ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER and JIM STEINMAN’S WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Jim Steinman

Based on the original novel by Mary Hayley Bell and the film produced by Richard Attenborough
and directed by Bryan Forbes from a screenplay by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall

With a book by Patricia Knop, Gale Edwards and Andrew Lloyd Webber

The action takes place in a small Louisiana town, just before Christmas in 1959.

Act One — Musical Numbers

  1. The Vaults of Heaven
  2. Overture
  3. I Never Get What I Pray For
  4. Home By Now
  5. It Just Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This
  6. Whistle Down the Wind
  7. The Vow
  8. Cold
  9. Unsettled Scores
  10. If Only
  11. Tire Tracks and Broken Hearts
  12. Save Haven
  13. Long Overdue for a Miracle
  14. When Children Rule the World
  15. Annie Christmas
  16. No Matter What

Act Two — Musical Numbers

  1. Try Not to Be Afraid
  2. A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste
  3. If Only (reprise)
  4. Charlie Christmas
  5. Off-Ramp Exit to Paradise
  6. Safe Haven (reprise)
  7. Wrestle with the Devil
  8. The Hunt
  9. Nature of the Beast
  10. Whistle Down the Wind

Act One

The Vaults of Heaven

Full Congregation THE KEYS TO THE VAULTS OF HEAVEN
MAY BE BURIED SOMEWHERE IN A PRAYER
THE KEYS TO THE VAULTS OF HEAVEN
MAY BE HEAVY OR LIGHTER THAN AIR

OPEN UP THE VAULTS!
OPEN UP THE VAULTS!
WE’VE GOT TO FIND THE KEYS

THE NIGHTS HAVE BEEN GROWING DARKER
THEY’RE DARKER NOW THAN SIN
WE’LL OPEN THE VAULTS OF HEAVEN
THE TREASURES ARE THERE WITHIN!

Solo Voice THE KEYS TO THE VAULTS OF HEAVEN
MAY BE SEEN IN A PURE CHILD’S EYES
THE KEYS TO THE VAULTS OF HEAVEN
MAY BE HEARD IN OUR DESPERATE CRIES

Solo voice & Children OPEN UP THE VAULTS!
OPEN UP THE VAULTS!
WE’VE GOT TO FIND THE KEYS

THE NIGHTS HAVE BEEN GROWING DARKER
EVEN DARKER NOW THAN SIN
WE’LL OPEN THE VAULTS OF HEAVEN
THE GLORIES ARE THERE WITHIN!

The Children ONE SWEET DAY WHEN THE WHOLE WORLDS READY
WE’LL AWAKE TO A GLORIOUS SIGHT

Swallow & The Children OUR SAVIOUR RETURNS TO GUIDE US
WE’LL BE GRATEFULLY BLINDED BY LIGHT

Full Congregation WE’VE GOT TO FIND THE KEYS
WE’VE GOT TO FIND THE KEYS
TO OPEN UP THE VAULTS

THE NIGHTS HAVE BEEN GROWING DARKER
SO MUCH DARKER NOW THAN SIN
WE’LL OPEN THE VAULTS OF HEAVEN
AND THE ANSWERS ARE THERE WITHIN

WE’VE GOT TO FIND THE KEYS
WE’VE GOT TO FIND THE KEYS
TO OPEN UP THE VAULTS

THE NIGHTS HAVE BEEN GROWING DARKER
SO MUCH DARKER NOW THAN SIN
WE’LL OPEN THE VAULTS OF HEAVEN
AND THE ANSWERS ARE THERE WITHIN

Minister One day soon, those heavenly gates will open and our Savior will once again walk amongst us. He will return my friends! We have His promise. And those who fail to recognize Him will burn in a fiery hell! And those who do see His glory, hallelujah, will never be sick nor hungry nor lonely again!… No more pain… no more loss… no more sorrow…

Overture

[instrumental]

BratI love Sundays!
SwallowI love Christmas!
Poor BabyI love presents!
SwallowChristmas is about all sorts of things, not just presents.
BratThe birth of our Savior.
Poor BabyChristmas is all about Christmas bonfires. Can we have one bigger than Jackie Henderson’s?
SwallowWood costs money. You know we can’t afford it.
Poor BabyBut how’s Santa gonna find his way if we don’t have a bonfire?
BratIf you want something bad enough, you pray to Jesus.
Poor BabyI pray for all kind of things and I never get any of ‘em…

Swallow I WANNA BE BAPTIZED AND I WANNA BE SAVED
I WANNA SEE MY SAVIOUR FACE TO FACE
I WANNA FEEL THE RAPTURE—FEEL THE FIRE
I WANNA BE TAKEN TO SOMEPLACE HIGHER
BUT I NEVER GET TAKEN TO SOMEPLACE HIGHER

Brat Swallow!!
Swallow Well, I don’t!

I Never Get What I Pray For

Swallow I NEVER GET WHAT I PRAY FOR
I COULD PRAY FOR LESS OR A WHOLE LOT MORE
Swallow, Poor Baby & Brat IT DON’T EVEN MATTER, IT’S A SURE BET
THAT I NEVER GET WHAT I PRAY FOR

Swallow AN END TO THE HORRORS OF THE ATOM BOMB
Brat AND A DANCE WITH RICKY NELSON
AT THE HOMECOMING PROM
I WANNA BE BEAUTIFUL AND SEXY AND SMART

Poor BabyI WANT A SISTER THAT DON’T HICCUP
Brat I WANT A BROTHER THAT DON’T FART
Poor Baby I WANNA LOOK LIKE ELVIS IN EVERY WAY
Brat I WANNA LOOK LIKE SANDRA DEE OR MAYBE DORIS DAY

Swallow THEY SHOULD SEND US DOWN SOME ANGELS
WE COULD NEVER HAVE ENOUGH
Poor Baby THEY SOULD SEND US DOWN SOME MONEY
Swallow, Poor Baby & Brat SO WE CAN BUY EACH OTHER STUFF

I NEVER GET WHAT I PRAY FOR
I COULD PRAY FOR LESS OR A WHOLE LOT MORE
IT DON’T EVER MATTER, IT’S A SURE BET
THAT I NEVER GET WHAT I PRAY FOR

Brat WE SHOULD BE PRAYING FOR DAD
IT’S SCARY HOW HE’S BEEN
Poor Baby HE WAS CRYING IN THE TRAILER
Brat NO WAY, I WAS GOING IN!

Poor BabyI WANT A FOOTBALL
BratAND SOME LIPSTICK
Poor BabyAND SOME LIQUORICE
BratAND A KITE

Swallow AND I JUST WANT OUR MOTHER BACK
IF ONLY FOR ONE NIGHT
THERE ARE THINGS SHE’S GOT TO TELL ME
THERE ARE THINGS SHE’S GOT TO KNOW

GOD HAD NO RIGHT TO TAKE HER
SHE HAD NO RIGHT TO GO
THERE WERE THINGS I DIDN’T TELL HER
AND SO MUCH I HAD TO SAY

SO I JUST WANT MY MOTHER BACK
IF ONLY FOR ONE DAY

BratSwallow! Look! There’s Edward.
SwallowWhat’s he doin’?
Poor BabyWhat’s he got in the sack?
SwallowOh no! It’s gotta be the kittens!
BratDear Jesus, please make Ed trip on a rock or something. Amen.
Poor BabyHe’s gonna drown ‘em!
SwallowEd!
EdwardLordy Swallow! Where’d you come from?
SwallowWhat’s in the sack, Ed?
EdwardSomething that don’t belong…
SwallowSomething alive?
EdwardSomething that’d be better off dead. Better for all of us…
SwallowBut Ed—
EdwardSomething merciful Jesus didn’t ever mean to be here in the first place. So the kindest thing to do is to send ‘em back to him. Now you kids get on home. Your daddy’ll be wondering where you are.

BratThey’re gonna drown!
SwallowJesus doesn’t want little kittens to die!
BratWhat are you doing?
SwallowHold me tight!
Poor BabyThis is cool!
BratBe careful.
Poor BabyCan you see ‘em?
BratWe’ve got you.
SwallowNow if I can just get my foot on this ledge, I can… Help!!!
Poor Baby & BratOh no! Swallow!
Poor BabyHoly cow! What’ll we do?
BratSwallow!!
Poor BabyHold on!
BratThe current’s too fast!
Poor BabyCome back!
BratShe’ll end up goin’ all the way to the Mississippi!
Poor BabyI can’t see her!
BratJesus, please don’t let Swallow—and all the kittens—drown.
Poor BabyShe’s gone!
Poor Baby & BratSwallow!!

Poor Baby & BratWow! Thank you Jesus.
SwallowI almost lost ‘em.
BratIt was amazing.
SwallowI hope I got ‘em in time.
Poor BabyOpen the sack.
BratAre they alright?
SwallowThey’re beautiful!
BratThat’s mine!
Poor BabyMine!
SwallowThis one is for Brat, and this one… is for Poor Baby.

Poor Baby THE RUNT OF THE LITTER
IT JUST ISN’T FAIR
I NEVER GET FIRST PICK
SwallowPOOR BABY, I SWEAR
Brat IT’S MY TURN
SwallowYOU KNOW WE ALWAYS SHARE

Poor BabyI think I call him Spider.
BratYou can’t call a cat Spider.
Poor BabyCan so!
BratCan not!
Poor BabyCan so!

Home By Now

Swallow THE LOCUST ARE SINGING
THE SUN IS RED
IT’S GOTTEN SO LATE SOMEHOW

Brat & Swallow THERE’S GONNA BE TROUBLE
YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAID

Brat, Swallow & Poor Baby WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOME BY NOW
WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOME BY NOW

Poor BabyWhat you doin’?
EarlLookin’ to put up a tent.
Poor BabyWhat for?
EarlRevival meetin’ Christmas Eve!
Poor BabyWhat’s a revibal meetin’?
EarlWhy don’t you come and see?

YOU WANNA WRESTLE?
WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT?

Poor BabyWanna kitten?
EarlWanna surprise?

THE SNAKES COMMENCE TO RATTLE
LIKE DRIED BUTTER BEANS
YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED TO WRESTLE
WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT

SheriffHey you! We got enough trouble round here without you scaring people.
EarlEverybody’s got a right to worship as they please.
SheriffSure. But I don’t want anyone talked into anything. You understand my meaning, boy? Now git!
Sun’s going down Swallow… time to go home and help your daddy with supper before it gets dark. And don’t go talking to no strangers.

