Love Song (2020) - full transcript

LOVE SONG

He's wonderful, isn't he?

I think I have every album
Duke Sterling ever made.

He was pretty great, all right.

I guess we're both here
for the same audition.

Looks like we're the last two
of the day.

- Better last than not at all, right?
- Have we met before?

- I'm...
- Shayna Judson?

- Yeah. That's me.
- Come with me, please.

Be with you in a few.

- Good luck in there!
- Thank you!



Shayna Judson, his is Carl Cam--

Carl Campbell.
You are Duke Sterling's manager.

- Best in the business; ask anybody.
- Thanks for coming in.

- You can set yourself up over there.
- Okay, great.

I have my demo for him, if he wants it.

So, okay.
You know what you're here for.

You are looking for backup singers
for Duke Sterling.

Duke is recording a new album
next month.

After that,
there'll be a promotional tour,

which means a stretch along the road.

Just so happens my next month's
pretty free.

We're seeing a number of singers.
We only need a couple.

- So what do you have for us?
- One from the man himself.

Keep going.



Wait a second.

Okay. Okay, bye.

- Great. Great. That's great.
- That's it? I've got more prepared.

I think we're good. Thanks.

Did you hear back?
Will they do it?

- They're ready for you.
- How'd it go?

Hope you have better luck than I did.

You're coming home?

- Everything all right?
- Yeah. Everything's fine, Dad.

- I miss you, is all.
- I miss you, too.

Timing's good. Fall Music Festival
starts next week.

- We're expecting record crowds.
- You love showing off that ranch.

White Star is my pride and joy,
you know that.

Next to you, of course.
Are you sure nothing's wrong?

Yes, Dad. Nothing a big dose of home
couldn't cure.

We can talk when I get home.
Just don't worry about me, okay?

- I love you.
- Love you, too.

- Drive safe.
- Okay. Bye.

He's late.

He's Duke Sterling.
He can be late if he wants to.

Look! It's our first album.
I'm sorry: it's his first album.

Ron, you do artist relations, right?

So can you relate to the idea
that I don't really want to do this?

I'm still one of your top songwriters,
aren't I?

Yes, but most of your stuff
ends up as album tracks these days.

- There's no breakouts. You need a hit.
- And you think Duke is the answer?

I think having him record one
of your songs is good for both of you.

You guys wrote a ton of chart-toppers
back in the day, remember that.

Duke! Come in. You know Grady.

This is a surprise.
How you doing, Grady?

- Duke.
- Been a while.

Carl.

- Shayna?! Oh, my...
- Hey!

Oh, my gosh!

- How'd Nashville let you get away?
- I don't even think they know I'm gone.

I saw your dad yesterday.
He didn't say a word.

He didn't know.
I called him on my way in.

And I thought, as long as I was passing
through town,

why not take a quick stop
and say hello to my best friend?

So, what's up?

And don't say "nothing" because I can
read you like a book and you know it.

I had an audition
that didn't go so well.

The Shayna I know doesn't let one
bad audition get her down.

Yeah. Not one audition.
It's a string of them.

Jenny, you know more than anybody that
I have been knocking on all the doors.

Yes.

I'm at the bars, the cafes, birthdays.
I sang a dog's wedding last month.

And then there was this chance
to back up Duke Sterling.

Duke Sterling? Is that why you're here?

You know that he's headlining
the Silverado festival, right?

I didn't get it.

Okay. So you're not singing there;
sing here.

- Actually, how about tonight?
- I don't know, Jenny.

I feel like I need to take a break
from music for a while.

I need you. This place needs you.
Come on! What do you say?

That's a yes?

- Please?
- Okay, fine. But one night, Jenny.

Okay. Great! Yes.
I'm going to spread the word.

Oh, boy. It is so good
to have you home, girl.

I'm excited to be here.
I'll see you tonight.

Okay. Yes.
Thank you.

