Original subtitles

[piano playing]

[driver] Rittenhouse Square. Next stop.

[stop request beeps]

[bus door opens]

[bus moving away]

[sniffles]

[unzipping]

Your knot's all jacked up.

What?

And that limb is too thin.

Jesus Christ, if you're gonna do that

you might as well pick a good one

and tie a decent knot, for Christ's sake.

Here. Give it to me.

[sniffles]

Come on, give it here.

[sniffles] [grunts]

[sobs]

All right. Let's see what we got here.

Oh. You got this all screwed up kid.

So what's your name?

KJ.

I'm Barry. Nice to meet you.

You know, in basic training

they taught us every knot in the book.

There was your, um, thumb knot, your reef knot,

your classic figure eight knot.

But my go-to knot

was the bowline.

Here. There's a bowline.

During the war I'd have orders to, uh,

take some prisoners into the jungle

with only a--a rifle and a small shovel

and a handful of that rope.

And, um...

I'd let them pick their own trees.

And then I would stand there

and, um, watch them put the rope over their head

and tighten their neck.

And, um...

then I'd point my rifle at them.

They'd step off.

Much cheaper alternative, they said.

I was probably about your age.

A day doesn't go by

without me thinking of the lives I took.

How many lives did you take?

One too many, kid.

One too many.

[sniffles] Sorry I asked.

Nah, it's all right.

It's a matter of time for all of us.

But the how and when, now that's a surprise.

Surprise, huh?

Oh yeah.

Because everybody from our past

is up there waiting with balloons

and, uh, all those little things you blow through

and they make a loud, obnoxious sound.

the whatcha-ma-call-it...

Kazoos.

That's it. Kazoos.

Everybody's up there with balloons and kazoos.

Um...

Hey, do me a favor, kid. Toss that rope in that trash.

Yeah.

What's that right over there?

That?

It probably kept me from making that knot a few times already.

What are you, a wedding singer or something?

Nah, man.

Grew up in the church.

Just been doing my own thing lately.

Figuring it out, I guess.

Always wanted to be a songwriter

or start a group or something like that.

Well, I gotta hear something.

Nah, man.

Oh, come on.

I'll trade ya.

One song and I'll go into that trash can

and craft you a perfect knot to handle your business.

I don't know, man.

Well, come on.

There's nothing else going on out here.

[KJ plays guitar]

[sings "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers]

♪ I been trying to do it right ♪

♪ I've been living a lonely life ♪

♪ I've been sleeping here instead ♪

♪ I've been sleeping in my bed ♪

♪ Sleeping in my bed ♪

♪ So show me family ♪

♪ And all the blood that I will bleed ♪

♪ I don't know where I went wrong ♪

♪ I don't know where I belong ♪

♪ But I can write a song ♪

♪ And love we need it now ♪

♪ Let's hope for some ♪

♪ 'Cause oh ♪

♪ We're bleedin' out ♪

♪ I belong with you ♪

♪ You belong with me ♪

♪ You're my sweet heart ♪

♪ I belong with you ♪

♪ You belong with me ♪

♪ You're my sweet... HEY ♪

♪ HO ♪

♪ HEY ♪♪

[stops playing the guitar]

Well, I'll be damned.

The deal is off.

Like hell you're gonna off that voice on my watch.

I'm gonna start calling you KJ Rittenhouse.

You wrote that?

Nah, man. The Lumineers.

The Lumi-who?

Never mind.

Well...

Look here, KJ.

I don't know what your story is

but I can tell you one thing.

You're gonna perform.

Oh, yeah?

Oh, hell yeah.

You got a second chance here.

Don't screw it up.

I'll tell you what.

Where--where you staying?

All right, look.

Grab your shit and come with me.

Come on now. Let's go.

[piano playing]

They teach you how to sing like that in church?

-Yeah. - God damn,

I'm gonna have to renew my membership to Jesus.

[crying]

What's up with him?

Fentanyl. Keep moving.

This is it.

It's not much.

But the, uh, the realtor sold me on the view.

Sit. Sit.

So how long you been out here?

Oh.

I've been at this spot for the last three weeks.

I've been lucky.

You know, they're gonna catch me sooner or later and run me off.

I lost my home in '92.

So, 2-02, 2-11,

2-12, 2-20, 2--

It'll be 30 years come this winter.

No family?

Look, kid, I--I got buckets of water

behind that curtain back there.

Uh, you can rinse off

and you can take a couple of these crates

and what you're sittin' on and rest up on.

I can't sleep on this.

Well, then I suggest you take your ass down

to the Four Seasons, because that's all I got.

I'll make you a deal.

You can stay here as long as you need

but you gotta promise me something.

And what's that?

You gotta write.

Every day.