How long you fellas planning to stay in town?
Snake PreacherRevival meetin’ day after tomorrow, then we’re moving on.
SheriffWell, keep your eyes peeled for anyone hanging around your camp.
We got a real storm headin’ our way…

AmosHow you doin’ Swallow? You like my new bike?
Poor BabyAin’t new, Amos.
AmosIt’s like new… new paint, new headlight… re-built my motor myself. You like it, Swallow?
SwallowIt’s real pretty, shiny to.
AmosLike you. Wanna take a ride?
Poor BabyI do!!
SwallowYou should ask your girlfriend, Candy?
AmosI’m asking you. C’mon, this baby can fly! We’d be like James Dean and Nathalie Wood!
Poor BabyAmos, what’s a revibal meeting?
AmosIt’s a place folks go to dance with snakes.
Poor Baby & BratAmos will you take us? Can we go?
AmosI don’t know—you have to be real grown up to play with serpents.
Why do you always walk away when I’m talking to you?
SwallowBecause… we gotta hurry and hide the kittens in the barn.
BratDad’ll kill us if we’re late for supper again.

Swallow THE LOCUSTS ARE SINGING
THE SUN IS RED
IT’S GOTTEN SO LATE SOMEHOW

Brat & Swallow THERE’S GONNA BE TROUBLE
YOU KNOW WHAT DAD SAID

Brat, Poor Baby & Swallow WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOME BY NOW
WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOME BY NOW

[The radio plays "Cold" as performed by The Everly Brothers.]

THE FLOWERS HAVE ALL DIED
THE SKIES IS GOING GREY
I BEGGED MY BABY NOT TO LEAVE
I COULDN’T MAKE HER STAY

THE HEAT HAS DISAPPEARED
THE ETERNAL FLAME IS LOW
THE FORECAST AIN’T SO GOOD
I’M ALL MESSED UP—NO PLACE TO GO

IT’S COLD, LIKE A FROZEN…

[A newscaster interupts the song.]

We interrupt The Everly Brothers to bring you this flash bulletin about the killer who escaped from the State Penitentiary yesterday leaving two guards dead in his wake.
The police have launched a massive…

BooneThat dog’s been actin’ crazy all day. Must be those strangers in town. Seems they turn up every year around Christmas.
EdwardChristmas ain’t Christmas without a tree for the kids Boone.
Poor Baby & BratWow! A tree!
SwallowThanks Ed. You want some supper?
EdwardI’m singing for my supper tonight—see you all in the mornin!
The Children’Night Ed! Thanks!

SwallowDad, why do grown ups wanna dance with snakes?
Boone Where’d you hear about that?
Poor BabyThose guys in the truck… said they were puttin’ up a tent.
BooneThat’s a good bunch of fella’s for you kids to keep away from.
SwallowAre those snakes killer Dad?
BooneLethal.
SwallowSo what’re they for?
Booneome folks have some mighty queer notions about testin’ their faith in Jesus. You finished?
Poor BabyIf we can’t afford a Christmas bonfire… so Santa can’t find his way here… does that mean no presents Christmas morning?
BooneI’m afraid it might look that way, boy. You know money’s scarce.
BratRemember dad, you only have to "ask and it shall be given"!
Poor BabyOK, I want a bike like Amos.
BratAnd I want a brother who doesn’t snore.
Poor BabyAnd I want my own bed.
BratAnd I want my hiccups to go away.
Poor BabyAnd I don’t wanna be called Poor Baby anymore.
SwallowAll I want is for Ma to come back. This is the first Christmas she’s not here…
BooneHey, we got eachother, don’t we? We’ve got food on the table and nice warm place to live…

It Just Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This

Boone IF YOUR MOTHER WAS HERE, YOU KNOW WHAT SHE’D SAY,
“DON’T COMPLAIN, LIFE IS TOUGH, BUT YOU SURVIVE DAY TO DAY
AND THE THINGS THAT MATTER SURROUND AND EMBRACE US
AND THE COMFORTING PLACES THEY ALWAYS WILL TAKE US
REASSURE US OUR GOD, HE WILL NEVER FORSAKE US!
SO WE REALLY DON’T MISS THE THINGS THAT WE MISS
AND IT JUST DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS”
IT JUST DOESN’T GET…

Whistle Down the Wind

No matter how bad things got, your Ma always had the words to put ‘em right again…

Boone WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
LET YOUR VOICES CARRY
DROWN OUT ALL THE RAIN
LIGHT A PATCH OF DARKNESS
TREACHEROUS AND SCARY

HOWL AT THE STARS
WHISPER WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING
I’LL BE THERE TO HOLD YOU
I’LL BE THERE TO STOP THE CHILLS
AND ALL THE WEEPING

MAKE IT CLEAR AND STRONG
SO THE WHOLE NIGHT LONG
EVERY SIGNAL THAT YOU SEND
UNTIL THE VERY END I WILL NOT ABANDON YOU
MY PRECIOUS FRIEND

Swallow SO TRY AND STEM THE TIDE
THEN YOU’LL RAISE A BANNER
SEND A FLARE UP IN THE SKY
TRY TO BURN A TORCH
AND TRY TO BUILD A BONFIRE

EVERY SIGNAL THAT YOU SEND
UNTIL THE VERY END, I’M THERE

Boone SO WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
FOR I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN RIGHT THERE

Poor BabyMa sang it better!

Swallow HOWL AT THE STARS
WHISPER WHEN YOUR SLEEPING
I’LL BE THERE TO HOLD YOU
I’LL BE THERE TO STOP THE CHILLS
AND ALL THE WEEPING

MAKE IT CLEAR AND STRONG
SO THE WHOLE NIGHT LONG
EVERY SIGNAL THAT YOU SEND
UNTIL THE VERY END I WILL NOT ABANDON YOU
MY PRECIOUS FRIEND

SO TRY AND STEM THE TIDE
THEN YOU’LL RAISE A BANNER
SEND A FLARE UP IN THE SKY
TRY TO BURN A TORCH
AND TRY TO BUILD A BONFIRE

EVERY SIGNAL THAT YOU SEND
UNTIL THE VERY END, I’M THERE

SO WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
FOR I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN RIGHT THERE

SwallowLord, Lord… The world is a rotten place for little kittens without a mother. Please protect them. In Your Son’s name. Amen.
The ManWhoooaa!
SwallowWho… are… you?
The ManJesus… Christ…
SwallowWhat?!?!
The ManDon’t tell anyone I’m here…

Poor BabyIt can’t be him.
BratIt’s Jesus stupid.
Poor BabyIs he dead?
BratNo, he’s asleep. Asleep in the hay.
Poor BabyHe’s not Jesus… he’s just a feller.
BratBut don’t you see? Every Sunday the Preacher keeps tellin’ us… “He will return! And those who fail to recognize Him will burn in a fiery hell.” Besides, would He lie?
SwallowHe’s a grown-up, right? We all know they can be trusted.
BratBut we’re long overdue for a miracle, ain’t we? And if He is Jesus, the maybe all our prayers will be answered: “No more pain… no more loss… no more sorrow…”
Poor BabyDoes that mean I might get a new bike?
SwallowC’mon… lets hide him over there. Pull!
I know what I’m seeing. I know what I’m feeling… but it can’t be Him.
Poor BabyHis feet do have holes in ‘em!
BratDear gentle Jesus…
Poor BabyWow…
BratYou know how much you want Ma back? Well… Jesus can raise the dead…
SwallowIf only He was… if only He could. It can’t be him.
BratBut it is…
The ManYou musn’t tell anyone I’m here. Promise…

The Vow

Swallow I ALWAYS PRAYED THAT YOU WOULD COME TO SAVE ME
I BELIEVE YOU RETURNED FOR US AT LAST

Swallow, Brat & Poor Baby WE’LL GIVE YOU SHELTER FOR THE STORMS AND THE WORLD OUTSIDE
YOU’LL BE SAFE—THIS VOW WE MAKE TO YOU
WE’LL NEVER TELL—THIS VOW WE MAKE TO YOU

Cold

Edward THE FLOWERS ALL HAVE DIED
AND THE SKY IS GOING GREY
I BEGGED MY BABY NOT TO LEAVE
I COULDN’T MAKE HER STAY

THE HEAT HAS DISAPPEARED
THE ETERNAL FLAME IS LOW
THE FORECAST AIN’T SO GOOD
I’M ALL MESSED UP… NO PLACE TO GO

COLD
LIKE A FROZEN TEARDROP
THERE’S A CHILL IN THE AIR
AND THERE’S ICE IN MY VEINS AND IT WON’T STOP

OH IT’S COLD LIKE AN ENDLESS WINTER
THE MOONS ON THE RUN
AND EVEN THE SUN IS COLD

Edward & Townspeople I GOTTA SEE MY GIRL
I GOTTA SEE HER EYES
THE BAROMETER IS FALLING
ONLY SHE CAN MAKE IT RISE

THERE’S NOTHING ON THE TREES
THERE’S NOTHING FOR ME HERE
I’M SEARCHING FOR SALVATION
AND SOME THERMAL UNDERWEAR

All COLD
AND IT’S GETTING COLDER
THEY’RE EVACUATING SATAN
WHO’S WAITING FOR HELL TO FREEZE OVER

LORD IT’S COLD
LIKE AN ENDLESS WINTER
THE STARS ARE ALL GONE
AND EVEN THE SUN IS COLD

THE MOONS ON THE RUN
AND EVEN THE SUN IS COLD

I GOTTA SEE MY GIRL
I GOTTA SEE HER EYES
THE BAROMETER IS FALLING
ONLY SHE CAN MAKE IT RISE

THERE’S NOTHING ON THE TREES
THERE’S NOTHING FOR ME HERE
I GOTTA FIND SALVATION
AND SOME THERMAL UNDERWEAR

IT’S COLD
AND IT’S GETTING COLDER
THEY’RE VACCINATING SATAN
WHO’S SHAKING ALL OVER, PNEUMONIA!

IT’S COLD
LIKE AN ENDLESS WINTER
THE MOON’S ON THE RUN
AND EVEN THE SUN IS COLD

THE STARS ARE ALL GONE
AND EVEN THE SUN IS COLD

THE WORLD IS TOO OLD
AND EVEN THE SUN IS COLD

CandyWe gotta get out of here Amos… head on up Route One to Baton Rouge. Keep right on a-goin! You and me, like you promised.
AmosWell then goodbye Louisiana, hello Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado.
CandySo what’s stoppin’ you Amos? You keep talking about it bet we’re still here rottin’ in this two-bit town when there’s a whole great big world out there just waitin’ for us to take it.
AmosAny day now Candy.
CandyYou promise?
AmosI promise!