- You want him to write a song for me?
- For you. With you. Whatever.

Hey, wasn't my idea.

Guys, you're headlining the Silverado
Fall Music Festival next week, right?

The publicity alone! Introduce it there,
build anticipation for the album.

Grady can go on ahead, check out
the talent, find some inspiration.

You guys can get together after
and figure it out.

You need this as much as he does.
Come on, guys. What do you say?

- Just like old times?
- Won't that be fun?

- Hey, Dad!
- You made good time.

Let me look at you for a second.

Now, when's the last time you've
had a decent meal, young lady?

With all these waitressing jobs lately,
I have been eating just fine.

Hey, guys! Hey, Earl!

- Hey, Shayna. Welcome home.
- Thank you.

- So, how do you like the new sign?
- "Silverado Fall Music Festival"?

Isn't that what it always says?

Yes. But it's a new font
and it really makes it pop.

That's your dad's idea.

How did I miss it?
It is so much better.

Okay. C'mon. Give me a ride
back up to the house, okay?

- What's all this?
- Just some stuff I brought back.

It looks like more than just "some".
Okay. You drive up to the house.

- We'll talk about it up there.
- Okay.

Here for the Music Festival, I take it.

More musicians here per square foot
than anywhere in the country this week.

- You don't say?
- I do say.

There's some big-name talent.
Well, Duke Sterling.

He somebody?

Duke Sterling?
The country music star?

Not really into music.

It's where I keep my shirts.
Thank you.

Hey, girl. You miss me?

She looks good.
Everything around here looks good.

The ranch is fine.
It's you I worry about.

I'm find, Dad. I just need some space
to breathe; figure things out.

Nobody said
the music industry'd be easy.

Yeah, nobody said it'd break my heart,
either.

I've written some great songs.
I've sung for anybody who'd listen.

No such thing as an overnight success.

My entire life isn't exactly
"overnight," Dad.

So you gonna put me to work?

You're not paying me to just around
and feel sorry for myself.

I'm not paying you anything at all.

- Free room and board?
- Who said anything about free?

Start by taking the truck back
in to town?

Okay.

I got this list of things
we need around here.

Earl and the boys have their hands full.

Everything's ready and waiting,
just needs to be picked up.

Useful at last. Feels so good.

Just wait 'til the crew comes tomorrow
to start setting up the festival;

going to be more to do.

- I will be here.
- Okay.

Thanks for all your help, Tyler.

Can you make sure that all this
is on the ranch account?

Will do.

- Try A-minor.
- Excuse me?

The chord you're looking for:
if you go from the G to the D,

then try the A-minor,
then back to the C? Might work.

And... who are you again?

Just somebody who knows a little
about chord progressions.

- You sounded kind of stuck.
- Is that how it sounded?

- 'Cause I wasn't.
- If you say so.

Sounded stuck.

I wasn't stuck.
I was just exploring where to go next.

- Maybe try exploring A-minor?
- That won't work.

It won't work if you don't try it.

Did it ever occur to you that I might
actually know what I'm doing?

- No. Not once. Good luck!
- Thank you.

You just look more
and more like your mother every day.

She used to love to sing
almost as much as you, too.

- She loved music more than anything.
- There were a couple other things.

You, for instance.

Is that why she never made a go of it
in Nashville?

That might be one reason.

People spend their lives looking
for something

and I think she just found
what she was looking for right here.

Are you coming to Jenny's place tonight?
Hear me sing?

I'm going to do my best, but I have
to meet with the festival board

and you know how that can go.

But you go show them
what Nashville's missing.

I will.

Not a word from Duke yet.
If we're gonna write this together--

Grady, the label needs that song
no matter who writes it.

A hit song doesn't happen overnight.

Especially if one of the writers
won't answer his emails.

Between us, Duke's getting
a little too big for his hat lately.

So, do this for you, if not for him.

You got the short end of the stick
early on;

this is your opportunity to show them
what you've got.

