Original subtitles

(ethereal music)

(car running)

(cassette inserted)

(jazz rock music)

- Shit!

Shit!

Shit!

Shit!

Came this far.

- Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!

Ooh.

Ooh.

- Aye!

(exotic dance music)

Good evening, my fellow graduates of the class of 1981!

What a splendid four years we had way back then.

(laughs)

I'm sure many of you have been through

some changes in the last 20 years.

As some of you know, I am now the mayor of Ojai.

Ha!

I always remember my mother telling me.

(speaks foreign language)

"You don't have to win a Pulitzer Prize."

(speaks foreign language)

- Big brass ring!

What I want to emphasize here

in my long-winded speech that prevents us

from going to the open bar is friendship.

We were so young when we forged our high school friendships.

And perhaps many of them have faded over time.

But tonight, when you see those friends,

you will realize it is almost impossible

to have loved someone then, see them now,

and not have those same feelings coming up from inside.

Aye!

Louisa!

- Coffee?

- Yes, I'll have a cup of coffee.

And a glass of water, thanks.

Got any sandwiches?

- [Waitress] Sure do.

- Yeah, I love sandwiches.

How about a cheese sandwich.

With avocado, and lettuce and tomato,

and some salt and pepper.

And a little mayo please.

You know what? Make that...

Breakfast, I'll just have a little breakfast.

Scrambled egg whites and hash browns,

crispy, and some wheat toast.

- [Waitress] Coffee?

- Couldn't live without it.

Thank you.

Class of '81?

- [Brad] Yes, a proud graduate.

Are you here for the reunion?

- Yeah.

I don't remember where my yearbook is.

- My mother found it for me in my old bedroom,

in my closet, where I grew up.

- Uh-huh.

- Brad Willington.

And you are?

- I'm Jeanie.

My name's Jeanie.

- Jeanie.

My sister had a goldfish named Jeanie.

- That's an awfully odd name for a goldfish.

- Matter of opinion.

Oh, you want to look at it?

- Nah, I'm not nostalgic.

- But you came to your 20th reunion.

I'm not nostalgic either really.

- But you have your yearbook.

Could I have the turkey club dry?

- Okay.

- So I don't know you.

- No smoking please.

- Oh, I don't smoke.

- [Waitress] Okay.

- Maybe I know you from P.E.

- Maybe.

- You know, our graduating class wasn't that big.

Whose homeroom were you?

- Come on, you remember.

Who your homeroom teacher was 20 years ago?

- Well how can you forget a drunk homeroom teacher?

I mean she'd come in with toilet paper

dragging off her foot.

Then there's this time she had her skirt

stuck in the back of her tights.

The day of the week printed on the back of her underwear.

Tuesday on her ass.

- (laughs) I remember that.

- You remember that?

And you don't remember me?

- I guess so.

- And I don't remember you.

I think I should have remembered you.

- Hey.

How'd you like a real authentic Lieutenant Colonel's jacket?

- Whose?

- Mine.

- You're not really a colonel.

You're way too young.

You're not even a grandfather yet.

- You're right.

Hey, I gotta go.

My pop's waiting for me.

You want it or not?

- I recommend Antigua.

Blue water.

Good daiquiris.

Will you give me a minute to return these calls?

Okay?

And then I'll...

From, yeah, just...

Mindy!

Any questions?

Um, you know...

- It's not your fault, Irv.

- No, um...

- Okay?

Here?

- Yeah.

- Here?

- Yes, yeah.

- Here?

- Yes.

You know, why...

(clears throat)

Excuse me.

Why don't you let me follow through on this one.

- It's my job.

I'll get it over to them today.

Okay?

- I think you should take the day off.

- I'm fine.

I have a load of work to do.

I should finish the day.

- I think you should go home.

(Mindy sobs)

- Mind.

- [Mindy] I know.

- [Louisa] We also have the - I got your oil.

That you asked for at the health food store.

- [Margaret] I'm just gonna stop off here for one second.

- [Louisa] Okay, but it's the age-defying

relaxation anti-stress aromatherapy oil.

I put it in your purse next to your lipstick.

- [Margaret] Okay, hang on.

Hang on.

- [Louisa] We're really late.

- [Margaret] I know, I know, I know.

Okay, look at this.

Look at this, in the middle of a busy street.

Goddamn pedestrians.

Hello! Hurry up!

Yeah, nice dog.

Come on!

There you go.

Make a note to change that pedestrian

right of way thing if we can, huh?

- I'll make a memo.

- [Margaret] Okay.

- Ah, a photographer.

- No, photojournalist.

- Capturing your every moment back here in rustic Ojai.

- Look like you did in high school.

Just sitting at the diner.

- What, like this?

- Why high school, Brad?

- What?

- You transformed.

- Meaning?

- There's the shoulder hunch, for one thing.

- [Brad] Occupational hazard.

- Oh yeah?

What do you do?

- They call me The Terror of Pope Street.

- Dare I ask why?

- Eh, I'm a bus driver.

- Ah.

I live in San Francisco,

but I don't take public transportation.

- I know those types.

Hey listen, I'm driving around a bit.

Taking in the scenery if you want to tag along.

I'll show up for your pictorial.

- Sure.

Why not.

- [Brad] All right.

- How do you keep these plants alive in this heat?

- Well your mother gave them the will to live.

I just do the seasonal maintenance.

(Patrick chuckles)

Hi, son.

- Hey, Pop.

- Well I am damned.

I knew you were coming, but I forgot it was today.

I can never remember where I put the damn calendar.

- Well couldn't miss my 20 year reunion.

- Oh, 20 years slipped by without my noticing?

- Yes, sir.

- Well.

Are you high ranking military men

allowed to have a cold beer on your day off?

- Considering I'm permanently off?

Sure.

- [Pop] What did you say, Pat?

- I'm retired.

Let's go have that beer.

- Pat!

Christ, Pat.

- Pop, hear me out.

- I'll hear you out.

But this better be good.

You don't just abandon the United States Army.

- I didn't abandon anything.

I retired.

Just like anybody else would in any other profession.

- Pat, you're 37 years old.

- And I got my whole life ahead of me.

- Well what the hell are you gonna do?

You gonna come back here and help me in the garden?

- Well maybe I will.

- What's the real reason you left the army?

- Oh come on, Pop, okay?

- [Pop] Because you have what it takes

to be a commanding officer.

- And I made the choice to leave.

I know how much it means to you

that I had a career in the army.

And I know Mom was proud too.

I woke up every day and I worked for America.

- Your mother loved you more

than anything else in this world.

- I know that.

Hey Pop, why don't you put on a tie?

Let me take you to dinner.

They still got a restaurant in this town

that uses white linen, right?