SheriffYou, boy. Give me your age.
EarlTwenty-one.
SheriffGet! Collect your money, get out of here, Ed.
We got State Police arrivin’ in town tonight… and I won’t be responsible if they find you in a place like this—where you folks don’t belong. That means you too Candy!
CandyOh, I’m goin’. I’m goin’ so far you won’t see me for dust!
SheriffNow we found these prison clothes not a quarter of a mile here away. That means we got ourselves a real devil on the loose and he’s right here among us. Hidden in the shadows. Lyin’ in wait. Now that this man is wounded he is desperate and he will not hesitate to kill again.

FOR THE SAKE OF ALL THE CHILDREN
LET’S CUT AWAY EVERYTHIN’ THAT’S SICK

Townspeople GET IT DONE
DO IT QUICK

Sheriff FOR THE SAKE OF ALL THE CHILDREN
WE’LL AVENGE THESE AWFUL SINS

Sheriff & Townspeople THE HUNT NOW BEGINS!

Swallow Did you have a nice sleep? I’m Swallow. All our names are bird names, don’t ask me why. I guess Ma was just nuts about flying and stuff and about the birds and… oh, anyway… My little brother’s called Poor Baby, but his real name is Robin. And that’s Brat. Here real name is Bluejay. I looked it up in a birdbook once and it said she’s swift on the wing and her call is a chattering scream.
BratIt’s a hundred and ten!
The ManDo you know who I am? Does anyone else know that I’m here?
BratI only told Winston and Elisabeth… but they’re our friends…
WinstonI told only Louis and Ramona.
ElisabethAnd I only told my sister La Vonne… but she’s only six so she doesn’t count.
The ManThis is our secret. You musn’t tell anyone.
SwallowI didn’t… I wouldn’t… ever.
The ManAnything on the news? Any pictures?
ElisabethWhy don’t you wear those long blue dresses anymore?
Poor BabySpider’s feeling poorly too, but I know you’ll take good care of him.
BratAnd here’s some bread for your body.
SwallowAnd wine for your blood. I swiped it from my dad, but I know you’ll forgive me.
The ManThey’ll kill me if they find me. You know that don’t you?
SwallowI’ll come back in the morning, and tonight, I’ll say a special prayer, just for you.

Unsettled Scores

The Man THERE’S A PRAYER FOR THE LIVING AND THE DYING
THERE’S A PRAYER TO SOOTHE THE SAVAGE SEA
THERE’S A PRAYER, IT SEEMS, FOR ALMOST EVERYTHING
BUT YOU, YOU HAVE HAVEN’T GOT A PRAYER FOR ME
AND I… I HAVEN’T GOT A PRAYER

SO MANY CRIES IN THE NIGHT THAT YOU TRY TO IGNORE
WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS?
WHY DIDN’T I DO THAT?

SO MANY UNBROKEN CHAINS
SO MANY UNSETTLED SCORES

THE OLD MAN AT THE BANK THAT SNEERS
THE TEACHERS AND THEIR SLAPS
THE BRUTAL EYES, THE UNIFORMS
THE LAWYERS AND THEIR TRAPS

THE LONELY GIRLS WHO YEARN TO LOVE
AND LEARN TO KISS AND DANCE
THE RICH AND SELFISH WIDOWS
IN THE MARKET FOR ROMANCE

THE SOLDIER WITH THE SMELL OF WAR
THAT NEVER FADES AWAY
THE HERO OF THE PLAYING FIELD
FORGOTTEN IN A DAY

THE PRIEST IN THE CONFESSIONAL
THE TREMBLING HANDS AND WHISPERED SIGHS
THE DOCTORS IN THE HOSPITAL
UNENDING TESTS AND TWISTED LIES

THE BETRAYERS, THE BETRAYED
THE ABANDONED, THE AFRAID
THE CORRUPTED AND THE CELEBRATED
ENDLESSLY HUMILIATED
GLORIOUSLY BIG PARADE!

YOU CAN SAY A PRAYER FOR EVERYONE
THAT THERE COULD EVER BE
SAY A PRAYER FOR ALL OF THESE AND MORE
BUT THERE’S STILL NO PRAYER FOR ME

SAY A PRAYER FOR YOUR PUREST DAUGHTER
TOLL A BELL FOR YOUR ONLY SON
THERE’S NO WAY OUT AND ALL MY PRAYERS
ARE FADING ONE BY ONE

THE STERN AND DISAPPROVING LIPS
THE FRIENDS WHO JUST ATTACK
THE FATHERS THAT THEY TAKE AWAY
THE ONES THAT CAN’T GET BACK

THE DESPERATE BOY WHO SLEEPS ALONE
WHOEVER’S IN HIS BED
THE CHOSEN ONES THEY GET A HOME
THE BLESSED GET AHEAD

THE KIDS ARE PLAYING SOFTBALL
IN THE FADING SUMMER NIGHT
THE TEENAGE LOVERS AT THE DRIVE-IN
THE GLOW OF DASHBOARD LIGHT

AN AMERICAN FLYER
ON A STEEP INCLINE
THE WIND BLOWING THROUGH YOUR HAIR
THE TROPHIES AND THE HOLIDAYS
THEY ALL VANISHED IN THE AIR

THE BETRAYERS, THE BETRAYED
THE ABANDONED, THE AFRAID
THE GLORIFIED, THE IDOLIZED
THE BASTARDS AND THEIR JEALOUS EYES
AN AMAZINGLY BIG PARADE!

YOU CAN SAY A PRAYER FOR EVERYONE
YOU’VE KNOW OR YOU MIGHT SEE
SAY A PRAYER FOR ALL OF THESE AND MORE
BUT THERE’S STILL NO PRAYER FOR ME

SAY A PRAYER FOR EVERY LIVING THING
THE UNBORN AND DECEASED
BUT I HAVEN’T GOT A PRAYER—I KNOW—!
THAT’S THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

THAT’S THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

The ManWhat do you want from me?
SwallowI want my mother back.
The ManYou want me to bring your mother back?
SwallowYes, please. You can heal the sick and raise the dead. Bein’ the Son o’God, it can’t be that difficult for you.

YOU CAN DO THAT, TELL ME, CAN’T YOU?
YOU CAN TAKE SOMETHING DEAD AND MAKE IT ALIVE AGAIN…?

CAN YOU DO THAT FOR ME?

The ManI have to think about it
Swallow OH BUT YOU CAN… I JUST KNOW THAT YOU CAN

It’d be such a small miracle for you to perform. Please dear Jesus. I’ll do anything.

The Man WE’VE GOT A CHANCE TO WORK SOME WONDERS
YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THE SECOND COMING

WE GOTTA PLAY OUR CARDS SO WELL
WE GOTTA BE SO SMART AND CRAFTY
YOU’RE EXACTLY WHAT I NEED
AND I KNOW THAT YOU’RE THE ANSWER

WOULD YOU BE MY FIRST APOSTLE?
MY TICKET TO A NEW BEGINNING?
YOU’RE SO INNOCENT AND TRUSTING
CAN I ASK YOU TO DO ANYTHING?

SwallowI’ll do whatever you want, if only you’d do that one thing for me.
The ManI don’t have the strength to perform miracles right now. Maybe later… if you take really good care of me.

Swallow I SWEAR I WILL
I’LL CARE FOR YOU BETTER THAN ANYONE EVER HAS

If Only

Swallow IF ALL WE LOST SOMEHOW CAME BACK
IF ALL THAT DIED AGAIN WOULD GROW
IF ONLY IT WAS SO
THESE ARE THE LONELIEST WORDS I KNOW

IF ALL OUR DREAMS WERE GOLDEN
AND NEVER BLACK OR GREY

IF ALL OUR DREAMS CAME TRUE
THEN WE’D NEVER HAVE TO SAY
IF ONLY IT WAS SO
THESE ARE THE LONELIEST WORDS I KNOW

The Man IF ALL I’VE LOST SOMEHOW CAME BACK
IF ALL THAT DIED AGAIN WOULD GROW
IF ONLY IT WERE SO
THESE ARE THE LONELIEST WORDS I KNOW

Tire Tracks and Broken Hearts

CandyANOTHER AIMLESS DAY
AmosANOTHER USELESS NIGHT
CandyI WANT PEROXIDE HAIR
AmosI WANT SOME NEON LIGHTS

Candy I’VE GOT A NEW LIFE WAITING
I CAN’T WAIT TO BEGIN IT
Both THE THING THAT GETS ME DOWN
BEING YOUNG IN THIS TOWN
IS THERE’S NO FUTURE IN IT

CandyWhat happened to your face, Amos?
AmosNothin’. I told my dad last night that I ain’t workin’ in that hell-hole of a factory and endin’ up a down-beat nobody like him.
CandyAnd he hit you?
AmosAin’t the first time. This town is going crazy. And I’m going crazy with it. Stir crazy.

CandyI WANT A FINE PERFUME
AmosI WANT A BLUE CORVETTE
CandyIF THERE’S A SLOWER DEATH THAN LIVING HERE AND NOW
AmosTHEY HAVEN’T FOUND IT YET

CandyI NEED A MAN WHO KNOWS
AmosGot me baby
CandyWHAT I AM REALLY WORTH
AmosWELL I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT LIFE AFTER DEATH
BothBUT I GOTTA GET SOME PROOF THAT THERE’S A LIFE AFTER BIRTH

Candy TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
THAT’S ALL WE’RE LEAVING BEHIND
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT WE’RE LOSING
IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT WE’RE GOING TO FIND

Both TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
LETS GET AWAY FROM THE PAST
SO MANY WAYS TO STAY HUNGRY BABY
SO MANY WAYS TO GO FAST

CandyI WANT A PUSH UP BRA
I WANT SOME SATIN SHEETS
AmosOH, GIVE ME SOME REAL RICH FOOD
I WANT SOME SUCCULENT SWEETS

CandyI WANT YOU BY MY SIDE
AND YOU’LL BE ALL MY OWN
AmosWELL I KNOW WHAT I WANT
HALF THE TIME BUT I KNOW
BothTHAT I DON’T WANNA SPEND ANOTHER MINUTE ALONE

TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
THAT’S ALL WE’RE LEAVING BEHIND
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT WE’RE LOSING
ONLY MATTERS WHAT WE’RE GOING TO FIND

CandyTHOSE GOOD GIRL NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY’RE MISSING
BUT US BAD GIRL ALMOST ALWAYS DO
AmosAND WHAT WE’RE MISSING MOST
ARE THE REAL GOOD TIMES

Both I WANT ‘EM BAD AND I WANT ‘EM NOW
WE WERE BORN GOING FASTER THAN THE LIMITS ALLOW
I WANT ‘EM BAD AND I WANT ‘EM NOW
WE WERE BORN GOING FASTER THAN THE LIMITS ALLOW

Both TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
LETS GET AWAY FROM THE PAST
SO MANY WAYS TO STAY HUNGRY BABY
SO MANY WAYS TO GO FAST

TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
THAT’S ALL WE’RE LEAVING BEHIND
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT WE’RE LOSING
IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT WE’RE GOING TO FIND

AmosThis town’s too small for us, baby. We gotta get out of here. Fast. I mean tomorrow.
CandyI’ll meet you as soon as it get’s dark.
AmosIn the parking lot. 6:30.
CandyYou promise?
AmosWe’ll be in New Orleans for Cristmas Mornin’.
CandyThis time it’d be better be for real.
Amos6:30 tomorrow night. I promise!