- And all I need's a number one song?
- Is that asking too much?

Yeah.
How hard could it be?

Hey. Welcome, my friend.
What can I get you?

- Little inspiration, maybe?
- That was last week's special.

Yeah, just my luck. Well, then a beer.
Whatever you got on tap.

- You got it.
- Okay.

I know it's a cliché
but this really is a small town.

Look who it is.
You ever find that lost chord?

- Turns out you found it for me.
- I'm glad it worked out.

The chord worked; the song didn't.
You here for the entertainment tonight?

- Yeah. In a way.
- Yeah? Anything worth listening to?

Everybody says she's great,
but... can never really tell.

Straight from Nashville, I hear.

Okay! Good evening, folks.

How's everybody doing? Good?
That's what I like to hear.

You picked a great night to come
because we have a special guest.

One of my oldest and dearest,
direct from Nashville,

please give a warm welcome:
Shayna Judson!

Hello, Silverado.

It is so good to be back.
I see so many familiar faces out there.

A stranger or two, as well.

Tonight I'm going to start with a tune
I wrote a long time ago.

Hope you guys enjoy it.

She's great.

Okay, listen up, everybody.
The festival starts on Wednesday

and runs through to Duke Sterling's
concert on Saturday.

So we only have a few days
to pull everything together.

Now, Earl here has all your assignments.

If you have any questions,
just check with me.

So thank you so much! Let's get to work!

Anybody want to help me set up my tent.

Somehow,
I wrangled myself a prime spot.

It doesn't hurt
that Adelaide is your aunt.

But, yeah. Yeah.

Whose this guy?

Can you give me a minute?

Surprised to see you here. You looking
for another songwriting lesson?

Looking for you, actually.
So many fans last night,

didn't get the chance to tell you
I really like your voice.

Thank you. How did you find me?

- Pays to advertise.
- Right.

This is where
the Music Festival happens.

- Yeah. My family's ranch.
- It's quite the spread.

- What keeps you busy out here?
- We board horses. Riding, training.

Lessons, if you're looking to brush up
on your cowboy credentials

and, of course, the annual fair.

But seriously.
You came all this way because...

My name's Grady Connor.

I think you're really talented
and I'd like to hear more of your music.

Do you know how many times
I've heard that line?

I'm serious.

Okay. Card's a bit worn.
It's been in there awhile.

- Sorry.
- Smoky Mountain Records.

- That's Duke Sterling's label.
- And a lot of other talent.

Look, you have a fresh ear for melody.

Your lyrics could use another pass
but I think you have something special.

Maybe we could try to write
a song together.

- I don't think so.
- Come on.

Give it some thought. Check me out.
My number's on the card.

- You're real good.
- Except for my lyrics, apparently.

I think I can help. Just think it over.
You know where to reach me.

- You sure this isn't a line?
- Not a line.

Definitely a line.

- He's kind of cute. What did he want?
- He wants to write a song with me.

- That is totally a line.
- Totally. Come on.

- Crowds used to be bigger.
- The festival hasn't started yet, Duke.

And you're the main attraction,
so by Saturday you'll be mobbed.

Well, come on. Don't keep 'em waiting.

Come on, now! Let's hear it for Duke!

If this is a Silverado welcome,
then I'm never leaving!

Good to see you.
It's good to see you.

How you doing?

- We love you so much!
- Thanks, Duke.

Sorry. I gotta take care of some
business, but I'm here all week,

so those of you I missed,
we'll catch you later, all right?

Come on in. Find a seat.

Hard to choose where;
there's so many of 'em.

- Hey, Carl.
- Grady.

So, it's come to this?

I call it home.

Let me leave you boys alone to talk.
Expecting great things, Grady.

Yeah.

- Remember that night?
- Yeah. It was Austin.

That's when we first started.
We look like kids there.

We were.
Both so green. It was fun, sure,

but we had no idea
how the business really worked.