Please?

(radio rock music)

♪ I'll say it straight to your face ♪

♪ It's not my place ♪

(phone rings)

- Boccali's.

Hey Mr. Roberts, how you doing?

I love the heat, sir, I'm a pizza maker.

Moron!

No, of course not.

Not you, sir.

Yes, I'll have your special pie

waiting for you in about 20 minutes.

You know how I gotta make the pies

for the Retired Men's Club, and you know

how none of those guys like to miss a meal.

Yeah, you come see me in 20 minutes

and I'll have your special pie waiting for you.

Yeah, you too, Mr. Roberts.

Bobby!

Bobby, get your ass off that motorcycle!

(car starts)

Hey, Yvette.

Tell your sister I'd like to see her again sometime.

Hey, nice Mariner!

Bobby, get your ass inside!

You got a mess to clean up and some pies to deliver.

I don't pay you minimum wage to flirt with cheerleaders.

- [Margaret] Okay, excellent.

Hang on.

Afternoon!

- We're gonna be late.

- [Margaret] I know.

I know, Louisa, I know.

Okay?

- Do you want your oil now?

- No.

Kyle after Stan?

Kyle after Stan.

- [Margaret] Okay.

- Yeah, he said the menu's ready.

- [Margaret] Okay.

- What's a vegan?

♪ You gotta get good tire ♪

♪ 'Cause your car won't go without it ♪

♪ And your future's riding on it ♪

♪ There ain't no doubt about it ♪

- Mayor!

Honey, the mayor's here.

Mayor!

Thanks for coming!

- Stan the man.

(laughs)

Congratulations on your opening.

And as soon as all of my tires go bald

I will be in for a new set.

- Come down anytime for a free inspection

before they go bald, Mayor, or a rotation.

- Oh, well I will keep that in mind, Stan.

- Thanks for coming.

- Give me a second.

- Margaret, we need to resolve the speed bump issue.

- On Montgomery, yes, I know.

- And the set that's by Odie park.

Very flat. Very useless.

- Okay, sweetheart, schedule a speed bump meeting

with Mr. Andretti, yes?

Why don't you schedule a meeting with Mr. Andretti.

Yes? Thank you, darling.

- Margaret! - Margaret!

- You are just the mayor that I needed to see today.

- Frances, what brings you to Ojai?

Tires?

- No. Space.

- Okay.

- Margaret, this is Free Sky.

She's the yoga instructor

from the One Mind Institute in Ventura.

- Yes, I took one of your classes.

- She wants to open up an institute right here in Ojai.

- Excellent.

Louisa!

Louisa, can you put Ms. Frisky on the list, yes?

- That's Free Sky.

- Free Sky, of course, I gotta pee.

- [Frances] Oh thank you!

- Honey, you hang in there, I'll be right back!

- Free Sky. - Free Sky.

- Oh my God.

Oh my God.

- Margaret!

When you're done, City Councilman Beard

would like a word with you!

- [Margaret] Okay, Louisa!

Step away from the door now!

Shit.

- (laughs) Get out of town, huh?

Big guy!

Sorry.

Wow, look at you, man.

Exactly the same!

Spitting image, man.

Cool hat, cool clothes.

Such a cool guy.

(chuckles)

You're in town for the reunion?

Yeah, yeah.

Molly and I, you know, we got two kids.

Sarah, you know, she's like a little doll, and Barry.

- That's good.

- The wife likes Manilow.

He's five, never stops talking.

God, it's all excellent, man.

Got a great house, great job.

- Excellent.

- Eat well.

(chuckles) It's excellent, yeah.

Hey, so what's your deal?

- I'm good.

- Yeah?

Oh, let me guess.

Big CEO of an internet company, huh?

Hope it's for the kids.

(chuckles)

Huge stock options?

Oh God.

- Listen, uh -

- Still with all the ladies?

Yeah, God.

There was no stopping Brad Willington, man.

(chuckles)

Put it up.

- All right.

(classmate laughs)

- I'll see you.

- Yeah, man.

Still single.

Hey look, I gotta get going.

The kids are out roasting in the car.

Tomorrow night, we'll catch up on old times.

- All right, I'll see you.

- (chuckles) Yeah.

- Have I got a photo for you.

- Of what?

- Of that moment.

Seeing an old friend.

- I got no clue who he is.

(car starts)

(somber radio music)

(Mindy sobs)

♪ Me and you ♪

♪ We remember, but we're distant now ♪

♪ What good does it do ♪

♪ Me and you ♪

♪ How many times I've tried to stop myself from crying ♪

♪ Thinking I could find somebody else ♪

(radio turns off)

- Ty?

(sobs) Ty.

Ty!

Ty!

- [Ty] Mindy?

- [Mindy] Hi!

- Mindy, is that you?

- [Mindy] Wait, I'm coming!

(laughs)

- Mindy!

Oh my God, you look great!

- I'm having a bad day.

Oh, you're sweaty.

- Yeah, it's 110 degrees out here.

- Oh yeah.

God.

God, it's amazing!

I can't believe it!

I recognize you.

After...

- 20 years.

- 20 years.

- I know, well, you know, I'm the only black man

out here at 110 degree weather walking into town.

- Yeah, I guess that plays a factor.

Yeah.

- Sure you're okay?

- Small town tragedy.

God.

Well, get in the car!

- Okay.

- Look at this gorgeous structure!

- [Brad] Yeah.

- Aw.

- Gorgeous.

Hey Jeannie, where do you take most of your photos?

- I'm freelance, I travel.

All over the world.

- Planes give me the creeps.

- How do you get anywhere?

- Well, haven't left San Francisco in.

Three years.

- It's funny 'cause I live in San Francisco

and I'm never there.

- Where are you then?

- [Jeanie] All over.

Provant, Copenhagen.

- How long did it take you to get there?

- To Denmark, it's 14 hours.

- You'll never catch me in a plane that long.

No fucking way.

What is that, like three plane meals?

- How'd you get here then?

- Good ol' trusty train.

- Aren't you feeling a little drunk?

It's only the afternoon.

- I feel good.

It takes a lot of alcohol to affect me.

In high school I was the designated drunk driver.

- What?

- [Brad] Mmhm.

- Well, I mean, I think I look pretty good for 37.

I mean, at least I don't have secretary butt.

- You're a secretary?

- A legal assistant.

- Oh.

- Geez.

I mean I look good compared

to my husband's friends and their wives.

The wives of plastic surgeons.

They're like the Stepford Wives.

Not me. Not a stitch.

(Ty laughs)

- Now as I recall, you wanted to become a doctor.

- Yeah, well that wasn't realistic.

I mean, I have this husband who has the same goals.

