracts, dollars In funerals, in births

In 525,600 minutes

How do you figure A last year on Earth?

Figure in love

Measure in love

Seasons of love

-Where were you? -Sorry.

No, you lost your keys. No, you went for a walk.

Had to help your mother.

-How's Benny? -Baby--

-I'm working upstairs tonight. -Wait.

I should tell you I should--

Never mind.

Happy Spring.

Without you

The ground thaws

The rain falls

The grass grows

Without you

The seeds root

The flowers bloom

The children play

The stars gleam

The poets dream

The eagles fly

Without you

The Earth turns

The sun burns

But I die without you

Without you

The breeze warms

The girl smiles

The cloud moves

Without you

The tides change

The boys run

The oceans crash

The crowds roar

The days soar

The babies cry

Without you

The moon glows

The river flows

But I die without you

The world revives

Colors renew

-But I know blue -But I know blue

-Only blue -Only blue

-Lonely blue -Lonely blue

Within me, blue

Without you

The hand gropes

The ear hears

The pulse beats

Without you

The eyes gaze

The legs walk

The lungs breathe

-The mind churns -The mind churns

-The heart yearns -The heart yearns

-The tears dry -The tears dry

-Without you -Without you

-Life goes on -Life goes on

-But I'm gone -But I'm gone

-'Cause I die without you -'Cause I die

Without you

-Without you -Without you

-Speak. -Speak.

Mark Cohen, Alexi Darling Labor Day weekend in East Hampton

On the beach

Just saw Alec Baldwin Told him you said hi

Just kidding

We need directors You still need money

You know you need money Pick up the phone

Don't be afraid of ker-ching, ker-ching

Marky, sell us your soul

Just kidding We're waiting

-Yes. -Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.

Yeah, right there.

-You got it. -Oh, you're gonna make me come.

Yeah, right there. Keep doing that.

Oh, yeah.

Hot, hot, hot, sweat, sweet

Wet, wet, wet, red heat

Hot, hot, hot, sweat, sweet

Wet, wet, wet, red heat

Please, don't stop, please Please, don't stop, stop

Stop, stop, stop Please, please

-Please -Harder

-Faster -Wetter

-Bastard -You whore

-More -You animal

-Sticky, licky, trickle, tickle -Fluid, no fluid, no contact, yes

-Steamy, creamy, stroking, soaking -Fire, fire, burn, burn

No latex rubber, rubber

Fire, latex rubber, latex bummer Lover bummer

Take me, take me, take me

Take me, take me Today for you

Tomorrow for me Today me

Tomorrow you Tomorrow you

Love you, love, love you Love you, I love you

I love you Take me, take me, take me

Take me, yeah

-Wait -Slipped

-Shit -Where'd it go?

-Safe -Damn

I think I missed Don't get pissed

It was bad for me Was it bad for you?

-It's over -It's over

It's over.

Angel was one of my closest friends.

It's right that it's Halloween because it was her favorite holiday.

I knew we'd hit it off the moment we met.

That skinhead was bothering her...

...and she said she was more of a man than he'd ever be...

...and more of a woman than he'd ever get.

And then there was a time...

...he walked up to this group of tourists...

...and they were petrified...

...because, A, they were obviously lost...

...and, B, had probably never spoken to a drag queen before in their lives.

And he....

She...

...just offered to escort them out of Alphabet City...

...and then she let them take a picture with her...

...and then she said she'd help them find the Circle Line.

So much more original than any of us.

You'd find an old tablecloth on the street and make a dress...

...and next year, sure enough...

...they'd be mass-producing them at the Gap.

You always said how lucky you were that we were all friends...

...but it was us, baby...

...who were the lucky ones.