EdwardCandy! There’s rules in this world and we gotta abide by them, even when we know they’re wrong… and bein’ seen out here in the bright light of day flirtin’ with a white boy is breakin’ one of those rules. So get back to where you belong.
CandyBut Ed…
EdwardYou heed my words like your life depended on ‘em. Now get on home.

Safe Haven

Townspeople THIS WAS A SAFE HAVEN—NOW IT’S GONE
DANGER’S ON ITS WAY
EVIL CAN SPREAD OUT LIKE A STAIN
AND DARKEN ALL THE DAY

EarlYou comin’ to the revival meetin’ tomorrow night to test your faith in Jesus? Or are you an Unbeliever?
Poor BabyDepends. What happens to Unbelievers?
Earl They get bit by snakes and they die!
Poor BabyI guess that sure enough makes me a Believer. And if Jesus is feeling better, I might even bring him with me.

Townspeople BOUNDARIES WON’T PROTECT YOU
LOCKS AND BOLTS WON’T WORK THE WAY THEY SHOULD
FOR THE SAKE OF ALL THE CHILDREN
TRACK IT DOWN—ROOT IT OUT FOR GOOD

Poor BabyAmos, will you take us to the revibal meetin’ tomorrow night?
BratPlease Amos, will you? Please?
AmosWhat’d you say Swallow? How come you always walk away when I’m talkin’ to you? We used to talk all the time, remember? When we were kids. C’mon, you tell me your secret and I’ll tell you mine.
Poor BabyWe do have the biggest secret in the world.
BratBut it’s just a secret for kids.
SwallowIt’s not for anybody. You keep your big mouth shut, you hear?
AmosWhat kind of secret do you have, Swallow?
SwallowThe only kind there is… the kind nobody tells.

Townspeople THEY SAY HE KILLED AND KILLED
NO MERCY, NO REMORSE, NO SHAME
THEY SAY HE’LL STRIKE AGAIN
NO FEAR AND NO HOPE AND NO END
THIS WAS A SAFE HAVEN
BRING IT BACK, MAKE IT THAT AGAIN

Local Shop OwnerWhat if the son-of-a-bitch was hidin’ over there in the cane, then what?
DeputyWell, that’s simple buddy. I’d lift my pistol… take aim, and pull the trigger.
Local Shop Owner Without any warning first?
DeputyRabid dogs don’t need no warning. Bam! Bam! Bam!

Townspeople YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED TO WRESTLE
WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT
BEFORE THE MOMENT IS PAST

YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED
YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED
TO WRESTE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT
OR IT COULD BE YOUR VERY LAST

Long Overdue for a Miracle

VikkiCAN IT BE TRUE?
LouisWELL—WHAT DO YOU THINK?
VikkiDOES HE HAVE THOSE BIG BLUE EYES?
ClarenceEVERYONE’S WHISPERING BACK IN TOWN
LouisI BET IT’S A PACK OF LIES

JackieI BET HE NEEDS A BATH
ElisabethDO YOU THINK THAT HE CAN DRIVE
CharityWE OUGHTA DRESS UP REALLY NICE
ClarenceIT’S GREAT IF HE’S ALIVE

LouiseDOES HE HAVE A CROWN OF THORNS?
Winston & CurlyTHE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD
ClarenceJEEZ—HE MUST BE HUNGRY
La VonneLORD—HE MUST BE OLD!

Vikki HE COULD TURN US INTO ANGELS
HE COULD BLESS US WITH A KISS
LouisDO YOU THINK THAT HE LIKES GUMBO?
ClarenceDO YOU THINK THAT HE LIKES ELVIS?

All JUST IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN
IF ALL OF THIS WAS TRUE
ALL THE KIDS WOULD ENVY US
WE’RE LONG OVERDUE—LONG OVERDUE FOR A MIRACLE
WE’RE LONG OVERDUE FOR A MIRACLE

ClarenceHE COULD GET MY DAD A JOB
La VonneHE COULD GET MY MUM A DRESS
LouisHE COULD MAKE US ALL HAVE X-RAY EYES
ClarenceHE’LL MAKE US ALL CONFESS

Vikki LET’S THROW HIM A BIG PARTY
IT’S CHRISTMAS PRETTY SOON
CurlyWE’LL GET A CLOWN AND A BIRD THAT TALKS
LouiseAND A BIG BIRTHDAY BALLOON

LouisHE COULD WALK ACROSS LAKE PONCHARTAN
ClarenceDRAW WATER FROM A STONE
AllJUST THINK OF ALL THE THINGS WE’D DO
WITH A MIRACLE OF OUR OWN

ElisabethI SAW HIM CRAWLING THROUGH THE BAYOU
AllTHAT’S A LIE!
ElisabethNO, IT WAS HIM!
LouisWHY DO YOU THINK HE PICKED THAT BARN?
ClarenceWHERE’S HE GOIN’?
LouisWHERE’S HE BEEN?

All WOW!—IF WE GOT JESUS ON OUR SIDE
THAT’LL MAKE US AWFUL STRONG
IMAGINE THAT IF IT ALL CAME TRUE
WE’RE LONG OVERDUE—LONG OVERDUE FOR A MIRACLE
WE’RE LONG OVERDUE FOR A MIRACLE

VikkiWE GOTTA GO AND SEE HIM NOW
BratNO—MAYBE HE SHOULD REST
VikkiLET’S GO AND GET A BIBLE
ClarenceWE’LL MAKE HIM TAKE A TEST

BratI BET THEY’LL TRY AND HURT HIM
ClarenceWE’LL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES
LouiseHE ONCE SAVED US—NOW WE’LL SAVE HIM
ElisabethWE’RE ALL HE’S GOT FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!

ElisabethHE’D STOP THE TEACHERS HITTING US
VikkiTHE GROWN-UPS WOULDN’T ACT SO BAD
LouiseWE’D GET MORE TOYS AND LOT’S OF LOVE
AllMUCH MORE THAN WE’D EVER HAD—

When Children Rule the World

Brat SHHHH—WE’VE GOTTA KEEP THIS SECRET
WE GOTTA DO THIS RIGHT
Poor Baby & Brat IF WE DON’T SCREW UP WE CAN SAFE HIS LIFE

The Children THEN THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT—THE NIGHT
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD

DOVES AND KINGS AND SHEPHERDS AND WISEMEN
CAME TOGETHER—FOLLOWED THE STAR
THEY ALL GATHERED DOWN IN THE MANGER
THEY CAME FROM SO VERY FAR

MIDNIGHT IS CLEAR, OUR SAVIOUR IS HERE
HE’S GONNA GUARD EACH BOY AND GIRL
NO HUNGER OR THIRST
THE LAST WILL BE FIRST

THE NIGHT THAT CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD

ALL OUR GREATEST WISHES ARE GRANTED
LET US SING—LET INNOCENCE REIGN
ALL THE PRAYERS ARE FINALLY ANSWERED
BLESSED AND FREE OF ALL PAIN

TOWERS OF FIRE RISE EVER HIGHER
MAGICAL FLAGS WILL BE UNFURLED
THE DEMONS ARE GONE
THE YOUNG ARE THE STRONG!

THE NIGHT THAT CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD

TOWERS OF FIRE RISE EVER HIGHER
MAGICAL FLAGS WILL BE UNFURLED
THE DEMONS ARE GONE
THE YOUNG ARE THE STRONG!

THE NIGHT THAT CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD

ElisabethWill you tell us a story, sweet Jesus? The blind man!
JackieThe money lenders!
VikkiThe good Samaritan!
LouisThe feed a 5,000!
BratThe walking on water!
WinstonThe story of Lazarus!
The ChildrenStory! Story! Story!

The ManShut up! … Now are you gonna keep quiet? Alright then… does anybody here know the tale about ol’ Annie?
BratWas that in the Old Testament?
The ManNo… but it’ll be in the next one. And it’s a sort of a Christmas story… Because… her name was Annie Christmas…

Annie Christmas

The Man SHE LIVED IN THESE PARTS, SHE WAS A BIG OLD GIRL
MISS ANNIE… WHAT A WONDER!
THREE HUNDRED POUNDS AND SIX FOOT EIGHT IN HER BARE FEET…
ANNIE CHRISTMAS

SHE COULD DRINK AND SHE COULD FIGHT
SHE HAD A CURLY BLACK MOUSTACHE
SHE WAS FAMOUS ON THE RIVER

SHE WAS MADLY IN LOVE WITH A WILD GAMBLIN’ MAN
THAT WAS CHARLIE… HOW SHE LOVED HIM!
BUT OL’ CHARLIE HE NEVER EVEN NOTICED HER AT ALL
UNTIL ONE DAY… WHAT A ONE DAY!

WHEN SHE WORE A VERY SPECIAL NECKLACE
‘CAUSE IT PROVED THAT SHE WAS TOUGH AND RECKLESS
WITH A BEAD FOR EVERY EAR AND NOSE SHE HAD BITTEN OFF
AS THE STORY GOES

WHEN SHE FOUGHT EVERY MAN WHO EVER DID HER WRONG
AND THE NECKLACE WAS ALREADY THIRTY FEET LONG!
AND THE UPSHOT WAS…
AND THE UPSHOT WAS…

OL’ CHARLIE WAS IMPRESSED AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNEW
THEY WERE MARRIED… WHAT A WEDDING!
AND THE NEXT YEAR SHE GAVE HIM A DOZEN SONS AT ONCE
THEY WERE GIANTS!
Poor BabyWHAT A WONDER!