He had the same goals.

But, you know, someone had to pay the mortgage,

so it was me.

- You gonna tell me why you were crying?

- PMS.

God, I can't believe that this

is the first impression you have of me.

After 20 years.

(honks)

God!

I know, I know, it's been a long time.

I mean I used to hear from Patrick.

He used to send me postcards from all

these exotic places like Haiti and Somalia.

Yeah, he stopped writing like three years ago.

Anyway, I check in on his dad every now and again.

You know, his mom died.

Cancer of the uterus.

- Oh wow, that's tough.

- Yeah.

- [Brad] What's a ranger anyway?

- [Jeanie] Like a forest patroller, I think.

- [Brad] What's that got to do with football?

- [Jeanie] Maybe that's why they're

the worst team in the division!

- No shit.

- There's something so beautiful about an empty stadium.

- Good old Jimmy B.

Star quarterback.

Snapped his neck.

That's what I think about when I look at this stadium.

Oh, did you play sports?

- [Jeanie] No.

You?

- I did sports for the sweaty

male bonding in the locker room.

- [Jeanie] Gross.

Are you gonna smoke that?

- Why, you want one?

- No. - Huh?

- No!

- There's no photo for Jeanie Moran.

- I was sick that day.

Let's see your photo.

- What?

- You look the same.

"If I could be anywhere,

"it would be on the moon.

"By the sea."

Who'd you quote?

- Brad Willington.

Ojai prophet.

- You could always judge the popular people

by the amount of signatures in their yearbook.

Wow.

You were a popular guy.

Let's head out.

- And then there's Margaret.

- Ah yes, Ms. Margaret.

- Yeah, wow, she put the whole reunion together.

She couldn't bear to see the 20 year go by like the 10 year.

With no fuss.

So here we are.

Just happened to fall on a really bad day.

Well, the real scoop on Margaret, she's the town mayor.

- Margaret?

- Yep.

Town mayor

- Is the mayor of Ojai?

- Yep yep, and she didn't have to fuck anybody to get there!

Well, nobody she didn't want to, that is.

I mean she legitimately climbed the political ladder.

Now she's gonna be a councilwoman, blah, blah, blah.

Are you involved with anyone?

- [Ty] Yeah, I have a girlfriend.

- Do you love her?

- I think that's a fairly intimate question, Mindy.

- Oh come on, Ty, you know, we're old high school friends.

Come on, Ty!

Tell me, do you love her?

- I like her.

- Oh, I see.

But you don't love her, right?

- It hasn't been an issue.

- Right, right, right.

So perhaps she thinks you love her.

You ever think of that?

And she has no idea you don't love her.

And just when she thinks

you're gonna tell her you love her, right?

That's when you're gonna dump her, right?

- I don't know.

I don't think we need to be talking about this, Mindy.

- Okay, you guys are all the same.

You'll just hold onto her until she's too old

to attract anybody that could possibly be any good for her,

and then you'll just send her off into the world, right?

Right?

(sobs) And then she'll have to find a man

who would be willing to face the awful odds

that one out of every four babies

born to older women are retarded!

- There are a lot of 37-year-old women

who have babies that aren't retarded.

- [Mindy] Oh really?

And I suppose you think I should just run to LA

and get a boob job and let, you know, let it all hang out?

Cut my hair and stuff.

- Mindy, you don't need a boob job.

- [Mindy] What do you advise me to do, Ty?

Why am I asking you anyway?

You men are all the same.

- Did you write for the high school newspaper?

- No.

There was no high school newspaper.

- [Brad] I know, I was just testing.

Were you on the debate team?

- I didn't like high school.

- I had you pegged as like the pro high school kind of gal.

On the debate team.

Popular at the school dances.

- I didn't go to the school dances.

- That's why we never met.

I would've definitely asked you for a dance.

- I don't think so, Brad.

- [Brad] (sighs) I think so.

I think so.

- Do you remember the back roads to this town?

- Um, yeah.

How about the rock?

You ever been to the makeout rock?

- I lead a very exciting and full life, Brad.

- So what you're saying is you've never been to the rock.

- It's a rock.

Maybe I went to it.

How would I know?

- Well if you were gonna remember any location

from your Nordhoff days, it would be the rock.

- I remember this great clearing in the woods

and I would go there and I'd daydream.

And I think that.

If we cross a bridge, and then there's a road.

Okay, no.

If we go towards my old house

and we park there, we can walk and...

I think that I'll remember it that way.

- Hi.

- George!

(laughs)

And who is this?

Patrick.

- This is him.

Back for the 20th reunion.

- Patrick, do you remember me?

Flora?

No, I'm sure you don't.

- She taught you at nursery school.

- [Flora] George, I never thought I'd see you in here.

In a tie.

- [George] Aw come on, Flora, give me a break.

- A special dinner?

- [George] Yes, ma'am.

- Patrick, enjoy your meal.

- Thank you.

- Good evening, gentlemen.

My name is Roger.

I'll be serving you tonight.

Could I interest you in a cocktail?

- I'll just have something cold in a can.

- I'm sorry, sir, we don't serve anything in a can here,

but we do have a lovely array of drafts.

- Oh, well fine, just bring me something cold.

- Fantastic.

And would you care for something cold?

- [Patrick] Vodka martini.

Two olives please.

- A man after my own heart.

- It's a far cry from The Pork Pit.

(Patrick chuckles)

So, what are your plans?

- I was thinking the swordfish.

After years of knowing, I'm not sure.

I could be a great camp counselor.

Travel agent.

- Well, if you're thinking of sticking around for a while.

There's an open door policy at your home.

I want you to know that.

- Thanks, Pop.

I may take you up on that for a little bit.

- A cold one for dad.

And the cocktail for the son.

So what's the occasion, if you don't mind my asking?

- A 20 year high school reunion.

- 20 years, get out.

Couldn't be more than 10, right?

(chuckles)

First time back in a while?

- You can say that.

- Sticking around, or is this just a quickie trip?

- I'm not sure yet.

- My son just retired from the military.

He's a lieutenant colonel.

- Oh, a military man.

- [George] I'm ready to order.

- Yes, sir.

- I'll have the sirloin steak well done.

Never mind the fancy sides.

Just bring me a baked potato.

- Sirloin well, no leeks and portobello.

Just a good old baker for dad, and you?

- I'd like the swordfish please.

- A sword for the retired military man.

I'll leave you two alone.

- I know you have questions. - Pat I think you should know.

- Questions about me retiring.

- I made a career in the military

and I never wanted to leave early.

Those were the best years of my life.

- It's time for a fresh start.

It's been 20 years.

It felt right.

- Pat.

- [Waiter] Hot buns from the oven.