Whatever bullshit you got going on,

put it on paper and bring it out on that guitar.

Got me?

Promise me something back?

We got a negotiator here, right?

Don't contact my mom.

Okay?

Okay.

And your father?

He, uh...

died a long time ago.

[gentle music playing]

All right. Now, listen up.

Every morning I go to eat at the shelter at 7 AM sharp.

It's our only decent meal of the day.

So get some sleep.

Hey, Barry?

Yeah?

Why you doing this for me, man?

Doing what?

I don't know.

Helpin'?

Let's just say I always wanted to sit orchestra.

Now sleep.

Don't mind my snoring.

Good night.

And thank you.

Yeah, yeah.

Just write and sleep.

[loud snoring]

[loud snoring]

Jeez, you weren't kidding.

[loud snoring]

["Midnight" by Paper Planes playing]

[typewriter keys clacking] [typewriter dings]

[whistles] ♪ Don't wait for me ♪

Attaboy. Attaboy.

♪ 'Cause I'm always heading your way ♪

[grunts] Hey, hold it up, would ya?

♪ And I know ♪

♪ exactly what I'm looking for ♪

Am I supposed to eat this?

Yep.

♪ I keep running 'til I can't no more ♪

[coughing]

You'll get used to it.

[gagging]

♪ Every second every day ♪♪

♪ Hmmm Humm ♪

["Insecure" by Christian Crosby playing]

♪ Woah (Woah), whoa ♪

♪ Woah (Woah), whoa ♪

♪ Woah (Woah), whoa ♪

♪ Woah (Woah), whoa ♪

♪ Woah, yeah ♪

♪ When you see a girl walkin' by ♪

♪ why you pull me closer, girl? ♪

♪ Do you think she prettier? ♪

♪ Do you think I know this girl? ♪

♪ Never bring me by your friends, ♪

♪ you think that I want them more ♪

♪ You're the flyest girl I know, why you so insecure? ♪

♪ Why you so immature, when it come to everything? ♪

♪ Is that why you got tattoos? ♪

♪ Is that why you got belly rings? ♪

♪ When you stress the petty things ♪

♪ feel like, "Girl, I barely know you" ♪

Hey, Barry!

I'll be back in a couple of hours!

Meet you at the same spot! ♪ I can't even lie to you ♪

♪ Used to be the same way ♪

♪ Used to sabotage my own relationships and game play ♪

♪ Only 'cause I didn't love myself, I was ashamed ♪

♪ Blamed every other person but myself...

[church music playing] [rhythmic clapping]

[church music playing] [rhythmic clapping]

KJ?

[sighs]

Well, the kid is alive.

Sorry. Had to go, uh, do a couple things.

Huh?

And how'd that go?

Uh, it was, uh--it was--it was--

It was good. It was good.

Well?

What?

Nothing.

What's that?

Ah, just a little something to pass the time.

Can I see it?

Yeah.

Whoa.

This is--this is really good.

Well, you can give it a shot.

Nah.

Yo. It's not fun chasing someone on foot

when they got a skateboard, for real for real.

Dominic?

Yo, and you owe me 18 bucks for the taxi I took

to follow the bus.

Qué paso, papis!?

Yo, how'd you follow me?

You gotta work on your camouflage game big time.

He was outside the church this morning

-like no one was gonna see him. -Okay.

Barry, meet Dominic.

We know each other from my neighborhood.

Dominic, meet Barry.

It's nice to meet you, sir.

Yup.

So this is where you've been kicking it, huh?

Damn!

Look at that view.

So, how'd you two become friends?

Uh, who? This guy?

He's the reason I go to church every day.

-Yeah, shut up. -[laughs]

He probably hasn't been there since I left.

Yo, it's about showing up.

Nobody cares if you sneak out.

You know, I was just about to show KJ how to carve.

You're welcome to join.

All right. Let's go, let's go.

Which knife is mine?

Do not give him a knife.

Yo, do not listen to him.

-Barry-- -Hey, would you guys shut up

and just, and pay attention here?

Jesus.

You gotta find the object within the wood.

And so, you carve it down.

Slightly.

Don't take big hunks.

And you'll find what the object is.

Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé...

What kind of stage name is Michael Bubbles?

Barry, it's Bublé.

I like "KJ Rittenhouse."

Okay, you're gonna learn to throw a jab.

You're gonna throw it in this area right here.

Keep your elbows in.

That's it. All right.

Now throw it. That's it.

That's it. That's it.

Yo, check out little Mike Tyson over here.

Man, shut up.

You ain't gonna cap though.

You'd look hella dope with a face tatt.

For real. For real.

Shut up, Don King, for Christ's sake.

Come on. Okay, let's go.

Now this time you're gonna slip the jab.

So, like I throw it left and slip tap.