Live in my house

I'll be your shelter

Just pay me back

With 1 000 kisses

Be my lover

And I'll cover you

Open your door

I'll be your tenant

Don't got much baggage To lay at your feet

But sweet kisses I've got to spare

I'll be there and I'll cover you

I think they meant it When they said you can't buy love

Now I know you can rent it A new lease you are, my love

On life

All my life

I've longed to discover

Something as true as this is

So with a thousand sweet kisses

If you're cold and you're lonely

With a thousand sweet kisses

-You've got one nickel only -I'll cover you

With a thousand sweet kisses

-When you're worn-out and tired -I'll cover you

With a thousand sweet kisses

When your heart has expired

Oh, lover

-I'll cover you -Yes, I will

-Yes, I will -Yes, I will

Oh, yes, I will

Oh, lover

I'll cover you

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Seasons of

-Love -I will cover you

Hi, it's Mark Cohen. Is Alexi there?

No need to bother her.

Just let her know I'm running a little late for my appointment.

I'm at my....

Yes, I'll still be there.

Yes, I signed the contract.

Thanks.

How did we get here? How the hell?

Pan left Close on the steeple of the church

How did I get here? How the hell?

Christmas Christmas Eve last year

How could a night so frozen Be so scalding hot?

How can a morning this mild Be so raw?

Why are entire years strewn On the cutting-room floor of memory

When single frames From one magic night

Forever flicker in close-up

On the 3-D lmax of my mind?

That's poetic That's pathetic

Why did Mimi knock on Roger's door And Collins choose that phone booth

Back where Angel set up his drums?

Why did Maureen's equipment Break down?

Why am I the witness?

And when I capture it on film Will it mean that it's the end

And I'm alone?

It's true you sold your guitar And bought a car?

It's true I'm leaving now for Santa Fe

It's true you're with This yuppie scum?

You said you'd never Speak to him again

-Not now -Who said that you have any say

-In who she says things to at all? -Yeah.

Who said that you should stick Your nose in other people--?

Who said I was talking to you?

-We used to have this fight each night -Calm down

-She'd never admit I existed -Everyone, please

He was the same way He was always

Run away, hit the road, don't commit You're full of shit

-She's in denial -He's in denial

Didn't give an inch When I gave a mile

-I gave a mile -Gave a mile to who?

-Don't you dare come at me. -Come on, guys, chill.

I'd be happy to die For a taste of what Angel had

-Someone to live for -Someone to live for

-Unafraid to say, "l love you" -Unafraid to say, "l love you"

All your words are nice, Mimi

But love's not a three-way street

You'll never share real love

Until you love yourself I should know

You all said you'd be cool today

So please, for my sake

I can't believe he's gone

I can't believe you're going

I can't believe this family must die

Angel helped us believe in love

I can't believe you disagree

I can't believe this is

Goodbye

-Pookie. -Honey bear.

-I missed you so much. -I missed you.

-I missed your smell. -I missed your mouth.

-What? -Nothing, Pookie.

No. No, baby, you said, "Ow." What is it?

You bit my tongue.

-No, I didn't. -Yes. It's bleeding.

I think I should know.

-Let me see. I was just try-- -She doesn't believe me.

Thomas B. Collins?

Coming.

I hear there are great restaurants Out West

Some of the best How could she?

How could you let her go?

You just don't know How could we lose Angel?

Maybe you'll see why When you stop escaping your pain

At least now if you try AngeI's death won't be in vain

His death is in vain

Are you insane?

There's so much to care about There's me, there's Mimi

Mimi's got her baggage too

So do you

Who are you to tell me What I know and what to do?

-A friend -But who, Mark, are you?

"Mark has got his work"

They say, "Mark lives for his work" And, "Mark's in love with his work"

-Mark hides in his work -From what?

From facing your failure Facing your loneliness

Facing the fact you live a lie

Yes, you live a lie Tell you why

You're always preaching Not to be numb

When that's how you thrive

You pretend to create and observe

When you really detach From feeling alive

Perhaps it's because I'm the one of us to survive

Poor baby!

Mimi still loves Roger

Is Roger really jealous Or afraid that Mimi's weak?

Mimi did look pale

Mimi's gotten thin

Mimi's running out of time Roger's running out the door

No more Oh, no, I gotta go

Hey, for someone Who's always been let down

Who's heading out of town?

For someone who longs For a community of his own

Who's with his camera, alone?

I'll call

l hate the fall

You heard?