- JC!

- JC? He works here?

- He runs it.

- He runs it?

- Ty!

Ty, how's my favorite king of cool?

Oh man - oh, I got a little sauce on your shirt there.

Psych!

- Yeah, what's up with the cold JC, huh?

Longest cold in history, huh?

Five year sniffle?

- This is amazing, man.

You in my pizza place.

How many years has it been?

- 20 years, man.

- Wow.

And you came here for a slice of my pizza?

- Yes I did.

- Are you ready for the best slice of pizza

you've ever had in your life, huh?

Huh? Huh?

Listen, you order off this menu

whatever you want and I'll get it for you.

I'll make it for you like that!

- Beer!

- [Ty] Beer.

Come here often?

- When Brian was alive.

- [Ty] You guys were close?

- Well, you know, my husband is never home.

Medical school, you know, I get lonely.

- [Ty] Now Peter, "JC," that doesn't make any sense.

Now he did something else.

Wasn't he...

- Drummer!

- [Ty] That's right, he was a drummer.

What was the name of the band he was in?

- The Blue Hunger.

(Ty laughs)

Yeah.

When Brian died his family didn't give him

much of an option, you know?

Guilt factor.

- "Similar to Salami Slices"?

"Totally Tofu Lasagna"?

- Yeah, well, you know, JC wanted to evolve with the times.

Safe to say, not a very big hit.

- Now Brian never married, huh?

- Nope.

- [Ty] Yeah, I wanted to come to the funeral,

but I just couldn't bring myself to come here.

- [Mindy] You okay. JC?

- Two piping hot "Similar to Salami Slices".

- Thank you.

- JC, what is that?

- Kale.

- And that is?

- Kale, you jackass!

I did away with Brian's recipe.

Too traditional, basil and sauce.

That's wheat crust, and I use soy cheese.

- [Ty] Nice.

- [JC] How the hell are you, Mindy?

- I've been better.

- Aww, Mindy.

Hey, I got a little sauce on your shirt there.

- Oh psych!

- Listen, I want you guys to come here tonight

with any one of Brian's friends

that you see around town for the reunion.

Brian would've liked that.

It'll be like you guys were here with Brian, you know?

Like old times.

- [Ty] Yeah.

- Everything's on the house, huh?

- [Ty] There you go.

- [Mindy] That's sweet, JC.

- I'll be there.

- Holy shit!

Holy shit.

My house!

It's gone!

Oh my God.

Oh my God.

(insect buzzing)

- That's gonna be an ugly shot.

Not to mention sad.

- Aw, life's sad.

There's beauty in sadness.

- I bet you think that's so artistic.

- What's that supposed to mean?

I've done some of my best work with a cloud over my head.

- Well there's a big difference between

a bad day in happy land and sad.

- I've been deeply sad.

I've been depressed.

- You think you've been depressed.

- You know, you don't even know me.

How can you say I haven't been depressed?

- So what was your deal in high school?

- Hardly think high school mattered.

- [Brad] Well then why are you here?

- It's just curiosity.

- You don't have many friends, do you?

- I have plenty of friends now.

I think that leads to the orange groves.

Don't tell me that you made out in the groves too.

- What, you didn't?

Me and my friends, we'd come down here

with big bottles of cheap wine and get sloppy drunk.

And swim around on the ground.

Wasted.

Just laying on the ground flapping our arms like wings.

- [Jeanie] This is it.

This is where I would come after school

and sit just before dark.

And I would leave, and then you

and your friends would pass through.

- And we never met until today.

- I think that we should go.

Wait, wait.

Wait.

Wait.

Will you go over there and just sit down?

- [Brad] Over here?

- Yeah.

(laughs)

Yeah.

- Creative power in this as you want.

I just have to go over a few things with you.

First of all, I need a welcome basket.

- Check.

- Second, we need at least one vegan dish for the buffet.

Every other goddamn person is a vegetarian these days.

- Yummy tofu burritos

stuffed with tomato and baby eggplants.

A vegan orgasm.

- Okay.

Band.

Not that horrible trio that you booked

for the literary luncheon.

- I like the accordion player.

- Dare I ask who is playing at this event?

- Pizazz. You'll love them.

- Where do you come up with these bands?

Okay, it doesn't matter.

Because by 10 PM the entire class of 1981

is going to be half in the bag

and dancing to bad cover tunes.

- You nervous?

- For what?

- Oh come on.

You haven't seen some of these people in 20 years.

You're the town mayor now.

The last time they heard, little Margaret

was getting caught by the local police

in the backseat of some prep school boy's car

with her undies around her ankles.

- But it is all about campaign financing these days.

- Are you serious?

- Oh we'll talk.

- Hey!

The stuff.

- Ta!

- Thanks.

Hey, don't forget about my car.

- Oh shit, let me call that in.

(Margaret speaks foreign language)

- Look what you blossomed into!

- It's the mayor!

(Margaret laughs)

- Wait, let me look at you.

You are one sexy -

- I need company!

- I know, I know, I'm coming!

- What's wrong with her?

- I know, honey.

Listen, you going to the college center?

- Yeah, I'll be there.

- Okay.

I will see you later.

Okay, we have got to get you a briefcase.

- [Mindy] Bye!

- See ya!

- See you later! - Bye.

- Afternoon, Jim! Mike!

Goddamn democrats are taking over.

(chuckles)

- [Louisa] Uh, I need your signature

for the meeting on Thursday and -

- It's Friday, Louisa, go home.

I'll see you Monday.

I'm serious, baby, take a load off.

- Bye! - Bye!

- Have a good weekend!

Bag, bag, bag, bag, bag!

Thank you!

- Okay.

- You got a Valium?

Okay! Let's go!

- You know what the worst part of living alone is, Ben?

The tube.

I never watch that crap in my life, and now I find myself

planning my day around "The Antique Annex."

It's your mother's fault.

She got me hooked.

- Pop, you ever miss the army?

- Yeah, yeah I do.

Hell, that was my life for 40 years.

Luckily I had a family life too.

- I'd like to have a family.

- Pat, what are you talking about?

You can't do that.

- [Waiter] Are our palates happy?

- Everything's fantastic, thank you.

Why not?

- What do you know about raising kids?

- As much as you and mom knew When you raised me.

I learned from you guys.

- But how are you...

This is absurd, who would be the child's mother?

- Pop, I have read a bunch of literature on this.

A child -

- Excuse me, I need some air.

(gentle acoustic music)

♪ Seen a rainbow out on a rainy day ♪

♪ Drink your tears, swallow your pride ♪

(phone rings)

- Hello!

Hey.

Yeah, you guys decide whether you were coming or not?

10 minutes, right?