That's it.

That's good.

That's good, KJ.

Good. Good.

Yeah. That's great.

[humming]

Hey, KJ!

Yeah?

Remind me to thank Dominic for this soap.

Will do, Barry.

All right.

[groans] [humming]

Cut that out.

Well, you stop drinking,

and I'll stop biting-- I am. I am.

I'm putting the cap on.

All right then.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Let's go.

[sniffs]

Pass me some wooder, would ya?

Water?

Wooder.

Barry...

What?

Water.

Wooder.

-I wanna have a drink. -Okay, okay.

Here's the water.

Water.

Wooder.

God, you're so [indistinct] it's gross.

Jesus Christ.

Hey, can I ask you something?

Sure.

You ever try working over the years?

I'm a bum, kid.

I'm not worthy of a job.

Hey, you're not a bum.

You're a human being.

And a good one.

All right?

Thanks, kid.

My dad...

He, uh...

He died from cancer.

How old were ya?

Thirteen.

Oh, boy.

That's a tough age to lose a loved one.

I suppose you and your mom have

seen eye to eye since.

Oh, yeah.

Let me tell ya.

My dad...

he was the pastor of our Baptist church.

He was my best friend, man.

When he died...

my mom became ordained and kept the church going.

But I slowly lost faith in...

everything, really.

Let's just say

my lack of desire to follow in his footsteps

wasn't exactly met with

open arms.

I mean, she always says...

"Music isn't a career."

Music isn't a career.

Just felt like I was letting everyone down, you know?

Now she's starting to date the bishop.

Can you believe that?

Nice guy?

Roger that.

So...

A few weeks ago

she caught me and Dominic smoking weed in the backyard

which led to a big fight and...

I just ran away.

So, you're mad at your mom

for not supporting your music

and for starting to see someone.

And you're frustrated at God

for not curing your father.

Is that about it?

I mean, sort of, I guess.

Look, you grew up in a nice neighborhood,

you're--you're educated,

and you damn near have the voice of Luther Vandross.

You ought to be thanking your mom for keeping the lights on.

You may not understand it now

because you're too young but it's--

it's hard to find love after it's been taken from you.

I'm not saying how you feel is wrong.

You gotta remember that your mother

deserves the right to love and be loved again.

And I'm sorry about your father.

I'm sure he was a great man.

You know, we got people dying every day out here from cancer,

drugs, and the war.

Somebody's getting shot around here

for no damn reason, it seems.

I'm sure every family wishes God would have done something

to prevent it from happening to their loved ones.

You just never know when it'll be the last time you're

with somebody you care about.

Thanks, Barry.

[crickets chirping]

Can I ask one more thing?

Can I stop you?

All kazoos aside,

what do you think really happens when we die?

[sighs]

The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.

The answer is blowing in the wind.

Where'd that come from?

Just a little Bob Dylan.

That was great, man.

Yeah, yeah.

My wife asked me to sing to her before she'd go to bed.

And this one time, she had a fever

and she said a good song

is a better remedy than any medicine.

What would you sing to her?

Oh, she liked good stuff, you know.

None of this Michael Bubbles stuff.

She liked Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, if the mood was right.

-Hum. -And, uh--and, uh--

Boy, I'd sing for her.

Even if I was sick, I never missed a night.

She said I sounded like a

wolf serenading the moon.

[howling]

Come on, man.

You know, the stars love it.

[both howling]

Where's she now?

[sentimental music playing]

Let's just hope it's somewhere peaceful.

[sentimental music continues]

[music fades]

Hello, my heart.

It's been a few years since I visited.

Forgive me.

I've been struggling a little bit.

I'm sure you've noticed.

I'm not proud of it.

But it's just so hard

without you and...

[sighs]

[sighs]

I came across a young man named KJ.

He's a musician.

Really talented.

He even thinks I'm a halfway decent guy.

He seems a little lost.

So, I'm gonna stick by him

until he finds his way.

'Cause you taught me that.

To be there for someone you care about

from the day, 'til the day.

[sentimental music playing]

I just miss you so much.

I'm gonna do my best to change.

Stop all this drinking nonsense.

You know, they got these AA meetings at the shelter.

Maybe I'll give that a shot, yeah?

Ah, Christ, I just wish you were here.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[soft, gentle music playing]

We met after I came home from Vietnam.

She was sitting right down there

at that café by herself.

She stopped me dead in my tracks.

I was coming from the barber for the first time in years.

And I was feeling all good, looking my best.

And boy, I'll tell you,

she had on a long white dress,

and I just walked up to her.

I didn't know what to say.

So I said, "Are you on your honeymoon?"

What? Your honeymoon? [chuckles]

I don't know.

It was the dress, you know.

And she looked at me and said, "No"

in the most beautiful French accent.