So, I sent you a couple ideas
for this song the label wants.

I haven't heard back.

Gotta be honest:
doesn't really feel like me.

Yeah, but isn't that the idea?
Write a song like we used to write.

We just need to figure a way
to make it work.

You know, and this time,
we both need to have credit for it.

There it is.

I'm not gonna have this same old fight
with you over and over, Grady.

Happens every time
we're in the same room.

You're right. This isn't going to work,
is it? You and me.

Okay, I'll tell you what: I'll come up
with something and send it your way

and you either sing it, or you don't.

No lie: I need a big hit here.
So... truce?

- Truce.
- All right.

- See ya, Carl.
- Later.

- Shayna? What's up?
- Have you ever heard of Grady Connor?

Doesn't ring a bell. Wait!
Is that the guy? The guy with the line?

Yeah. It turns out
he is completely legit.

He's written for every artist
that you could possibly think of,

including Duke Sterling.

- Are you kidding?
- No!

Shayna, you need to jump on
this opportunity!

You know that I need a break
from the business right now.

Yeah, well, maybe music isn't ready
to take a break from you.

Can't see me right now, but I have my
serious face on. Don't mess this up.

What if it just ends in more rejection?

What if it doesn't?

- Okay, I gotta get set up.
- Kay. I'll catch you later.

Mr. Connor. Hi. Shayna Judson.

I'd like to talk to you
about writing that song.

Thanks again for coming.

Okay, so tell me again what the deal is?
Just so we're clear.

We write a song, you and me.
One song. We both like it--

You'll give it to your label?

Better, maybe.
Let me be straight with you.

The last few months, I've hit a wall.
And now...

I need to come up with something:
a new song for Duke Sterling.

What? Did you just said Duke Sterling?

- Maybe.
- You just said Duke Sterling!

Let's see what we come up with.

Just as long as you know
that this is serious for me.

I've given everything I've got
to this business

and all it's gotten me is
back to where I started.

Music is all I've been able to think of
since I was old enough to hold a guitar.

It didn't happen for me overnight,
but it happened.

I want to sing. I want to write and I
want people to hear what I have to say.

Shayna, this is as big a deal to me
as it is to you.

How is that true?

You've got a deal, a contract,
a catalogue most artists would die for.

Yeah, but it's been a while
since I've had a real hit.

I need a fresh way of looking at things,
you know?

I'd really like someone
to bounce things off of.

You think that someone might be me?

We're not going to know unless we try.

But I really like what I've heard from
you so far. So, what do you say?

Where do we start?

- You wrote all these?
- I did!

I've always had songs
running through my head.

Your music's great. Love these melodies,
but your lyrics could...

Right. That's what you said.
What about my lyrics?

What am I trying to say? Your lyrics...
They could be more personal.

What do you mean, "personal"?
Like love song personal?

That's one approach.
If you've lived it.

- You've been in love?
- Once or twice. You?

Yeah, enough to know I wouldn't mind
feeling it again sometime.

I don't mean to interrupt.

I just thought you might like the taste
of a nice, hot cider. There you go.

Jeremy Judson. You can call me Jud.

This is my dad.
Dad, this is Grady Connor.

The songwriter
that Shayna was looking up online.

Just to make sure you were
who you said you were. He is.

Nice to meet you, sir.
And thanks for this.

The sun's going down before too long.

We're having a little family gathering
tonight. You'll join us.

I appreciate the invitation,
but I don't want to impose.

That wasn't a question, son.

Nothing like a family gathering
to get to know a person.

All right.

Welcome to Silverado.

Hey, everybody! This is Grady.
Grady, this is everybody.

- Hiya, Grady.
- Hi.

Hey, Shayna! How 'bout a song?

- Guitar's handy.
- Anything for you, Earl.

All right.

Molly, get this young man a
marshmallow. Ranch tradition.

- Try it.
- Thank you.