10 minutes?

Okay.

I'm in room 306.

All right?

All right.

- You smoke?

- Under duress, yes, I smoke.

- Can I have one?

I smoke under duress too.

(coughs)

Pop, how old are these?

- [Pop] I got 'em when the Vietnamese

withdrew from Cambodia.

- 1989?

Pop.

- Patrick, I prayed that the army would straighten you out.

Sharing hardships with the other men,

defending your country.

- Pop.

- I went 32 days without a bath in Korea.

- Pop, I told.

- You told?

- I told.

I couldn't keep it inside any longer.

I couldn't pretend.

I couldn't lie about who I am.

What I am.

- You fool.

- No, I am not a fool.

It's the United States Army that's a fool.

One night, I told a superior.

That was it.

- Oh boy.

Drive me home.

- That was unexpected.

- Give me a break.

- What?

- You would've been disappointed if that didn't happen.

(Jeanie laughs)

- Hardly think so.

You know, this was fun.

And I think that when we go back to San Francisco

that we could have a cup of coffee or a drink or something.

- Yeah.

- Brad?

- No, I'm a bus driver

and you're a glamorous photojournalist.

- That's not what I mean.

- No.

I'm just ordinary, and you found a photo experience,

a little photo experience,

to write about in your travel journal.

Like a reunion memory.

- You're kind of an asshole.

- Thanks.

You sure know how to get a second date.

- Are you trying to quit or something?

- As a matter of fact, I am.

- You're so different.

- I thought you didn't know who I was.

- Boy, man, do I ever.

You were the guy that I dreamed of

from ninth grade to senior year.

That was a waste.

- So you were obsessed with me?

- No, I was young, I guess, and lonely.

And when I saw you at the diner,

I didn't even recognize you

'cause you act and you look so different.

I guess when I did recognize you

I thought it would be a little swift.

- So you had a loose end to tie with ol' Brad.

All done now?

Off to the reunion? Mission accomplished?

- [Jeanie] No, I'm not going to the reunion.

I came here for the wrong reasons.

- Well tell me.

- I don't have any friends to see at the reunion.

Just a bunch of people that are gonna say

"Jeanie, I mean, wait, Jeanie, is that you?

"I mean Jesus Christ, you've blossomed so much.

"You know, you used to look so, you know..."

- So you were the ugly duckling that became a swan?

What's so traumatic about that?

- You've actually really become an asshole.

- So you weren't the prom queen

or the class clown, but you succeeded, right?

You're happy, right?

You're over it, right?

You're not over it.

- I am.

I don't care.

- No, you're not.

You slept with me for who I was.

Someone who wasn't in your league.

That's not a sign of over it.

- It was my personal reunion, okay?

- So you came back here to be validated

by a bunch of presumably overweight,

catty, undersexed graduates?

Who you shouldn't even think about twice.

Life.

Is strange like that.

Hey, are you hungry?

I want to go get a slice at Boccali's.

- Oh, I like Boccali's.

- Yeah, Brian was one of my best friends.

- You know, my parents used to take me there

every Friday night.

It was quality time with their introverted daughter.

- So your parents knew you were a loser.

- Shut up.

I wasn't a loser, fucker.

- [Margaret] Why is it always so cold in here?

Oh God.

- [Mindy] Margaret, turn around.

- Afternoon, Mayor.

Mindy.

- How's the practice, Mark?

- It's excellent.

There's a high level of vanity this year, so.

(Trina giggles)

- This is Trina.

- Don't introduce us.

I already know Trina.

- Yeah, we have the same nail polish.

- Woo!

- Is everything all set?

- In stone.

- Good.

- Good work. - What?

- Good work.

- Oh!

One of our finest moments.

- Whoa, Jesus.

- Chocolate fudge swirl.

- Oh yum.

Okay, we gotta go.

- [Mindy] Don't forget the cherries!

Ice cream?

Ice cream?

After she wraps her muscular equestrian legs around him

and fucks him like he's never had it before!

They're just itching to have a little scoop to go!

- Honey, you're gonna have to stop

throwing everything I eat or move out.

There are two grocery stores in town.

He's gotta shop in here.

- How long would it take me to grow everything I need?

- Listen to me, okay?

You are gonna find somebody to appreciate you soon enough.

All right?

- Okay.

- Listen, just get yourself to Boccali's.

Stop crying!

Get yourself into those tights...

- Attention all customers!

Mindy is leaving!

And Mark.

(sobs) Have a nice day.

- Uh, I feel a bit awkward out here.

- I practiced this thing for years.

I wrote songs about it.

- "I Got Charlotte Pregnant, Left,

"And Denied It Was My Child" isn't a good title for a song.

- None of my songs have titles.

Well have a seat.

You're making me nervous.

- Better?

- Took me a long time to get to this place.

And I want to just tell you -

- 20 years for you.

A lifetime for your son.

- I understand that.

- I can't speak for him, Ty.

And I don't know what he's gonna say

or what he's gonna do when he gets in here.

But I can tell you that he is a sweet kid.

- Look, all I want to do is hang out with him.

I just want to meet the kid.

He can come back with me to LA.

- You should know that he is very close to his stepdad.

He was worried that coming here

to see you would jeopardize that.

(sobs) So you have my husband to thank

for telling him it was okay.

- It's okay.

I'm ashamed already, okay?

I'm ashamed.

Fuck, it's 20 years later and I'm back in this town!

It's like we're back in high school again!

Do you want me to explain to you what happened?

Do you want me to tell you -

- Not to me!

Tell it to your son.

I have to go.

- Charlotte.

- [Charlotte] I have to go.

- Charlotte!

(door closes)

- You want to use the car tonight?

- Sure.

But I know I gotta be back by 12 and no smoking.

- Patrick.

I always bragged about you to my peers.

Hell, I bragged about you to anybody

who'd listen to a broken down old non-com.

My son in Operation Desert Shield.

My son in Operation Desert Storm.

My service in Korea was one of the three

proudest accomplishments in my life.

- What were the other two?

- The day I married your mother.

And the day you were born.

- I love you, Pop.

- I lost my earring.

- Well that's what you get.

- I'll be right with you folks.

Can I get you anything else, Mr. Lewis?

- [Mr. Lewis] This isn't ricotta?

- It's tofu, but I swear it tastes just like the real deal.

- You got garlic bread, right?

- I forgot the garlic bread.

Two seconds, Mr. Lewis.

One more minute, folks!

- That's Brian's younger brother.

I don't know what he's working here for.

- You know, I think that Brian

used to deliver pizza to my house.

He was cute.

- He's all right.

- Okay.

Brad?

Brad, holy fucking shit it's Brad!

Hey man!