What happened next?

Well, then I introduced myself and asked for her name

and she said "Elynore Rosenberg."

I asked if I could sit with her for a minute and hear her story.

And she said "d'accord" which means "Okay" in French.

So, we sat there for hours

talking about our lives.

We saw each other every day.

And before long, we fell in love.

Two weeks later, I proposed.

Two weeks?

You're kidding me, right?

I knew she was the one.

I flew back to Paris with her to meet her family,

and two days later, we were married in a small synagogue

that her family had helped restore.

I didn't have a home back here.

My parents had passed away while I was deployed.

So I wanted to stay in Paris and be near her family.

But El, she had her mind made up.

She said a line that I'll never forget.

What's that?

"The place that made you is where I want to be."

So we moved into my parents' place in West Philly.

We weren't rich, but we had each other.

And then a few years later came my most precious gift,

our son Jimmy.

That day in the hospital,

you couldn't have found a happier man in the world.

For the first time in my life, I felt purpose.

Driving home from the hospital

the next night it was Christmas Eve,

and the snow was starting to make its way down.

And I saw Elynore reach over the front seat

into the back seat to make Jimmy smile.

The next thing I knew,

a truck came skidding across 76.

I woke up

two days later in the ICU.

The doctor said we were hit by a drunk driver going 80.

Everyone else died on impact.

[dramatic music playing]

I remember the pain of war,

watching all those men gasp their last breath

and losing my combat brothers.

But even when I got the letter that my parents had died,

somehow I was trained to handle it.

But nobody's prepared for this kind of pain.

So I took the easy way out.

You know...

it's hard to believe in something up there

when there's so much suffering going on down here.

[KJ playing "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross]

[sings] ♪ Back when I was a child ♪

♪ Before life removed all the innocence ♪

♪ My father would lift me high ♪

♪ And dance with my mother and me and then ♪

♪ Spin me around 'til I fell asleep ♪

♪ Then up the stairs he would carry me ♪

♪ And I knew for sure I was loved ♪

♪ If I could steal one final glance ♪

♪ One final step ♪

♪ One final dance with him ♪

♪ I'd play a song that would never, ever end ♪

♪ 'Cause I'd love, love, love ♪

♪ To dance with my father again ♪

♪ If I could get another chance ♪

♪ Another walk ♪

♪ Another dance with him ♪

♪ I'd play a song that would never, ever end ♪

♪ How I'd love, love, love ♪

♪ To dance with my father again ♪

♪ Oooo ♪

♪ To dance with my father again ♪

[dramatic music playing]

A good song is a better remedy than any medicine, right?

KJ Rittenhouse.

[gentle piano playing]

[crickets chirping]

Good evening, Pastor Hildy.

Dominic?

I just wanted to come by and apologize

for what happened a few weeks ago.

See how you were doing.

I've had better days.

He's okay.

I know he is.

I'm sure he's somewhere with his guitar, singing his heart out.

I pray that's the case.

You care about him, huh?

Good friends are hard to come by.

Well, I should probably get going.

Have a good night, Pastor.

You too, Dominic.

Dominic!

I better see you at church on Sunday.

No sneaking through the back, you hear me?

Yes, ma'am.

Have a good night.

Good night.

[Cello playing]

[dumpster lid thuds]

Good night, boys.

What a game, too, huh?

-Right? [laughs] -Pardon me.

Watch where you're going, you bum.

I'm not a bum.

What was that?

I said I'm not a bum.

Dude, let him go.

He's homeless. Come on.

Probably has enough problems figuring out where to shit.

My apologies, sir.

Did you catch the game tonight?

No.

Ah. Man, you should have seen the end.

Right, boys?

Middle linebacker, right up the middle one.

[grunts]

Come on. All--all right.

Get off. Get off.

Come on. Get off.

Watch where you're going next time, you bum!

[grunts]

What happened to you?

Ah. Some punk kids.

You know, it happens to us out here from time to time.

Barry, you need to go to the hospital.

-No, no, no. No hospital. -Why not? You're hurt.

Look at you.

No, no, no! God damn it!

Just sit down.

Sit, sit, sit.

I can't go to the hospital.

That's ridiculous. How come?

They'll take care of you.

No, no.

I've been out on the streets for 30 years, KJ.

Do you think I'm gonna let some punk kids bring me down?

Barry, you need to see someone.

See who, huh? Who?

I go into the hospital, then what?

They just find out I can't pay

and kick my ass to the curb with a hospital gown still on.

You want to know what really happens

to a guy like me when I die!?

Not a God damn fucking thing.

Nothing!

Take me to a plot and toss me in.

That's it.

End of story.

So I'll take my chances right here.

All right?

[sad music playing]

How much?