Let's see. All right.

We spent hours yesterday trying to write
a song and came up with nothing.

I imagine it's the whole "getting-to-
know-you" process, isn't there?

Yeah, but I want to get this done
in time to slip it to Duke Sterling.

Do you know how great that would be
if he sang my song on Saturday?

I don't know much about
the country music business,

but you sure you can count on that?

It is a longshot, but...

If he didn't think you were talented,
he wouldn't have offered this, right?

Maybe he sees more in you
than you see in yourself.

Okay, so is this the part where
you give me a pep talk

and tell me everything's
going to be okay?

Someone has to.

- I know what could help.
- What?

- Singing for me again tonight.
- Jenny...

You know that I'm asking
because I'm in a bind.

Fine.

Those the ideas from Grady?

Most of 'em are just a riff
on the same old stuff we used to do.

Yeah, which is what the label wants.

Come on, Carl.
I want to surprise my fans;

show 'em there's more to me
than they know.

Then you figure how to please the label.

In the meantime, you have
two dozen fledgling songwriters

eager to bask in your creative wisdom,
so let's move it.

What's the last song you wrote?

The last song I wrote,
or the last one that was any good?

- Gentleman's choice.
- It was a love song.

- About my pickup.
- Your pickup truck?!

- No!
- It was.

Was it any good?

It was a love song about a truck, so no.

What was the last song you wrote?

"Down Home Tennessee."
About growing up on the ranch.

Playing in the fields,
working the horses...

And I bet the lyrics were terrific.
The best songs are authentic.

Personal experience.

So, we just need to find
the right inspiration, yeah?

Yeah.

Okay. Grab that notebook.
Follow me, good sir.

- Here we are!
- It's hard to believe you grew up here.

This is incredible.

Yeah. I guess I never knew how lucky
I was, you know?

It's always just... home to me.

Where were you raised?

The mean streets of Nashville.
Don't get me wrong! It was great.

But it was a big city
compared to all this.

Sidewalks and playgrounds.
Skateboards. Guitar lessons.

- But to have all this, every day...
- Yeah.

My Mom used to bring me down here
all the time.

Especially this time of year.

She always said she did her best
songwriting down here.

- She was a musician, too?
- Yeah!

My mom. She was good.
She was really good.

She had this nice career starting
and my Dad was super supportive,

but when it came down to the ranch
or the road, her heart was here.

She still played bars and cafes
around Silverado.

My Dad, when I was little, used to sneak
me in so I could watch her perform.

Yeah. More than anything,
I wanted to be her when I grew up.

What if our song is about finding love?
You know?

Knowing that your true love
is out there, somewhere,

and you just haven't found
that person yet.

- That's not bad.
- What? What are you thinking?

You know I've seen you perform
twice now?

Yeah.

And you're different
when you're up on stage.

- You're not the real you, not this you.
- Nobody wants to see the real me.

Last night at the bonfire
it was just you and that song.

Yeah. That's with friends. The stage
is so different. You know that.

Right. But it doesn't mean
you should forget who you are.

Songs come from the heart.
It doesn't matter where you play them.

I'll remember that, Grady Connor.

Welcome, everyone!

Some fresh faces here tonight.
Y'all here for the Music Festival?

So just go up there, be myself?

- That's the idea.
- It might be easier said than done.

So a good friend of mine
sang here the other night

and she was so good
that we decided to bring her back.

So please give a warm
Silverado welcome

to my dear friend Shayna Judson.

How y'all doing tonight?

Okay. So, tonight, I'm going to do
something a little more laid back,

if that's all right.

You know what? I think I'm going to need
some harmony for this song.

So... Hey, Grady.
You wanna come give a girl a hand?

Grady Connor, everyone. Give him some
encouragement. Come on up here.

Is that Grady?
I didn't think he performed anymore.

Who's that with him?

Yeah can we get two, two beers?

What's going on?

It's Duke.