Oh, I got a little bit of sauce on your shirt there.

Hey Mr. Lewis, this is Brad.

He was Brian's friend in high school.

- Hey JC, this is Jeanie.

- Lovely wife, Brad.

Pleased to meet you, Jeanie.

- She's not my wife.

We actually just met.

She's a graduate of Nordhoff.

- Your brother used to deliver pizza to my house.

- JC, you're making pizza now?

The last time I saw you were banging on them drums!

- Someone's gonna make-a the pizza!

- Yeah, Brian! Where's Brian?

- [JC] What?

- What, he rope you into this?

Don't tell me he's bagging on the reunion.

- What?

- He's coming, right?

- This isn't your idea of a joke?

So you don't know?

- [Brad] Don't know what?

- Oh wow, I thought everybody

had found out one way or another.

- Found out what?

What are you talking about?

- Brian was killed.

- What?

- A hit and run.

- You're fucking with me, right?

- I took over the joint five years ago.

My folks tried to get ahold of you.

Margaret, she tried.

There was no trace of you.

Jeanie, can I get you anything?

- Yeah, I could use a big glass of red wine, and a slice.

- Here to please.

- This is fucked.

- Tell me about it.

I lose my brother and get his career all in the same week.

I'll be right back.

- JC!

Oh, it's Brad Willington.

Brad Willington.

Oh, oh!

It's Brad Willington.

- You're all grown up.

- Yes, and I sure wish I would stop growing.

- Hey, I just heard about Brian and I'm really sorry.

- You're acting like I'm the widow.

You were on the cheerleading squad.

Top pyramid, right?

Oh God, then why do I know your face?

Oh that's not important.

I know you now.

Mindy Water - Mindy.

- Jeanie Moran.

Now were you the Mindy that changed her hair color?

- That was me.

I was a redhead, a brunette,

and a blonde all in my senior year.

God, good memory.

Yeah, I've been a blonde way too long.

- How about jet black?

- Yeah, your Sicilian girl fantasies!

Wow. Brad.

I don't want to talk about Brian's death anymore.

I mean it's been a long time.

Thanks.

Especially this weekend.

Come on!

It's our high school reunion.

- [JC] Baby, you want a slice?

- [Mindy] Definitely not.

- Brad?

- Yeah, whatever.

- [JC] How about garden pepperoni?

- Sure.

- You should've politely declined.

He didn't exactly inherit Brian's knack for pizza.

- So what have you been up to?

- Oh, well, you know, small town life.

You know.

Simple.

- Mangia!

- I sound like a Playboy centerfold.

No really, I mean, I have a routine.

I hang out with my friends.

I hang out with Margaret a lot.

You know she's the town mayor.

- That really put a lid on politics for me.

- No, I mean she's good at it.

She's good at it.

And she loves Ojai.

And Ojai loves her.

- Oh.

I knew that batch was a little tough.

(laughs)

Let me make you guys a fresh pie, all right?

- It's all right, JC, I'm not even hungry.

- So where have you been?

You know, it was a bitch for Margaret to find you.

Where have you been?

- I've been driving a public bus in San Francisco.

- You what?

- I'm a civil servant and I drive a public bus.

- Oh.

Would you be shocked if I told you that I'm relieved?

- Relieved? Why's that?

- Well, because my life hasn't exactly

turned out like I thought it would either.

I need some wine, JC.

(Michael knocks)

- [Ty] Hey.

- How you doing?

- [Ty] How's it going?

- Not bad.

- Come on in.

- Thanks, Dad.

Guess I just wanted to hear that out loud, you know?

(Ty chuckles)

Is that your guitar?

- Yeah.

- You mind?

- Go ahead.

(strums guitar)

- Never really practiced.

So.

How was LA?

You meet Lenny Kravitz or anybody?

- Nah.

I play with some pretty cool people though.

You know, every now and then.

I have a good time.

It's been pretty good.

Do you play that thing much?

- Yeah, sometimes.

Not that much though, you know.

It shows.

(chuckles)

You sure are Black.

- [Ty] What'd you expect?

- True.

I got your nose.

Definitely got Mom's eyes though.

Definitely.

- You know, you're tall.

Like my father.

- Grandpa.

(chuckles) Sounds funny.

- [Ty] Yeah.

- So you had a thing for white women huh?

- Well, you know.

Besides your mother.

You know, there's not a lot of Black folks in this town.

- Tell me about it.

- [Ty] You got a girlfriend?

- Yeah. Yeah, I do.

She's real cool.

Real cool.

- She's white?

- (chuckles) Why do you ask?

I mean.

You think I'm gonna get her pregnant or something?

Skip out on her? What?

- No.

You know, it's...

This is kind of strange, and I know you know this,

but it's, I mean it's 20 years.

20 years and.

(sighs) Here you are.

- I'm not here for the whole bonding experience, you know.

It's...

We may find out we don't even like each other.

That's not important.

You know, what's important to me is that I found out.

I found out who I am, where I come from, you know?

That's.

That's the most important part.

- You're pretty smart, huh?

- I like to think so, yeah.

Well, I gotta head out.

I told some friends I was gonna

meet up with them, you know, later.

- Right. - Do some stuff.

- I guess I'm out.

- It was nice meeting you.

- Nice meeting you too.

Aight, I'll be in touch.

- Okay, Michael.

Your mother has my number.

- Right, right.

Take it easy.

- [Ty] Yeah.

- The happiest day of my life.

Well, not the happiest, but one of extreme clarity.

Was when I discovered red lime - I mean red wine.

Was my lover so many times.

I mean, don't get me wrong.

I'm not a wino or anything.

I mean, but red wine is good when you're down.

But it's also good among best friends!

(pan drops)

- Down goes Frazier!

(bell dings)

- Brian's death just ripped JC to pieces.

I mean he hasn't been the same since.

- Yeah, he's jumpy.

- JC's doing cocaine, Brad.

- Really?

- Ding ding ding ding!

Gee Brad, driving that bus sure has

stamped out a few brain cells.

- Oh thanks, Mindy.

- Well I mean he's amped!

(whispers) And he's like imbalanced.

- What?

- [Mindy] Holy shit, it's Patrick!

Oh my God!

- Hey.

Brad.

God, I'm so happy to see all you guys here.

Hey JC.

- Hey Pat.

- Hey man, how are you?

- Good.

- Hey, this is my first chance to offer condolences.

I regretted missing the funeral every day since the day.

- What is it with you people?

I don't want to talk about Brian's death all night long.

Mayor!

- The golden boy finally graces us with his presence!

Oh where have you been?

- [Brad] I've been around.

- Hey, my personal Richard Gere.

Oh, and I know you.

Jeanie Moran.