How much what?

In the hat.

Like five bucks and change.

Oh, we're eating good tomorrow.

My treat.

Consider it a rent payment.

Done.

Uh...

Don't they have TV shows for that kind of thing?

For what kind of thing?

For singing and uh, performing.

I--I've seen them on buses and billboards.

Yeah, there's a bunch, but...

those guys are like really, really good, man.

You know what I'm about to say.

No, no, no.

You kidding me?

No, I suck compared to them.

No, KJ, you're wrong.

You got a voice good enough to perform on any stage you want.

When you sing, whoever's up there is dancing.

You're like Dean Martin and Smokey Robinson

and Louis Armstrong.

Okay, okay. Thanks, Barry.

I get it. Thank you.

You know, I've been around the block a couple of times.

And I've learned a lot out here.

Three things stand out.

What's that?

One, you gotta be nice to people.

'Cause nobody likes an asshole.

And two,

die with memories, not dreams.

One day you'll be an old fart like me

and you don't want to look back with regret.

So, uh...

so you swing for the fences while you still got the chops.

You hear me?

And what about the third?

What?

You said three things?

I did?

Oh.

Um...

Well, besides a good song,

there's nothing better than some mint chocolate chip ice cream.

God damn, that's good. [chuckles]

Look, even if I wanted to go,

which would be amazing,

you got flights,

hotels, entry fees.

I can't afford that.

Not to mention the lines are probably like ten miles long.

And like I said,

like the people are super good and you know,

you gotta sign up and I don't have a laptop,

I don't have a phone, I don't have any of that--

What are you doing?

Barry, what are you doing?

What do you say?

No regrets, huh?

All right, I'm in.

Hey, now.

[uplifting violin playing]

Guys, you want to come over here and hear this kid sing.

He's right over there.

You want to hear this kid sing.

He's over here.

This kid's got a great voice. [indistinct]

Come on.

Thanks, everyone!

Excuse me. KJ?

Yeah?

Hi, I'm Taylor.

I'm a writer for the Philadelphia Daily.

I'd love to know more about what's going on here.

Uh, yeah.

Just trying to raise money to go audition for a show.

May I sit with you for a minute?

I'd love to hear your story.

[speaks in French] D'accord.

[speaks in French] Ah, tu parles français?

Merci! [laughs]

So, tell me about yourself.

Where are you from?

From the Main Line.

Ooh, fancy boy. [chuckles]

Yeah, something like that.

And what inspires you?

What inspires me?

Music. Sports. Barry, really.

[calm music playing]

Look at this.

Look, look, see this?

This is big time.

Big time.

Sit down, man. Stop.

"The Golden Voice in Rittenhouse"

by Taylor Haynes.

Get my glasses on here.

[chuckles]

[reading] You know that feeling of surprise--

[Taylor] You know that feeling of surprise

that completely sweeps you off your feet?

When you're hit with a moment,

one that you know instantly will last a lifetime?

That's exactly what happened

inside of Rittenhouse Square a few days ago.

I was walking through the park

when all of a sudden I heard a voice piercing through the trees

as if Mother Nature was guiding all of us

to a performance herself.

The voice belongs to Philadelphia's Kelvin Jones Jr.,

but you can call him by his stage name, KJ Rittenhouse.

He's raising money to go audition for a television show.

KJ is currently homeless,

but under the protective wing of his friend, Barry.

It's "a voice of gold," his friend claimed,

and I couldn't agree more.

KJ's next performance is this Sunday at 12 o'clock noon

in Rittenhouse Square.

We should all take the opportunity

to go support his journey.

You can thank me afterwards!

[Barry reading] Rittenhouse Square.

We should all take the opportunity

to go support his journey.

You can thank me afterwards!

You think people will come?

Oh, yeah. Yeah, they'll be here.

And--and if they don't,

it doesn't matter.

You're going for it,

and that's all that matters in life.

You know, I was thinking...

Oh now, don't strain yourself.

You're kind of like my agent, promoter, security guard,

and everything else in between, right?

Not bad for an old man.

So, because you do so much for me,

I thought about getting something nice done for you.

What's up, man? How you doing?

Who's this?

This is Brennan.

I met him a couple of days ago

while he was giving out haircuts in the Square.

You must be Barry.

Nice to meet you, sir.

And thank you for your service.

Uh-huh.

You remember what you got done

before meeting Elynore for the first time?

Well, Brennan here is a local barber

who gives out haircuts to the homeless.

And I can't have my manager walking around

looking like an overgrown fern, so...

So, if you don't mind, sir,

I'd love to give you a fresh haircut free of charge.

Well, shit, you don't have to tell me twice.

Where do I sit?

Right there is perfect.

All right.

[calm music playing]

So, what do you think?