The Man AND BEFORE THEY WERE SIX THEY WERE SEVEN FOOT FOUR
IN THEIR BARE FEET
LouisTHEY WERE GIANTS!
The Man AND THEY CARRIED MISS ANNIE ON THEIR SHOULDERS LIKE A PRIZE!
SHE WAS BEAMING… LIKE AN ANGEL!
SwallowLIKE AN ANGEL!
Poor BabyWITH A MOUSTACHE

The Man AND SHE ALWAYS WORE THAT SPECIAL NECKLACE
‘CAUSE IT PROVED THAT SHE WAS TOUGH AND RECKLESS
WITH A BEAD FOR EVERY EAR AND NOSE
SHE HAD BITTEN OFF, AS THE STORY GOES…

The Man & The Children AND SHE ALWAYS WORE THAT SPECIAL NECKLACE
‘CAUSE IT PROVED THAT SHE WAS TOUGH AND RECKLESS
WITH A BEAD FOR EVERY EAR AND NOSE
SHE HAD BITTEN OFF, AS THE STORY GOES

The Children AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?

The ManI don’t know!!!

No Matter What

Charity I GOT A PLASTIC FLOWER, SO IT WILL NEVER DIE
I GOT MY GRANMA’S HANKIE IF YOU EVER NEED TO CRY
VikkiI GOT A PRETTY BRACELET
La VonneI GOT A MIRROR TOO
La Vonne, Vikki & Charity I’M NEVER GONNA NEED ‘EM, I’LL GIVE THEM ALL TO YOU

La Vonne, Vikki, Charity & Louise I’LL GIVE YOU ALL I GOT TO GIVE
I GUESS THAT’S MY GOOD DEED
Elisabeth I JUST WANT TO STAY BESIDE YOU
YOU’RE THE ONLY LOVE I NEED

Louis I GOT A GREAT BIG SEASHELL, YOU PUT IT TO YOUR EAR
THEN YOU CAN HEAR THE OCEAN—IT’S LIKE YOU’RE REALLY THERE
Clarence I GOT A GLASS OF FIREFLIES, THEY MAKE AMAZING LIGHT
Winston I GOT A FOUR LEAF CLOVER, I’LL BRING IT HERE TONIGHT

Brat AND I WILL KEEP YOU SAFE AND STRONG
AND FOLLOW WHERE YOU LEAD
Swallow I’LL NEVER LEAVE YOUR SIDE NOW
WE’RE THE ONLY LOVE YOU NEED

The Children NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL US
NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO
NO MATTER WHAT THEY TEACH US
WHAT WE BELIEVE IS TRUE

I CAN’T DENY WHAT I BELIEVE
I CAN’T BE WHAT I’M NOT
I KNOW THIS LOVE’S FOREVER
I KNOW… NO MATTER WHAT

I CAN’T DENY WHAT I BELIEVE
I CAN’T BE WHAT I’M NOT
I KNOW THIS LOVE’S FOREVER
THAT’S ALL WHAT MATTERS NOW
NO MATTER WHAT!

Men NO MATTER WHAT THE OUTRAGE
NO MATTER WHAT THE CRIME
NO MATTER WHERE HE’S RUNNING…
HE’S RUNNING OUT OF TIME!

Women THIS WAS A SAFE HAVEN, NOW IT’S GONE
DANGER’S ON IT’S WAY

Men (at once) NO MATTER WHERE HE’S HIDING
NO MATTER HOW HE’S HURT

Women EVIL CAN SPREAD OUT LIKE A STAIN
AND DARKEN ALL THE DAY

Men (at once) HE’S BETTER DEAD THAN CAPTURED
HE’S JUST A SPECK OF DIRT

Adult Chorus NO MATTER WHAT HE’S SCHEMING
NO MATTER WHAT HE’S GOT
WE’LL TEAR HIM LIMB FROM LIMB
THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS… NO MATTER WHAT!

The Children IF ONLY TEARS WERE LAUGHTER
IF ONLY NIGHT WAS DAY
IF ONLY PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED
THEN WE WOULD HEAR GOD SAY

NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL US
NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO
NO MATTER WHAT THEY TEACH US…
WHAT WE BELIEVE IS TRUE!

I CAN’T DENY WHAT I BELIEVE
I CAN’T BE WHAT I’M NOT
I KNOW THIS LOVE’S FOREVER
THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS NOW…
NO MATTER WHAT!!!

Adult Chorus YOU GOT TO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL
WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT!!

The Children MIDNIGHT IS CLEAR, OUR SAVIOUR IS HERE
HE’S GONNA GUARD EACH BOY AND GIRL
THE DEMONS ARE GONE
THE YOUNG ARE THE STRONG

THE NIGHT THAT CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD

Adult Chorus YOU GOT TO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL!!

End of act one

ACT TWO

Townspeople THEY SAY HE KILLED AND KILLED
NO MERCY, NO REMORSE, NO SHAME
THIS WAS A SAFE HAVEN
BRING IT BACK, MAKE IT THAT AGAIN

NO MATTER WHERE HE’S HIDING
NO MATTER WHAT HE’S GOT
WE’LL TEAR HIM LIMB FROM LIMB
THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS—NO MATTER WHAT

The Man I have a favour to ask you.
Swallow I’ll do anything.
The Man A friend promised to leave a package for me. Something important. Something I have to have.
Swallow I’ll get it for you.
The Man It’s a long ways down the river. Too far to walk this time of night. Do you know where the old train tunnel is?
Swallow Yes.
The Man It’s in the emergency box as you get on the bridge.
Swallow That’s four miles away!
The Man Can you drive your dad’s pick-up?
Swallow Steal the car? Break the seventh commandment?
The Man …And no looking at it, understand? No tellin’ anyone… you’re trembling
SwallowNo, I’m not…

Try Not To Be Afraid

The Man TRY NOT TO BE AFRAID, SO MANY THINGS CAN HAPPEN
BUT NOTHING’S EVER QUITE AS BAD AS IT MIGHT APPEAR
I’LL GIVE YOU ALL I GOT, YOU KNOW I CAN PROTECT YOU
AND TRY AND STOP YOU SHEDDING EVEN ONE MORE SINGLE TEAR

SwallowSHELTER FROM THE STORM
The ManREFUGE FROM THE WORLD OUTSIDE
SwallowSAFETY FROM THE DANGERS
The ManESCAPE FROM ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS THAT TIME HAS PASSED

Both HEALING OF THE WOUNDS
THE VANISHING OF NIGHTMARES
The Man AN END TO ENDLESS TORTURED NIGHT
UNTROUBLED SLEEP AT LAST

Both THIS IS THE VOW I’VE MADE
I’LL SEE IT ALL COME TRUE NOW
AND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO FOR ME:
TRY NOT TO BE AFRAID

The Man I SWEAR I’LL BE WITH YOU
THIS PROMISE THAT I’VE MADE YOU
BothYOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME

The Man THINK OF EVERYTHING YOU GOT
TRY NOT TO BE AFRAID
SwallowTRY NOT TO BE AFRAID
BothTRY NOT TO BE AFRAID

SwallowIt’s Amos. I’ll get rid of him.
The ManNo wait. What did I just tell you about the Commandments?
Swallow“Sometimes laws can be broken… if there’s a real special reason.”
The ManHe has a bike. Miracles happen if you play your cards right. Get him to take you to the train tunnel!

Amos I saw the light in here. I was hoping it was you.
Swallow What do you want?
Amos I’ve come to say goodbye. I’m leaving town tonight, for good… But maybe I could stay for a little while if you want me to.

Amos Will you tell me your big secret before I go? I’ll tell you one of my secrets if you tell me one of yours.
SwallowYou first.
Amos…I don’t wear any underwear.
SwallowI don’t like that kind of secret. It makes me feel weird and… scared.
AmosI am scared of a lot of things, but I ain’t scared of anything tonight
SwallowI’m never scared of anything, but I’m… scared of you tonight.

Amos LET’S MAKE A PROMISE AND THEN LET’S TAKE A VOW
TIME’S RUNNING OUT THE ONLY TIME LEFT IS NOW
AND YOU KNOW
YOU DESERVE MORE THAN THIS

IF YOU TRUST ME AT ALL THEN JUST GIVE IT A CHANCE
THEY ALL WANT YOU TO CRAWL BUT I WANT YOU TO DANCE
AND IF WE MAKE A PACT
THEN IT’S ONLY RIGHT WE SEAL IT WITH A KISS

SwallowI’ve never kissed a boy before.
AmosI’ve never kissed a girl who’s never kissed a boy before.

AmosWhen they put me in Juvenile Detention Hall, I cried… but only once.
SwallowSometimes I cry when I hear a train go by… I don’t know why. I didn’t cry when my mother died. I couldn’t. I only pretended to.

AmosSometimes I feel like killing my dad.
SwallowSometimes I feel like killing Brat.
AmosSometimes I feel like killin’ myself… Pretendin’ my bike’s a red Porsche and driving a hundred and fifty miles an hour into a tree.
SwallowSometimes I lay awake and feel that too. Nothing. Just the colour of black.
AmosSometimes I lay awake at night… dreaming of you…

A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste

Amos IF YOU LISTEN TO THE NIGHT YOU CAN HEAR THE DARKNESS CALL
I CAN BARELY STAND TO WAIT, I CAN BARELY STAND AT ALL
COME ON CLOSER TO ME NOW LIKE WE’RE SHARING THE SAME SKIN
WE’VE GOTTA GET OUT OF THIS JAIL, WE GOTTA LET THE FUTURE IN!

SO MANY THINGS IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU’RE BOUND TO REGRET:
WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS? WHY DIDN’T I DO THAT?
SO MANY CHANCES YOU LOST THAT YOU’LL NEVER FORGET:
WHY DIDN’T I TAKE IT? WHY DIDN’T I MAKE IT COME TRUE?

THE LONELIEST WORDS YOU’LL EVER KNOW:
“IF ONLY—IF ONLY IT WERE SO”
THE EMPTIEST WORDS THAT THERE’LL EVER BE:
“IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME—IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME”

Amos THE LONELIEST WORDS YOU’LL EVER KNOW:
SwallowAAH… IF ONLY
Amos “IF ONLY—IF ONLY IT WAS SO”
THE EMPTIEST WORDS THAT THERE’LL EVER BE:
SwallowAAH… IF ONLY
Amos “IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME! IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME!”

YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT LATER
IF YOU DON’T GET IT WHEN IT’S GOING FOR FREE
BELIEVE ME!
BELIEVE ME!