Who the hell do you know in this group?

- I'm with Brad.

- Well I had no idea You and Brad were friends.

- [Jeanie] Yeah, we met today at Bonnie Lou's.

- Don't tell me you slept with Jeanie too.

- You're funny.

I should have.

Considering I graduated high school because of her.

Chemistry was not my favorite subject.

- I did let you cheat, didn't I?

- Yeah, you saved my ass on that final exam.

- [Jeanie] Well I liked helping you.

You had all the guys.

- Every single one of them.

- Hey!

Respect the town's mayor!

- [Patrick] Ty!

- [Ty] What's up, Patrick?

- Geez.

(light chatter and laughs)

- [Mindy] Wow, it's so cool you do photography.

Get out.

- Okay, okay.

Okay.

- Do you remember that do you feel boxed in,

confused, paranoid, like the world's come at you?

- Yeah, I spent a great deal of time

eating Ramen noodles and rice and beans to get by.

- But you were free.

I mean a self-employed artist?

- And you liked the military.

- Well yeah, but I mean I didn't

have a minute to call my own.

- But you had a steady paycheck.

- No phone?

How can you not have a phone?

How do you call people?

- Well anybody I wanted to see I just dropped in on them.

- Your friends must love that.

- [Mindy] Oh yeah!

- Yeah, right, right.

- What's the name of the game?

- [Group] Blubber!

- How do we play?

- [Group] Fast!

- Why do we play?

- [Group] To get fucked up!

- Woo!

- That's you, Brad.

- [Brad] you guys don't actually think I'm gonna

remember my sign from a high school drinking game.

- I know it's stupid, but I remember

I'm the finger in the ear.

- Okay, there you go.

Brad, come on, show us your sign.

Ty, everybody.

Everybody show us your sign.

- What are you trying to do, Margaret?

We're not in high school anymore.

- I'm trying to be nostalgic, Brad.

- Yeah.

- I'll just drink too much and barf on the floor.

Ty will run off with his guitar and not join the group.

Mindy will cling to her future husband.

You'll get on your back somewhere in some field

and Brian, well hey, Brian's fucking dead.

And he won't be able to participate in this little exercise.

Then we will have captured 1981.

And Jeanie, you're like the mystery graduate.

What would you be doing?

- Well if you're so interested in it now, Brad.

You know, what brought you here?

- Curiosity.

- Okay, so if you're so curious about

how we evolved over the last 20 years.

I'll be so bold as to start.

Well I'm not clinging to that damn

lying husband of mine anymore.

Because.

(sobs) Well he just divorced me.

It's official today.

So I'm the one who was left behind.

- Maybe we should get you that condo in Santa Barbara.

- That bastard!

(sob) Is not going kick me out of my hometown.

And live in some divorcee suburb like Santa Barbara!

- Why do we have to do this?

Why can't we just hang out?

- Why?

What's the point?

- [Patrick] Because that's what reunions are for.

- Well this is a private reunion, Patrick.

Amongst so-called best high school friends.

- Okay.

I'm gay.

(group snickering)

And I was gay in high school.

So like Mindy, I have also stayed the same

yet dramatically changed.

- How have you changed?

- I told the army I was gay and I was asked to leave.

- Wait a minute, wait a minute,

how could you be gay and in the military?

(Patrick chuckles)

- I was careful and subtle.

- What did your father say?

- Oh God, he thinks I'm gonna be bringing home

strange teenage boys in hula skirts

and makeup at all hours of the night.

He's so pissed.

- Your father has a very vivid imagination, or you do.

- [Patrick] Well if he could imagine

such a thing, he would have.

- Okay.

(group chuckling)

- Well.

- [Ty] You guys remember how I like to play cards?

- Yeah.

- Yeah, you were good.

He was good at it.

Brian used to have to skim the register for date money

'cause he took him for such a ride.

- Yeah, I know, I took myself for a ride.

- A gambling problem?

- Yeah, you know, I used to play

with a bunch of guys I used to play with,

and it got bigger and bigger.

Then I started betting on ponies.

- I don't see you at the tracks.

- Yeah, you were one of those guys

who like walk around talking to themselves?

- Yeah, with their pockets hanging out and shit.

- Funny hat.

(group laughs)

Yeah.

- Ty, did it fuck up your career?

- Did more than that.

Okay, now that we've gone through this,

Mr. Passive Aggressive,

what has happened to you, golden boy?

- No, wait, please.

You guys, wait, 'cause.

I can't stand it.

This is so great, you guys.

(group laughs)

- [Patrick] This is great.

- I have a confession.

I was Weenie Jeanie.

- Who's that?

- The biggest loser of 1981.

- [Patrick] No way.

- No you weren't.

- No way.

- Way.

- Whoa.

I slept with Weenie Jeanie!

(Ty laughs)

- Yes, Brad.

Yes you did, I was Weenie Jeanie, but I wasn't a loser.

I mean, I don't know why some people are the losers.

I mean how does that get determined

year after year after year?

I mean it makes you scared that your kid

will be the one that's the chosen one, the loser.

I mean it would be horrible.

I wouldn't know what to say to my child

if some kids pick some awful name to call them.

It would break my heart.

- I thought you were kind of hot in a gawky way.

- You knew who I was all along?

- No, but I remember you now.

And I remember.

I remember you in homeroom.

And I remember you in the cafeteria.

And I remember you in the library all alone hiding.

All crunched up over in your cubicle

with your hair in your face.

You never smiled at anybody or anything.

And I kind of thought maybe

you might have been a bit retarded.

(group laughs)

- Wait a minute, this is sick.

What are you, a stalker?

- No no no, no, no!

It's like destiny!

I mean they finally found each other!

It's so sweet.

(group laughs)

- I love making pizza, but I fucking suck at it.

My brother Brian, he was good at making pizza.

He was the best at making pizza.

Okay, you people tell me,

what do I do that makes any difference?

What do I do that matters?

- [Patrick] You're a great drummer.

- You guys are getting me all emotional.

Excuse me.

- [Mindy] You're good at snorting coke!

- [Margaret] Oh shit!

- There there.

Hey, you know?

I mean you're a great drummer.

And you're an amazing friend.

- And you know how to run a business.

(chuckles)

- I'm gonna do it.

I'm gonna quit the coke.

- Oh good.

- Yeah, you should. - I mean it.

- I'm gonna get my life together.

- Yeah, and the pizza is gonna be better too.

Okay people.

What do you say we cool off a little bit.

- Hold on a second, I started this whole raw exposing thing,

so I might as well tell you about

my hard fall from "perfection".

The mark I left on you guys 20 years ago.

Was all bullshit.

- You know, you're too hard on yourself

and I barely know you.