You did a fine job, son.

A fine job, thank you.

Thank you.

Thanks again, B.

Any time, guys.

Good luck with the performance tomorrow!

Looking sharp there, General.

[chuckles] Thank you, KJ.

That's the nicest thing anybody's ever done for me, son.

Excuse me, ma'am,

but I'm looking for Pastor Hildy.

That's me.

How may I help you, sir?

Oh, I figured that might be you.

Uh, my name is Barry Edwards

and I took the bus up here from Center City.

Um, I've been watching over your son.

You know where KJ is?

Yes, ma'am, I do.

He's a very special kid.

I'm not sure if you saw this today.

I've got extra copies, two or three.

Um, he's a good kid.

Perhaps a little lost,

but, hell--

excuse me, ma'am.

My apologies, Pastor.

I just thought you should know he's okay.

Where is he staying?

We're currently near the art museum.

What do you mean, near the art museum?

Well, I'm not sure if my appearance gives anything away,

but I'm homeless ma'am.

And I--I have a tent pitched near there.

I crossed paths with your son in Rittenhouse Square one night

when he was, uh, very upset about a big argument at home.

But that was none of my business.

I just saw a kid in need for a friend.

Your son-- he's done a lot for me--

so I felt it was necessary to come here tonight.

Can you take me to him?

Um, I promised KJ I wouldn't come to see you.

So, uh,

Sunday is his last performance in the Square,

and you being there might mean something to him.

Performance for what?

Well, he's currently raising money

to audition for a television show.

And, um,

I'm not just saying this because I'm biased or anything,

but he's capable of achieving great things with his music.

You raised a heck of a kid.

I didn't mean to interrupt your evening.

If you'll excuse me.

Did he tell you why he left?

He did.

May I ask what he said?

I would like to keep that between me and him,

if that's all right.

Um...but I will say

I--I lost my only son

right after he was born.

And what I would do to be his father again.

[sentimental music playing]

Mr. Edwards...

Thank you for helping my son.

Uh, let me get you something to take with you,

maybe some food or clothes.

Oh, no, no. That won't be necessary.

Okay, okay.

Just your time was enough.

Now you have a good night.

[soft piano playing]

[sighs]

-Thank you. -Have a good night.

You too.

They deliver wine these days too.

-Hmm. -Can you believe that?

Twenty-first century.

[sniffles]

You should think about going tomorrow.

I'm happy to take care of the services.

Thank you.

That won't be necessary.

I think everything will work out, okay?

[soft music playing]

This is all you tomorrow, KJ.

Here.

I wanna give you something.

Here.

Take it.

It was my Elynore's.

I can't take this, Barry.

Take it. Take it.

Take it.

It's a tree of life.

The only thing her father managed to keep while in hiding.

He gave it to her when she turned 13.

Said it would protect her.

You can create your own meaning for it, though.

For Elynore, the tree symbolized

resiliency against any storm

and we're all unique, different colors,

shapes, sizes, like the leaves,

you know.

So, whether it's tomorrow or any time in your life,

stand tall, be proud,

and believe in what you are.

Understood?

Yes, sir.

All right, come on now.

Let's get out of here.

Gotta get you some rest.

Big day tomorrow.

Big day!

Man, shut up!

Sorry!

Ah, screw 'em.

Welcome, welcome.

Nice to see you.

Nice to see you, Bishop.

Good to be seen, Pastor Hildy.

Deacon, always a pleasure. Thank you.

Hello. Oh, and you brought a friend?

Okay. Good to see you.

Walter, Blanca, thanks for coming.

Nice to see you, Dominic.

Nice to see you too, Pastor Hildy.

Uh, when you get a second,

I have to tell you something about KJ.

[whispers] Okay.

Welcome, hello.

Come on in.

[church music playing]

[calm acoustic guitar playing]

Hey, KJ.

Hi, how you doing?

Hey, I'm gonna swing off and do the signs.

You go ahead and get set up.

Hey, Barry!

Would you like some bread?

There you go.

They're ready for you.

Does that offer still stand?

Hey.

Oh, hey, you made it!

Yep, sure did.

We're all really excited.

This is the crew, as promised.

You weren't kidding.

Hey, how y'all doing?

Yes. Anyways, I don't want to bother you.

Just wanted to send you some good vibes.

-Yo. - Thank you, Taylor.

-Appreciate you being here. -KJ?

-You got this. -What's good, my boy?

What's going on, bro?

Yo. That dance man,

he catch my set the other day.

He asked me to let you use my mic and amp

for your performance, so...

-it's all yours. -Bro, you serious right now?

So serious.

It's Philly, man.

Yo, we all we got. We all we need.

-You know what I'm saying? - Appreciate you.

-Thank you. Thank you. - Kill that show.