Every word

You don't want baggage Without lifetime guarantees

You don't want to watch me die I just came to say

Goodbye, love Goodbye, love

Came to say goodbye, love Goodbye

Just came to say

-Goodbye, love -Glory

-Goodbye, love -One blaze of glory

Came to say goodbye, love

-Goodbye -I have to find

Please don't touch me Understand

I'm scared I need to go away

-I know a place, a clinic -A rehab?

Maybe Could you?

I'll pay

Goodbye, love Goodbye, love

Came to say goodbye, love Goodbye

Just came to say Goodbye, love

Goodbye, love Goodbye, love

Hello, disease

Off the premises now We give no handouts here

-What happened to "rest in peace"? -Off the premises, queer

That's no way to send a boy To meet his maker

They had to know We couldn't pay the undertaker

Don't you worry about him Hey, I'll take care of it

-Must be nice to have money. -No shit.

I think it only fair to tell you...

...you just paid for the funeral of the person who killed your dog.

I know. I always hated that dog. Let's pay him off and then get drunk.

I can't. I have a meeting.

-Punk. Let's go. -Punk. Let's go.

Hi. Mark Cohen here for Buzzline. Back to you, Alexi.

Coming up next, vampire welfare queens...

...who are compulsive bowlers.

Oh, my God. What am I doing?

Don't breathe too deep

Don't think all day

Dive into work

Drive the other way

That drip of hurt

That pint of shame

Goes away Just play the game

You're living in America

At the end of the millennium

You're living in America

Leave your conscience at the tone

And when you're living in America

At the end of the millennium

You're what you own

The filmmaker cannot see

And the songwriter cannot hear

Yet I see Mimi everywhere

AngeI's voice is in my ear

Just tighten those shoulders

Just clench your jaw till you frown

Just don't let go

-Or you may drown -Or you may drown

-You're living in America -You're living in America

-At the end of the millennium -At the end of the millennium

-You're living in America -You're living in America

-Where it's like The Twilight Zone -Where it's like The Twilight Zone

-And when you're living in America -And when you're living in America

-At the end of the millennium -At the end of the millennium

-You're what you own -You're what you own

-So I own not a notion -So I own not a notion

-I escape and ape content -I escape and ape content

-I don't own emotion -I don't own emotion

-I rent -I rent

-What was it about that night? -What was it about that night?

-Connection in an isolating age -Connection in an isolating age

-For once the shadows -For once the shadows

-Gave way to light -Gave way to light

-For once I didn't disengage -For once I didn't disengage

-Angel, I hear you, I hear it, I see it -Mimi, I see you

-I see it, my film -I see it, I hear it, I hear it, my song

-Alexi, Mark. Call me a hypocrite... -One song, glory

-...I need to finish my own film. I quit. -Mimi, your eyes

-Dying in America -Dying in America

-At the end of the millennium -At the end of the millennium

-We're dying in America -We're dying in America

-To come into our own -To come into our own

-And when you're dying in America -And when you're dying in America

-At the end of the millennium -At the end of the millennium

-You're not alone -You're not alone

-I'm not alone -I'm not alone

-Speak. -Speak.

Roger, this is your mother

Roger, honey I don't get these postcards

"Moving to Santa Fe" "Back in New York

Starting a rock band"

Roger, where are you? Roger, where are you?

Kitten, wherever are you?

Mark, are you there? Are you there? l don't know if--

Please

Call

Your mother

-Christmas bells are ringing -Christmas bells are ringing

Christmas bells are ringing How time flies

When compassion dies

No stockings, no candy canes No gingerbread, no safety net

No loose change No change, no

-Santy Claus is coming -'Cause Santy Claus ain't coming

No room at the Holiday Inn again

Well, maybe next year Or when

December 24th, 1 0 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

I can't believe a year Went by so fast

Time to see What we have time to see

Turn the projector on.

First shot, Roger

With the Fender guitar He just got out of hock

When he sold the car That took him away and back

I found my song

He found his song If he could just find Mimi

I tried. You know I tried.