- Thanks, Jeanie.

Thanks, but I've been basically unimpressed with myself.

- You know, I think we have this illusion

of what we were, and what we're gonna be.

And none of it ever adds up.

- Yeah, it's called a midlife crisis.

- I'm not blaming my problems

on any timeline theory, Margaret.

Or anybody for that matter.

And Jeannie, when I thought you didn't know me,

I relaxed a little bit.

I haven't relaxed like that in a while.

- It seems like we're, I mean, taking this

whole reunion thing a little too seriously.

I mean.

It seems like it's a final judgment, you know?

Judgment Day or something.

It's really just a silly banquet with bad music.

- [Margaret] Hey!

- I mean a killer time with everything perfect.

- [Margaret] Yeah.

(group laughs)

- What I'm saying is it's just a marker.

I mean it's just a 20 year marker

that brought us all back together again.

I mean, we may not even see each other again

until the next reunion.

So who gives a shit what anyone thinks about anyone?

An excuse for us to pretend we're in high school again.

I don't think it can be any more than that.

- I'll drink to that.

- I think we're being too hard on ourselves.

(sobs) I think we should try to have some more fun.

- [Margaret] Yeah!

- I do.

Let's have some fun.

I'm gonna try.

- [Jeanie] You're gonna do it!

- I can.

(girls laughing)

- [Brad] You got the key, Mayor?

- Shh, no, he won't give up the key.

- [Mindy] Are we actually doing this?

- [Margaret] Don't worry about it.

He's my cousin's brother's sister.

- [Brad] Okay. Go.

Go.

- [Mindy] Oh my God.

- Holy shit I'm cold.

Cold!

(group laughter)

It's cold!

Oh my God.

Oh my God!

- [Mindy] (shrieks) It's getting cold!

- [Margaret] Okay, wait.

- Come on!

- [Margaret] Wait!

Okay, ready?

Go go go!

(girls shrieking)

(funk music)

- Yes!

- [Patrick] Woo!

- [JC] I am the king of the world!

(Mindy shrieks)

- Go get him!

- What?

- Nothing.

- I'm not into African American men.

- Don't worry about it, man.

Some of my best friends are gay.

You know what, folks?

I'm not coming to the reunion.

- [Margaret] Why?

- [Ty] I'm going back to LA.

I can't take this town, man

- [Jeanie] Personally, I can't wait.

- [Patrick] Why?

- I'll tell you why.

I'm dying to see how fat and lame

those people are that weren't so nice to me.

(group laughs)

And I'm gonna flash 'em a pearly white smile,

flick my hair, and subtly insult every single one of them.

- [Ty] There you go.

- [Jeanie] Come and do that.

- [Ty] Nah.

- [Jeanie] Hey, you want to be my date?

- [Brad] I don't know, I was kinda

thinking of taking the mayor.

You know, get me some action on union night.

(group laughs)

- [Margaret] You have been a riot all night.

I told you I have no room for you

in my little black book anymore.

- [Ty] What do you mean?

This town doesn't know about your little past

and all your little boyfriends?

- [Margaret] No.

- [Mindy] She's very discreet.

- There you go.

I would not want to fuel the rumor mill, darling.

I have my senator husband for that.

He does his thing, I do mine,

and everything is fair and love in politics.

- Cute little interns, the whole thing?

- Yup.

- [Mindy] I can't go to the reunion.

I mean Mark's gonna be there with his new item.

- Come on!

- No, I can't!

I'm just not strong enough.

You know, I'm gonna buy myself a ticket to Antigua.

No, before I do that I'm gonna trade in the minivan.

Yeah.

- [JC] I'm gonna quit the coke, guys.

(group laughs)

No, I really mean it.

And I'm gonna sell the pizza place.

- [Margaret] So it's Jeanie and me at the party tonight.

- [Patrick] And me.

- [Margaret] Good for you, Patrick.

- [Patrick] If I'm thinking about moving back here

I'm gonna have to hang out with the locals.

- [Jeanie] Oh that'll be dangerous for your IQ.

- [Margaret] Okay, stop dissing the town.

- This is a good town. - Why not?

(country rock music)

♪ It ain't easy trying to be a teacher ♪

♪ When you never had a chance to learn ♪

♪ It ain't hard to lose when you're a loser ♪

♪ You think that with nothing in your hands ♪

♪ It would be harder to get burned ♪

♪ Typical circumstances when an idiot is generous ♪

♪ Giving everything to only those ♪

♪ Who take what you don't have ♪

♪ It is a rule that a lie to a fool must be forgiven by ♪

♪ The one who tells it thinking they deserve the other hand ♪

♪ Go and set me free ♪

♪ So I can understand it ♪

♪ Give me the words ♪

♪ So I can be a man ♪

♪ Lord, you gotta set me free ♪

♪ So I can understand it ♪

♪ Give me the words ♪

♪ So I can be a man ♪

♪ People turn around as the barroom door slams open ♪

♪ And the man who spills my drink ♪

♪ Says boy, why you talking to my wife ♪

♪ I told him once, maybe twice ♪

♪ That we hadn't even spoken ♪

♪ Must be doing it wrong, doing it wrong, doing it wrong ♪

♪ Lord, you gotta set me free ♪

♪ So I can understand it ♪

♪ Give me the words ♪

♪ So I can be a man ♪

♪ Lord, you gotta set me free ♪

♪ So I can understand it ♪

♪ Yeah, give me the words ♪

♪ So I can be a man ♪

♪ Scared again of giving things away ♪

♪ You can take what I own ♪

♪ But you can own what I am ♪

♪ Yeah, 'cause the thoughts come in ♪

♪ Don't come out when I speak ♪

♪ And they just keep on hitting below the knees, yeah ♪

♪ Hitting below ♪

(guitar solo)

♪ Strutting around berating me ♪

♪ His beaten wife is hating me ♪

♪ Or is it that I wonder why I buy these two a drink, yeah ♪

♪ And maybe it's just to save me ♪

♪ From the trouble that awaits me ♪

♪ If I only had the courage ♪

♪ Yeah, just to tell them what I think ♪

♪ Go and set me free ♪

♪ So I can understand it ♪

♪ Yeah, give me the words ♪

♪ So I can be a man ♪

♪ Lord, you gotta set me free ♪

♪ So I can understand it ♪

♪ Yeah, give me the words ♪

♪ So I can be a man ♪

♪ Lord, you gotta set me free ♪

♪ So I can understand ♪

♪ Give me the words ♪

♪ So I can be your man ♪

♪ Tell me please, quickly, I must understand ♪

♪ You've got to save me please ♪

♪ Lord, you've gotta set me ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

(ethereal music)