SO COME WITH ME NOW, WE CAN FLY AWAY
THERE’S A TIME TO BE SAVED AND YOU’RE DAMNED IF YOU STAY
PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS—LET’S GO

TAKE A CHANCE ON A PROMISE AND A ROLL OF THE DICE
WE CAN SET A FEW FIRES, WE CAN MELT ALL THE ICE
WE CAN HAVE MORE ADVENTURES THAN YOU EVER EVEN DREAMED THAT YOU WOULD KNOW

THERE’S A FEAST WAITING FOR YOU
AND YOU’VE NEVER EVEN GOTTEN A TASTE
SwallowTHERE’S A LOT I HAVEN’T GOT
Amos IT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK
AND A KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE

The Man IF YOU LISTEN TO THE NIGHT YOU CAN HEAR YOUR PLANS FALL THROUGH
ONE MORE FIGHT YOU’LL NEVER WIN, ONE MORE DREAM THAT WON’T COME THROUGH
Amos YOU SHOULDN’T TREMBLE WHEN WE TOUCH, LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT TO DO, AND HOW
‘CAUSE WE’LL NEVER BE AS YOUNG AS WE ARE RIGHT NOW
All WE’LL NEVER BE AS YOUNG AS WE ARE RIGHT NOW!

The Man SO MAY CRIES IN THE NIGHT THAT YOU TRY TO IGNORE
Amos WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS?
The Man WHY DIDN’T I DO THAT?
Amos & The Man SO MANY UNANSWERED PRAYERS, SO MANY UNOPENED DOORS
Amos WHY DIDN’T I TAKE IT?
Amos & The Man WHY DIDN’T I MAKE IT COME TRUE

Amos & The Man THE LONELIEST WORDS YOU’LL EVER KNOW:
SwallowAAH… IF ONLY
Amos & The Man “IF ONLY—IF ONLY IT WAS SO”
THE EMPTIEST WORDS THAT THERE’LL EVER BE:
SwallowAAH… IF ONLY
Amos & The Man “IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME! IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME!”
THE LONELIEST WORDS YOU’LL EVER KNOW:
SwallowAAH… IF ONLY
Amos & The Man “IF ONLY—IF ONLY IT WAS SO”
THE EMPTIEST WORDS THAT THERE’LL EVER BE:
SwallowAAH… IF ONLY
Amos & The Man “IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME! IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME!”

Amos YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT LATER
IF YOU DON’T GET IT WHEN IT’S GOING FOR FREE
BELIEVE ME!
SwallowI DON’T KNOW WHAT I BELIEVE
Amos & The Man BELIEVE ME! BELIEVE ME!

Amos & The Man A KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
A KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
AmosIT’S SOMETHING THAT’S ALWAYS BEEN SO
SwallowHOW I WISH I COULD LET GO

Amos & The Man A KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
The Man YOU MAKE ONE MISTAKE AND IT CAN’T BE ERASED
Amos AND ONE OF THESE NIGHTS I’M GONNA SHOW YOU THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW
Swallow I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT I KNOW

Amos THERE’S A FEAST WAITING FOR YOU
AND YOU’VE NEVER EVEN GOTTEN A TASTE
The Man I KILL HIM IF HE HURTS HER!
Amos & Swallow IT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK
Amos & The Man AND A KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE

Amos NOW’S THE TIME WHEN YOU GOTTA LET GO
The Man I REMEMBER LETTING GO…
Amos A KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
The Man DON’T LOOSE WHAT YOU GOT ‘CAUSE IT CAN’T BE REPLACED
Amos AND ONE OF THESE NIGHTS I’M GONNA SHOW YOU THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW
Swallow I THINK I’M READY TO LET GO!

Amos THERE’S A FEAST WAITING FOR YOU
AND YOU’VE NEVER EVEN GOTTEN A TASTE
The ManWHAT AM I ASKING HER TO DO?
AmosIT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK
Amos & SwallowAND A KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE…

SwallowNot yet, please… There’s some place I’d like you to take me first on your bike…
AmosI’ll take you to the moon and back if you want.
SwallowNo—it’s some place closer—the train tunnel…

Candy TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
THAT’S ALL WE’RE LEAVING BEHIND
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT WE’RE LOSING
IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT WE’RE GOING TO FIND

TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
LET’S GET AWAY FROM THE PAST
SO MANY WAYS TO STAY HUNGRY, BABY
SO MANY WAYS TO GO FAST

Candy & Swallow THOSE GOOD GIRLS NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY’RE MISSING
BUT US BAD GIRLS ALMOST ALWAYS DO

Swallow & Amos AND WHAT WE’RE MISSING MOST ARE THE REAL GOOD TIMES
I WANT ‘EM BAD AND I WANT ‘EM NOW
WE WERE BORN GOING FASTER THAN THE LIMITS ALLOW
I WANT ‘EM BAD AND I WANT ‘EM NOW
WE WERE BORN GOING FASTER THAN THE LIMITS ALLOW

SwallowWow, this is great! We’re flying!
AmosLike I told you baby, I’d take you to the moon on this thing!
SwallowLet’s go now… Faster!
AmosWhatever you want, baby. Wooo!

Swallow & Amos TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
LET’S GET AWAY FROM THE PAST
SO MANY WAYS TO STAY HUNGRY BABY
SO MANY WAYS TO GO FAST

TIRE TRACKS AND BROKEN HEARTS
THAT’S ALL WE’RE LEAVING BEHIND
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT WE’RE LOSING
IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT WE’RE GOING TO FIND

Amos THERE’S A FEAST WAITING FOR YOU
AND YOU’VE NEVER EVEN GOTTEN A TASTE
IT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK
AND A KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
SwallowA KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
AmosA KISS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE…

AmosSwallow!!
SwallowYou saved my life, Amos. That means I owe you one now.
AmosThen run away with me.
SwallowYou’re crazy.
AmosDid you get what you came for? What’s in that package that’s so important? C’mon, what’s the big secret?
SwallowWill you promise you won’t tell?
AmosYeah…
SwallowSay it. Promise you won’t tell.
AmosI promise I won’t tell.
SwallowWhat would you say if I told you Jesus has come back? He’s back, Amos. Jesus is in my barn.
Amos[laughs]

SheriffDon’t move. Keep your hands above your head.
God dammit! What’re you doin’ out here in the middle of the night boy?
As if I didn’t know! Does your daddy know you’re out here, Swallow?
Take her to the car. We’ll drop her off aways from home so ol’ Boone doesn’t have to deal with no more grief.
What the hell d’ya think you’re doin’ boy? Bringing that little girl out here in middle of nowhere, in the dark when we got an escaped killer on the run? Don’t you listen to nothin’? If I catch you out here again, you’d wish you’d never been born. And that’s a promise!

Earl YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED
YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED
TO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT
BEFORE THE MOMENT IS PAST

BooneWhere the hell’ve you been ’til this hour of night?
SwallowI just went to see the snake handlers puttin’ up their tent…
BooneI told you those people dance with the devil.
SwallowThey told me they test your faith in Jesus. That can’t be a bad thing.
BooneSwallow, there’s danger out there in the darkness. We got a real devil on the loose.
SwallowThen Jesus will protect me.
BooneWhat?
SwallowI’m not a kid anymore!

BooneI don’t know what’s happenin’ to her lately. It seems like my little girl upped and went and there’s some other bein’ livin’ in her body…
EdwardI seem to remember, goin’ on sixteen years ago—a young farm boy head over heels in love with a little girl not much older than Swallow. Get some sleep, Boone. I’ll see you in the morning.

Boone IF YOUR MOTHER WAS HERE, YOU KNOW WHAT SHE’D SAY:
“DON’T COMPLAIN, LIFE IS TOUGH, BUT YOU SURVIVE DAY TO DAY
AND THE THINGS THAT MATTER SURROUND AND EMBRACE US
AND THE COMFORTING PLACES THEY ALWAYS WILL TAKE US
REASSURE US OUR GOD, HE WILL NEVER FORSAKE US!”

If Only (reprise)

Poor BabyHis name was Spider.

THE RUNT OF THE LITTER
IT JUST ISN’T FAIR

I gave him my kitten to take care of and he let him die.
SwallowWell, there has to be a good reason, don’t you think? We should go and ask him. For sure he’ll tell us what it is.
Poor BabyHe ain’t Jesus. He’s just a feller…

Swallow IF ALL WE LOST SOMEHOW CAME BACK
IF ALL THAT DIED AGAIN WOULD GROW
Swallow & Poor Baby IF ONLY IT WAS SO
THESE ARE THE LONELIEST WORDS I KNOW…

Swallow IF ONLY IT WAS SO
THESE ARE THE LONELIEST WORDS I KNOW…

SwallowJesus?
The ManIf he tried anything on you, I swear I’ll kill him.
SwallowI got what you asked. Is there anything else I can do for you?
The ManIs there anything else I can do for you?
SwallowYou could tell Poor Baby why you let his kitten die. I know you must have a good reason.
The Man…I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.
SwallowBut you know everything. Please tell him.
BratPlease, dear Jesus.
The ManYou want me to tell you why your kitten died? Do you remember the story I told you about Miss Annie and Old Charlie. Well, Old Charlie, he, uh… You listenin’ now?

Charlie Christmas

The Man OL’ CHARLIE WENT OUT TO THE GAMBLIN’ HALL
AND HE STARTED TO PLAY ON THE ROULETTE WHEEL
WITH A QUARTER ON THE RED AND HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS
AS HE WATCHED AND HE WAITED TILL THE BALL CAME TO REST

OL’ CHARLIE NEVER MOVED, HE JUST LET HIS MONEY RIDE
AND THE RED WON AGAIN THEN AGAIN AND AGAIN
HE WON 16 TIMES BEFORE THEY FOUND OUT
THAT HE’D BEEN DEAD FOR THE WHOLE TIME!
WHAT A WONDER!
HE WAS DEAD BUT STILL A WINNER!

IMAGINE THE SHOCK AND THE STUNNING LOSS OF PRIDE
FOR THE HOUSE HAD BEEN LOSING TO A MAN WHO HAD DIED
AND THERE’S GOTTA COME A TIME WHEN WE’VE ALL GOTTA GO
YOU START OUT ALWAYS FAST BUT THE END IS ALWAYS SLOW

Swallow AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?

The Man WHEN MISS ANNIE FOUND OUT SHE PUT A GUN TO HER HEAD
IT WAS LOADED! 16 BULLETS!
SHE WAS ALL DRESSED IN BLACK, SHE HAD HER NECKLACE ON
WHEN SHE FIRED! 16 BULLETS!