[into mic] Check, check.

What's up, Philadelphia?

[crowd cheers]

Thank y'all for coming out.

My name is KJ Rittenhouse.

We love you, KJ!

I love you, too.

All right, some of you may not know,

but my friend Barry here,

he inspired me to pursue this crazy dream I have.

To be brave, stand tall, and to live without regrets.

He's a man with a golden heart

and for that, I thank you, my friend.

And with all your guys' help,

I'm one step closer to making that happen.

So, thank you all.

[applause]

This...

This song is an original I wrote.

It's about finding something that makes you feel good inside.

Something you know is worth hanging on to.

Even when you lose your way.

[sings "Here's To You"] ♪ Well, I'm not good with names ♪

♪ but I'm fun at parties ♪

♪ Things are looking up, now aren't they? ♪

♪ I shouldn't care ♪

♪ but I'm glad you noticed ♪

♪ That I should be the one you're holding ♪

♪ It's about time we leave the past behind ♪

♪ So what you waiting for? ♪

♪ I can take your hand ♪

♪ We can shut off the lights ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah ♪

♪ We can write our names on the wall ♪

♪ It's all right ♪

♪ Here's to you, the one I'm waiting for ♪

♪ The one that keeps my fire burning ♪

♪ You the one that I die for ♪

♪ Nothing else has my attention ♪

♪ Whoa whoa whoa ♪

♪ Whoa whoa whoa ♪

♪ Whoa whoa whoa ♪

♪ Whoa whoa whoa ♪

♪ Here's to you, the one I'm waiting for ♪

♪ The one that keeps my fire burning ♪

♪ You the one that I die for ♪

♪ Nothing else has my attention ♪

♪ Here's to you ♪♪

[cheers and applause]

That was amazing. You did so good.

This is my sister, Mary Ann, and some of our colleagues.

Thank you all for coming out.

We gotta get back to work, but you did good,

you did so so well.

You killed it, bro, but I'm gonna need this back.

All right, my guy. Appreciate you.

Have a good one, man.

You too.

[grunts]

Hi.

Hey.

Oh. I was worried sick about you.

I'm all right, Mom.

-You were so good. - [laughs]

Thank you.

Come home, okay?

I'll let you two catch up.

All right.

Yo yo...

What's good, bro? Glad you came.

Yeah, well, you know, your mom convinced my parents

to let me skip service, so I couldn't pass that up.

And besides, the first time I got to hear you sing.

And?

Eh... [laughs]

Yo, so we recording that song or what?

Uh, have your people call my people.

-We'll work something out. - All right. Okay. [laughs]

Nah, I appreciate you, man.

For real, for real. [laughs]

Okay, all right, all right.

Let go, let go.

You're messing up the sauce, papi.

Oh, my bad.

Hey, I'll be right back.

Yeah, yeah. Go do your thing.

Barry.

KJ.

I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me

these past couple weeks.

Oh, you don't have to thank me for nothin'.

You gave me back the greatest gift.

One that I thought I'd never feel again.

And that's purpose.

For that, I'm grateful to you.

I do owe you an apology, though.

I might have threatened Dominic by twisting his neck

to get the address of your mother's church.

I gave you my word I wouldn't go see her,

but I wanted to talk to her-- Listen,

you don't have to apologize for nothin'.

I owe you my life, Barry.

All right.

Sorry. [chuckles]

You know, we have an extra room at the house.

I'm sure we could figure something out if...

Oh, no.

This is my home.

You best be gone.

Go and make me proud of you.

Yes, sir.

All right.

-Thank you, Barry. -Yeah.

Hey!

Make me a deal?

Shoot, kid.

If I get a ticket,

you'll come to the audition with me?

I won't take no for an answer.

I wouldn't miss it.

I'll be back next week.

Sunday at noon.

Right here.

Mandatory meeting, General.

Yeah, I'll check my calendar.

See you then.

Take care, KJ.

[music fading]

[calm music playing]

Okay. All right, everyone.

Let's get started.

Thank you all for joining us today.

How about we begin with you, sir.

If you could introduce yourself to the group.

Hello.

My name is Barry.

Hello, Barry.

Um, this is my first time here.

Uh, and--

and I've been sober for six days now.

Thank you.

Thank you for that.

How about you, sir?

[calm music playing]

[footsteps on stairs]

And where are you off to so early?

I'm gonna go tell Barry about the audition.

I'll be back in a couple of hours, okay?

Okay. I love you.

Love you, too.

Barry! Barry!

Hey, have you seen my friend Barry?

Barry? White--

Okay, thank you.

[blowing raspberries]

Excuse me, officer.

Take a step back, please.

What happened?

The weather's starting to take its toll out here.

Guy on the bench didn't make it through the night.