Fade in on Mark Who's still in the dark

-But he's got great footage -Which he's cut together

To screen tonight.

-In honor of Benny's wife -Muffy

Allison

Pulling Benny Out of the East Village location

Then again, maybe we won't screen it tonight.

I wonder how Allison found out about Mimi?

Maybe a little bird told her.

Or an angel.

I had a little hunch That you could use a little flow

-Tutoring again? -Negative

-Back at NYU? -No, no, no

I rewired the ATM At The Food Emporium

To provide an honorarium To anyone with the code

The code

-Well? -Well?

A-N-G-E-L.

Yet Robin Hooding Isn't the solution

The powers that be Must be undermined where they dwell

In a small, exclusive Gourmet institution

Where we overcharge The wealthy clientele

Let's open up a restaurant In Santa Fe

With a private corner banquette In the back

We'll make it yet We'll somehow get to Santa Fe

But you'd miss New York Before you could unpack

Mark! Roger! Anyone, help!

-Maureen? -It's Mimi!

We can't get her up the stairs!

No!

She was huddled in the park In the dark

And she was freezing And begged to come here

-Over here? Oh, God. -Yeah.

Got a light? I know you You're shivering

-She's been living on the street -We need some heat

-I'm shivering. -Okay.

We can buy some wood And something to eat

I'm afraid she needs more than heat

I heard that

Collins will call for a doctor, honey

Don't waste your money on me

Hello, 91 1 ? I'm on hold.

Cold, cold Would you light my candle?

Yes-- Oh, God Find a candle

I should tell you I should tell you

I should tell you Benny wasn't anything--

I know

I should tell you why I left

-It wasn't 'cause I didn't-- -I know

-I should tell you -I should tell you

I should tell you, I love you

Who do you think you are?

Leaving me alone with my guitar

Hold on, there's something You should hear

It isn't much, but it took all year

Your eyes

As we said our goodbyes

Can't get them out of my mind

And I find

I can't hide

From your eyes

The ones that took me by surprise

The night you came into my life

Where there's moonlight

I see your eyes

How'd I let you slip away

When I'm longing so to hold you?

Now I'd die for one more day

'Cause there's something I should have told you

Yes, there's something I should have told you

When I looked into your eyes

Why does distance make us wise?

You were the song all along

And before this song dies

I should tell you I should tell you

I have always loved you

You can see it in my eyes

Mimi

-I jumped over the moon. -What?

A leap of:

She's back.

I was in a tunnel...

...headed for this warm, white light.

Oh, my God.

And I swear...

...Angel was there.

And she looked good.

And she said:

"Turn around, girlfriend...

...and listen to that boy's song."

She's drenched.

Her fever's breaking

There is no future

There is no past

Thank God this moment's Not the last

-There's only us -There's only us

-There's only this -There's only this

-Forget regret -Forget regret

Or life is yours to miss

No other road

No other way

No day but today

-I can't control -Will I lose my dignity?

-My destiny -Will someone care?

-I trust my soul -Will I wake tomorrow

My only goal

-Is just to be -From this nightmare?

-Without you -There's only now

-The hand gropes -There's only here

-The ear hears -Give in to love

-The pulse beats -Or live in fear

-Life goes on -No other path

-But I'm gone -No other way

-'Cause I die without you -No day but today

-I die without you -No day but today

No day but today

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

How do you measure Measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets

In midnights, in cups of coffee

In inches, in miles

In laughter, in strife

In 525,600 minutes

How do you measure A year in the life?

How about love?

Measure in love

Seasons of love

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Journeys to plan

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes

How do you measure The life of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned? Or in times that he cried?

In bridges he burned?

-Or the way that she died? -It's time now to sing out

Though the story never ends

Let's celebrate Remember a year in the life of friends

Remember the love

Oh, you got to You got to remember the love

You know that love is a gift From up above

Give love, give love, spread love

Measure, measure your life in love

Seasons of love

-Seasons of love -Measure your life in love

With a thousand sweet kisses

How about

Love?

How about

Love?

How about

Love?

Measure in love

Seasons of love