HER SONS PUT HER IN A COFFIN AND THEN PUT IT IN A HEARSE
IT WAS DRAWN BY 16 HORSES
THE THEY ALL GOT ON A BARGE AND THEY DRIFTED OUT TO SEA

TO SEE A FALLEN ANGEL WHOSE FALL WAS OVER
A FALLEN ANGEL WITH A MOUSTACHE

AND THERE’S GOTTA COME A TIME WHEN WE’VE ALL GOTTA GO
YOU START OUT ALWAYS FAST BUT THE END IS ALWAYS SLOW…
AND THERE’S GOTTA COME A TIME WHEN WE’VE ALL GOTTA GO
YOU START OUT ALWAYS FAST, BUT THE END IS ALWAYS SLOW…

Swallow, Brat & Poor Baby AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?
AND THE MORAL IS…?

The Man It was their time to go, so they went…
Poor BabyY’see. I told you he was just a feller.

SwallowI’m sorry Jesus. He’s just upset. Please forgive… You’re shaking.
The ManSwallow, the world is a confusing place sometimes. Things just happen—terrible things—without you understanding why.
SwallowIs that what happened to you?
The ManSort of.
SwallowThat’s because folks didn’t understand you. They didn’t see your goodness. They didn’t see how beautiful and sweet and full of light you are and so they…
The Man…crucified me.
SwallowBut I understand. And I love you.
The ManWill you kiss me goodnight?
SwallowI was almost killed tonight. But I wasn’t frightened because I knew you were with me, in my heart. And I knew you love me too.

Unsettled Scores (reprise)

The Man SO MANY CRIES IN THE NIGHT THAT YOU TRY TO IGNORE
WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS?
WHY DIDN’T I DO THAT?

SO MANY UNBROKEN CHAINS
SO MANY UNSETTLED SCORES

YOU CAN SAY A PRAYER FOR EVERYONE
THAT THERE COULD EVER BE
SAY A PRAYER FOR ALL OF THESE AND MORE
BUT THERE’S STILL NO PRAYER FOR ME

SAY A PRAYER FOR YOUR PUREST DAUGHTER
TOLL A BELL FOR YOUR ONLY SON
THERE’S NO WAY OUT
AND ALL MY PRAYERS ARE LOADED IN THIS GUN

Off Ramp Exit to Paradise

Candy SOMEONE TOLD ME THERE’S AN OFF RAMP EXIT TO PARADISE
ONLY TIME WILL TELL IF THERE’S AN OFF RAMP EXIT TO PARADISE

GOING ANYWHERE HAS GOT TO BE HEAVEN
‘CAUSE STAYING HERE HAS GOTTA BE HELL
I’M GETTING OUT OF THIS HOLE, I’LL BE STRONG AND ALONE
NO REGRETS—MAYBE ONE, MAYBE TWO OR THREE!

IF I HAD TO DO IT OVER AGAIN
I’D DO IT TO HIM BEFORE HE DID IT TO ME

IF I HAD TO DO IT OVER AGAIN
I’D DO IT TO THEM BEFORE THEY DID IT TO ME

SOMEONE TOLD ME THERE’S AN OFF RAMP EXIT TO PARADISE…

AmosCandy, Have you seen Swallow?
CandyI’ve been standin’ here since 6:30. Where were you?
AmosA lot’s been happening, Candy, but I gotta find Swallow. She’s in real trouble.
CandyThat’s what happeneds when a girl falls prey to a no-good, two timin’ lair and cheat. Trouble! You got that dirty word tattooed on your heart and its always gonna be there.
I realised something tonight, Amos. You ain’t going nowhere on that shiny big bike of yours. You’re gonna stay in this Godforsaken town, grow old here and rot. ‘Cause you talk like black leather but act like wet wool.
AmosCandy, I gotta go. Swallow’s life is in danger, don’t you see?
CandyWhat do you mean? What’s the big secret?
AmosI promised I wouldn’t tell.

Earl I saw what happened tonight. I saw Amos and Swallow together in the dark over by the train tunnel just before the sheriff caught ‘em.
CandyAmos was with Swallow?
EarlAnd I know why Amos is rushin’ off to be a hero.
CandyYou know the secret?
EarlAmos saw the devil tonight hidin’ out in Swallow’s bar. She thinks he’s Jesus. He looked mighty like a man to me… a man on the run.
CandyThe killer?
EarlAnd he’s got a gun…

Candy IF I HAD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN
I’D DO IT TO HIM BEFORE HE DID IT TO ME! …

Safe Haven (reprise)

Mob NOW THE NOOSE IS TIGHTENING
CLOSING IN, WRAPPING AROUND OUR PREY

THERE’S STORM AND THERE’S LIGHTENING
STORMS ARE COMING, WASH THE SINS AWAY

Swallow Poor Baby, where have you been?
I’ve been lookin’ for you everywhere.

Poor Baby I ASKED FOR A CHRISTMAS BONFIRE…
Didn’t get it…
I ASKED FOR ANSWERS TOO…
Didn’t get ‘em…
NOBODY KNOWS WHAT THEY’RE TALKING ABOUT
NOBODY HAS A CLUE

Swallow EVEN JESUS WOULDN’T GIVE ME AN ANSWER
ALTHOUGH HE MUST HAVE KNOWN
SO I’VE BEEN THINKING THE ANSWER IS…
COMIN’ UP WITH ANSWERS OF OUR OWN

Brat Maybe Jesus thought it was kinder to send Spider away.
Poor Baby Is that why he send Ma away?

Swallow SHE WAS SICK FOR SUCH AN AWFUL TIME
SO MAYBE HER TIME JUST CAME

Swallow MAYBE HE THOUGHT IT WAS KINDER
Poor Baby THEN WHY’D HE MAKE HER SICK IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Swallow HE WOULDN’T MAKE ANYBODY SICK—NO, NEVER!
Poor Baby THEN WHO’re WE GONNA BLAME?
WHO ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BLAME?

Wrestle with the Devil

Earl YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED TO WRESTLE
WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT
BEFORE THE MOMENT IS PAST

Swallow Poor Baby! Get back here!

Townspeople YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED
YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED
TO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT
FOR IT COULD BE YOUR VERY LAST

Snake PreacherAnd the Lord said: “And they shall take up serpents.” And those who believe will be saved. And those whose faith is weak will perish with the devil. Test your faith! Put your life in the hands of the Lord! Who amongst you shall take up serpents?

Y’ALL KNOW ABOUT THE DEVIL
DON’T YA, BRETHREN?
I BET HE’S GOT YOU SCARED!

‘COS YOU CAN FEEL IT IN YOUR HEARTS AND BONES
THAT HE’S IN THIS VERY TOWN
AND HE WANTS YOUR SOULS NOW!
YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED!

Townspeople YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED
Snake Preacher YOU GOTTA BE PREPARED
TO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL IN A HEARTBEAT
BEFORE THE MOMENT IS PAST!

Y’ALL KNOW ABOUT THE DEVIL
DON’TCHA, DON’TCHA?
YA DON’T THINK THAT YOU’LL BE SPARED?

HE’S GONNA TEMPT YOU WITH A LIFE OF SIN!
TEASE YOU WITH HIS FLASH AND CASH!
BUT WE GOT THE LORD HERE! (OH YES!)
WE GOT THE TRUTH NOW! (OH YES!)
YOU GOT THE LIGHT—SEE! (OH, YES!)
YOU’RE GONNA BE PREPARED!

Townspeople NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO
HE’S COMING AFTER YOU
SO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL ‘TIL YA BREAK HIM
UNTIL HE’S GONE FROM YOUR HEAD!

YOU GOTTA FACE THE TEST
Snake Preacher THE DEVIL DOESN’T REST
Townspeople SO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL TILL YOU TAKE HIM
UNTIL HE’S FINALLY COLD AND DEAD!

Snake Preacher HE’S THERE IN THE REFLECTIONS ON THE RIVER SKIDDING BY
HE’S THERE IN THE CLOUDS AS THEY BLACKEN THE SKY
HE’S THERE IN YOUR BEDROOM, HE CAN CRAWL INTO YOUR DREAMS
Person 1 HE’S ANYTHING HE WANT’S TO BE BUT HE’S NEVER WHAT HE SEEMS

Person 2 HE’S THERE IN THE FOREBODING YOU FEEL IN YOUR BONES
Person 3 HE’S THERE IN THE GRAVEYARD CHIPPING NAMES ON THE STONES
Townspeople HE’S THERE IN YOUR MEMORIES TURNING GOOD TIMES INTO BAD
HE’S THERE IN THE FUTURE THAT YOU WISH YOU NEVER HAD

NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO
HE’S COMING AFTER YOU
SO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL TILL YOU BREAK HIM
UNTIL HE’S GONE FROM YOUR HEAD

YOU GOTTA FACE THE TEST
THE DEVIL DOESN’T REST
SO WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL TILL YOU TAKE HIM
UNTIL HE’S FINALLY COLD AND DEAD

Snake Preacher YOU’LL SEE HIM IN THE MOVIES, BROTHER (YES!)
THINKIN’ BOUT SEX AND GUZZLING GIN
YOU’LL SEE HIM IN THE COURTHOUSE, SISTER (YES!)
TRYING TO MAKE LEGAL— EV’RY HORRIBLE SIN!
YOU’LL SEE HIM IN THE CHURCHES, BROTHER… (YES!)
ACTING LIKE HE LOVES THE LORD ABOVE!
YOU’LL SEE HIM IN YOUR FAMILIES, SISTER!(YES!)
BETTER TAKE A LOOK AT WHO YOU LOVE!

Amos Swallow!!

Candy Y’ALL KNOW ABOUT THE DEVIL
DON’TCHA!? DON’TCHA!?
Y’ALL KNOW HE’S LYING IN WAIT!?
AND HE’S LYING IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
EVERYTIME HE USES YOU
BREAKS A PROMISE AND BREAKS YOUR HEART
THAT’S WHEN LOVE TURNS TO HATE

ARE YOU GONNA SAVE ME, AMOS?
ONE MORE CHANCE TO SAVE A LIFE
SHOW ME THAT YOU CARE

DON’T YOU THINK IT’S TIME YOU GREW UP!?
SUCH A GULLIBLE, STUPID GIRL!
A LITTLE ANGEL—A LITTLE TRAMP
YOUR SECRET’S OUT AND I DON’T CARE

Amos I SWEAR I DIDN’T TELL
MAY I BURN AND GO TO HELL
I TOOK A VOW—YOU KNOW I’D NEVER BREAK IT
I’D NEVER LIE AT ALL TO YOU

Candy HOW MANY GODDAMN VOWS HAVE YOU TAKEN UP TO NOW
HAVE YOU KEPT A SINGLE ONE? FORGET IT!
YOU’RE PATHETIC—AND THAT’S THE ONLY TRUTH!!

HOW CAN YOU BE SO BLIND?
DIDN’T ANYBODY KNOW?
THE DEVIL’S BEEN HERE ALL THE TIME
HE’S WAITING—PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK!