EMT say he was a veteran, too.

Oh, geez.

I'm sorry, son.

[dramatic music playing]

[sobs]

[sobs]

[Bishop Harris] Life handed him many challenges,

and through that pain, he was able to grow

and give selflessly to those who needed a friend.

He will be missed dearly, but never forgotten.

[sniffles]

Let us pray.

[sniffles]

[sad music playing]

[sobs]

-Hi. -Hi.

I'm checking in for Kelvin Jones Jr.,

but I go by the name of KJ Rittenhouse.

KJ, KJ.

Got you right here.

Thanks for your patience.

You're all checked in.

You and your family can wait backstage,

and you'll be called shortly.

Good luck.

Thank you.

KJ?

Yeah, that's me.

Okay, great. You're on in five.

Well, this is it.

We're all so proud of you, KJ.

No matter what happens.

I'd love to lead us all in prayer, if that's okay?

Absolutely.

[deep breath]

Heavenly Father,

we ask that you give KJ the power and strength

to go out on that stage and do what he was born to do.

We ask that you protect him, Lord.

Watch over him.

May he perform to the best of his abilities

today and every day.

Be his rock, Lord, that never crumbles.

And be by his side no matter the outcome.

In Jesus' name we pray.

-Amen. -Amen.

KJ, we're ready for you.

[deep breath]

You got this, baby.

I love you, Mom.

[ambient piano music builds]

Hello.

Hi, my name is KJ Rittenhouse,

and this is an original I wrote.

[sings "'Til the Day" by Matthew Schuler]

♪ Where would I be without a second chance? ♪

♪ Stand tall, believe in what you are ♪

♪ Don't be afraid to dance ♪

♪ I wanna die with memories not dreams ♪

♪ I'm not scared anymore ♪

♪ I'm ready to believe ♪

♪ I don't wanna live this short life ♪

♪ like in someone else's game ♪

♪ Like a wolf serenading the moon ♪

♪ I'll be there for you ♪

Oooo, Oooo

Oooo, Oooo

Oooo, Oooo

♪ I'll be there for you ♪

Oooo, Oooo

Oooo, Oooo

♪ I'll be there ♪

♪ I'll be there ♪

♪ 'til the day for you ♪♪

[dramatic piano playing]

Made this for you last week.

Happy birthday, General.

Daddy, Daddy. Come on, Mama's waiting!

Okay, Barry. Let's go.

You're gonna give bread to anybody else?

Yeah.

[indistinct]

[laughs] I appreciate the sentiment.

This song really [indistinct]

["Here's To You" by Matthew Schuler playing]

♪ Well I'm not good with names ♪

♪ but I'm fun at parties ♪

♪ things are looking up now aren't they ♪

♪ I shouldn't care but I'm glad you noticed ♪

♪ that I should be the one you're holding ♪

♪ It's about time we leave the past behind ♪

♪ So what ya waiting for? ♪

♪ I can take your hand we can shut off the lights ♪

♪ Yeah! Yeah! ♪

♪ We can write our names on the wall ♪

♪ It's all right ♪

♪ Here's to you the one I'm waiting for ♪

♪ The one that keeps my fire burning ♪

♪ You the one that I'd die for ♪

♪ Nothing else has my attention ♪

♪ Throw out your fears 'cause I know you want this ♪

♪ I'm your leader I'm your compass ♪

♪ Everyone knows that it's time you're wasting ♪

♪ Trust in me 'cause I'm worth chasing ♪

♪ It's about time we leave the past behind ♪

♪ So what ya waiting for? ♪

♪ I can take your hand we can shut off the lights ♪

♪ Yeah! Yeah! ♪

♪ We can write our names on the wall ♪

♪ It's all right ♪

♪ Here's to you the one I'm waiting for ♪

♪ The one that keeps my fire burning ♪

♪ You the one that I'd die for ♪

♪ Nothing else has my attention ♪

♪ Whoa whoa whoa ♪

♪ Whoa whoa whoa ♪

♪ Whoa whoa whoa ♪

♪ Whoa whoa whoa ♪

♪ You've got my heart beating faster ♪

♪ Your love's a disaster ♪

♪ You ruin me ♪

♪ Yeah you ruin me ♪

♪ But nothing beats that pump you give ♪

♪ I'm scared to death of losing this ♪

♪ I'm calling out your name again ♪

♪ You're always with me 'til the end ♪

♪ Here's to you the one I'm waiting for ♪

♪ The one that keeps my fire burning ♪

♪ You the one that I'd die for ♪

♪ Nothing else has my attention ♪

♪ You the one I'm waiting for ♪

♪ The one that keeps my fire burning ♪

♪ You the one that I'd die for ♪

♪ Nothing else nothing here's to you ♪♪