HE’S UP IN SWALLOW’S BARN
HE’S DANGEROUS AND ARMED
HE’S GOT A GUN—HE’S NOT AFRAID TO USE IT
THE KILLER IS STRONG AND YOU’RE ALL SO WEAK!

The Hunt

SheriffIT’S TIME THAT THIS WAS OVER
A LocalNERVES ARE RAW
TownspeopleHEARTS BEGIN TO POUND
SheriffBRING HIM IN—HUNT HIM DOWN!

Sheriff & Townspeople A LITTLE BIT OF SLAUGHTER
IS JUSTIFIED TO BRING US BACK OUR TOWN

Sheriff There’s a Greyhound bus leaves the interchange at midnight, Candy. I sure as hell hope that you’re on it.

BooneWhere the hell are you going?
SwallowGet out of my way dad.
BooneMy little girl! What’s happening to you?
SwallowYou don’t understand a Goddamed thing.
BooneYou think I don’t know about you sneaking out to meet that boy tonight? Stealin’ my wine? I’ll pray for you Swallow, I sure as hell don’t know what else to do.
SwallowIt’s you who needs praying for dad! You’re nothing like you used to be anymore!
BooneGet inside!
SwallowYou don’t even laugh! You don’t even talk anymore!
BooneI talk! I talk and you don’t listen.
SwallowYou used to talk but you don’t anymore!
BooneWell, I’m talking to you now and you don’t hear a Goddamn word I’m saying!
SwallowWe never even talked about ma when she died! I tried, but you didn’t even care… He talks to me! And he loves me! I won’t let them hurt him!

Mob NO MATTER WHAT THE OUTRAGE
NO MATTER WHAT THE CRIME
NO MATTER WHERE HE’S RUNNING…
HE’S RUNNING OUT OF TIME!

NO MATTER WHAT HE’S SCHEMING
NO MATTER WHAT HE’S GOT
WE’LL TEAR HIM LIMB FROM LIMB
THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS… NO MATTER WHAT!

The Children TOWERS OF FIRE RISE EVER HIGHER
MAGICAL FLAMES THAT LEAP AND TWIRL
THE POWER OF SONG!
THE YOUNG ARE THE STRONG!

THE NIGHT THAT CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD

SwallowThey know you’re here! The whole town is headin’ this way. And I saw cop cars on the road, and state police, and troopers.
The ManI gotta run for it.
SwallowNo! I’ll keep you safe. Please stay.
The ManYou’ve got me all wrong, Swallow. Now get out of here.

Swallow I know who you are.
The ManWhat if I told you that I spent the last five years in prison? What if I told you that I wounded my feet on a pitchfork just to get into the infirmary, just to make it easier to escape? What if I told you that I tore up my hands climbing over barbed wire?
SwallowI wouldn’t believe you!
The ManWould Jesus lie?!?
SwallowIf he’s disguised as a man, he would!
The ManWhat if I told you that I did something too terrible to even imagine?
SwallowI would forgive you.

IT SEEMS TO ME YOU WAITED TILL THE TIME CAME
I BELIEVE YOU’D RETURNED FOR US AT LAST
SEEMS TO ME YOU’VE TESTED ME SO MANY WAYS
I BELIEVE THAT EVERY TEST I PASSED

SEEMS TO ME THAT EVERY TEST I PASSED

The ManSwallow, I can’t bring your mother back.
SwallowI understand that now. I don’t want you to leave me. I need you! I need you to be who you are.

Nature of the Beast

The Man IF YOU GO DEEP DOWN INSIDE MY EYES
DO YOU SEE A SAVIOUR, A PROPHET, OR EVEN A PRIEST?
OR DO YOU ONLY SEE THE BLACKNESS THERE…
THAT’S THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

THE ONES THAT YOU SHOULD FEAR THE MOST
MAY BE THE ONES YOU FEAR THE LEAST
IF YOU KNOW ME THEN YOU’LL HAVE TO KNOW…
THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

THERE ARE HUNGRY DEVILS EVERYWHERE, IT’S ON MY HEART THEY FEAST
LET ME RISE ABOVE THE CARCASS OF THIS ALL TOO MORTAL BEAST
IF I HAD A CHANCE I’D FLY AWAY, I’D SEE MYSELF RELEASED
I’D FLY ABOVE THE CARCASS OF THIS POOR PATHETIC BEAST

Swallow I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU TRY TO MAKE ME DOUBT YOU
DON’T KNOW WHY WHEN I BELIEVE MY SPIRIT SOARS
SOMEDAY SOON THEY’LL NO LONGER THREATEN YOU
TILL THAT DAY ALL MY PRAYERS ARE YOURS

UNTIL THEN ALL MY PRAYERS ARE YOURS

The Man THE THINGS THAT YOU DESIRE THE MOST
MAY BE THE ONES YOU UNDERSTAND THE LEAST
THERE ARE BLOOD-CURDLING THINGS YOU’VE YET TO LEARN…
ABOUT THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

THERE’S ALWAYS WARS AND PLAGUES AND DEATH: THE TERRORS HAVE NEVER CEASED!
THERE IS NOTHING YOU OR I CAN DO ABOUT THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

Swallow I’M NOT AFRAID, YOU’VE TAUGHT ME THAT!
The Man YOU ARE A FOOL! WHY CAN’T YOU SEE?
Swallow I’M NOT LISTENING TO A WORD YOU SAY:
IT WAS GOD SENT YOU TO ME!

I know you’re trying to scare me… so when you leave, I won’t follow…

The ManLook closer and you’ll see that I’m scared too… Scared of staying… scared of leavin’… Scared of losing you.

I am not who you think I am!

SwallowYou can say what you want… I know who you are.

The Man WHAT’S THE ONLY SOUND LEFT IN THE WORLD WHEN THE OTHER SOUNDS HAVE CEASED?
IT’S THE BREATHING IN, AND THE BREATHING OUT…!

IT’S STILL…
IT’S STILL… IN ME…
IT’S STILL… THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

THERE ARE HUNGRY DEVILS EVERYWHERE, IT’S ON MY HEART THEY FEAST
LET ME RISE ABOVE THE CARCASS OF THIS PITIABLE BEAST
IF I HAD A CHANCE I’D FLY AWAY, I’D SEE MY SOUL RELEASED
I’D FLY ABOVE THE CARCASS OF THE NATURE OF THE BEAST

Swallow THERE’S A PRAYER FOR THE LOST AND FOR THE LONELY
THERE’S A PRAYER TO MAKE THE BLIND ONES SEE
BUT IF YOU… IF YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU MUST BE
THEN IT’S TRUE… YOU HAVEN’T GOT A PRAYER FOR ME

AND I… I HAVEN’T GOT A PRAYER

Swallow I have… nothing…
The ManThat’s not true
SwallowI have nothing…
The ManDon’t ever say that…

SO MANY THINGS IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU’RE BOUND TO REGRET:
WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS? WHY DIDN’T I DO THAT?
SO MANY CHANCES YOU LOST THAT YOU’LL NEVER FORGET!

SO MANY UNSPOKEN VOWS, SO MANY UNOPENED DOORS!
SO MANY UNBROKEN CHAINS, SO MANY UNSETTLED SCORES!
WHY DIDN’T I TAKE IT? WHY DIDN’T I MAKE IT COME TRUE?…

Swallow NO ONE’S EVER LOOKED AT ME
Swallow & The Man NO ONE’S EVER LOOKED AT ME…
THE WAY YOU’RE LOOKING AT ME NOW

Sheriff Get them kids out of the way!
BooneSwallow! Are you in there, Swallow!?!

When Children Rule the World (reprise)

The Children DOVES AND KINGS AND SHEPHERDS AND WISE MEN
CAME TOGETHER, FOLLOWED THE STAR
THEY ALL GATHERED DOWN IN THE MANGER
THEY CAME FROM SO VERY FAR

SwallowDad!!
BooneDon’t hurt her, mister! Let her go!
SheriffI’m ordering you kids to get out of the way!!
BooneDon’t shoot! My daughter is in there!
The ManI’m taking you hostage.

The Children ALL OUR GREATEST WISHES ARE GRANTED
LET US SING…LET INNOCENCE REIGN
ALL OUR PRAYERS ARE FINALLY ANSWERED
BLESSED AND FREE OF ALL PAIN

TOWERS OF FIRE RISE EVEN HIGHER
MAGICAL FLAMES THAT LEAP AND TWIRL
THE POWER OF SONG!
THE YOUNG ARE THE STRONG!

THE NIGHT THAT CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD
TONIGHT! WHEN CHILDREN RULE THE WORLD

SwallowI have to find him! Let me go!
BooneSwallow! Swallow…
He wasn’t who you thought he was. He was just a man.
SwallowBut dad… please!
BooneThat wasn’t Jesus in there.
SwallowHow do you know?
AmosSwallow, I promise I didn’t tell. I wouldn’t do that, ever.
SwallowThanks, Amos.
SheriffBut he’s gone. There’s no trace of him left.

Home By Now (reprise)

The Children THE THUNDER IS ROLLING, THE SKY IS BLACK
IT’S GOTTEN SO DARK SOMEHOW

HE SAID THERE’D BE TROUBLE BUT I KNOW HE’LL BE BACK
AND I HOPE THAT HE’S HOME BY NOW
HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOME BY NOW

BratHe’s free now, isn’t he?
SwallowHe’ll be back. I just know he will.
Poor BabyI prayed for a Christmas bonfire and look… We got the biggest one of all.

Whistle Down the Wind

Swallow WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
LET YOUR VOICES CARRY
DROWN OUT ALL THE RAIN
LIGHT A PATCH OF DARKNESS
TREACHEROUS AND SCARY

Boone HOWL AT THE STARS
WHISPER WHEN YOUR SLEEPING
I’LL BE THERE TO HOLD YOU
I’LL BE THERE TO STOP THE CHILLS
AND ALL THE WEEPING

MAKE IT CLEAR AND STRONG
SO THE WHOLE NIGHT LONG
EVERY SIGNAL THAT YOU SEND
UNTIL THE VERY END
I WILL NOT ABANDON YOU
MY PRECIOUS FRIEND

Family SO… TRY AND STEM THE TIDE
THEN YOU’LL RAISE A BANNER
SEND A FLARE UP IN THE SKY
TRY TO BURN A TORCH
AND TRY TO BUILD A BONFIRE

EVERY SIGNAL THAT YOU SEND
UNTIL THE VERY END, I’M THERE
SO WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
FOR I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN RIGHT THERE

End