- Want to meet him?
- Yeah.

Okay, everybody, we'll be right back.
Quick break.

Ready?

Thank you.

Grady. It's been a long time
since I've seen you up on stage.

I'm just helping a friend, is all.

May I say you have great taste
in friends. Care to introduce us?

Duke, this is Shayna Judson.

- Shayna. Nice to meet you.
- I am such a fan. I...

My family owns the ranch that
the festival will be on this weekend.

You'll have to give me a tour
of the place.

Yeah. Any time you're out that way.

I think we'd all like to hear
you finish the set.

No one's going to want to pay attention
to me with Duke in the room.

I will pay attention.

This is Carl Campbell, my manager.

Actually, Carl and I met last week.
In Nashville.

- In Nashville?
- For the backup singer auditions?

Of course.
Yeah. I'm sorry that didn't work out.

Carl, how could you let
a voice like this slip by?

- I think a do-over is called for.
- That would be really great.

Maybe I could sing the song
that Grady and I are writing for you?

You and Grady? Hey.
I can't wait to hear it.

Shayna, I think the audience
is getting restless.

Oh, right! Sorry. It was really nice
to meet you, Duke.

Pleasure's mine.

You're writing a song together?
Coming up dry on your own, are you?

It's something we're trying.
We'll see where it all goes.

You look tired.

Jenny said she had the best night
in years!

I can't believe I just met
Duke Sterling.

Did I make a fool out of myself?

I feel like I always think about
what I should have said.

- Or shouldn't have and...
- You were fine.

Was there something going on
with you two?

Thought you guys were friends?

- Long story.
- My favorite stories are the long ones.

Forget that.
Now that he knows about the song,

we've gotta make some
serious headway.

I came up with a few lines;
an idea for the melody to run by you.

Based off what we talked about today?
When can I hear 'em?

Give me a chance
to flesh it out a little first.

I don't want to embarrass myself.

- Okay, well, good night.
- Night.

Duke Sterling...

Hey, Ron.

Just making sure your phone still works.

Awfully quiet on the Silverado
end of the line, Grady.

There's not a lot to report as yet.
Getting close to something.

You and Duke working okay together?

Me and Duke, yeah, not so much.

But like you said, as long
as the song is good, who cares, right?

Yeah, I guess so.

I'm hearing rumors:
there's a woman involved now?

Yeah, her name's Shayna Judson.

We're putting our heads together
on a song, seeing where it goes.

But I think we have something special.

As long as you're talking
about the song.

You need this, too, Grady,
remember that.

'Course I remember.
You're not gonna let me forget that.

Okay then.
Keep me posted, okay?

Given up on love

'Til you showed up
And walked through that door...

And then it goes somewhere else
from there.

But your tune's good. It's really good.

Yeah? Well, I even hear
some of my own words in there.

You should. It's a riff on everything
we've been talking about.

- Sounds more personal when you sing it.
- That means I'm doing my job.

- You got that oven working overtime.
- Pumpkin pies for the festival.

Faster I finish these,
the faster I help finish that song.

So, mind putting these oven mitts on
and taking them out for me?

- Yes, ma'am.
- Thank you.

They're a couple of beauties!
Going for a blue ribbon?

These aren't contest pies.
These are eating pies.

For the bake sale.
Let me make some room.

- Where would you like these?
- Right here, please. Thank you.

- That one's cooled down?
- Yeah.

Excuse... Paying customers only.
Step away from the pie.

All right.

Thanks, by the way, for last night:

singing with me on stage,
introducing me to Duke...

I still cannot believe
that that happened.

Yeah. That was something.

His manager called, by the way,
about the second audition.

For the backup singer?

Getting a spot on Duke's tour
would boost my career.

- You can try this one.
- All right!

- That's really good.
- Yeah?

If singing doesn't work out,
you got a career as a baker.

You helped me find a different road
One that I'd never traveled before

Now I feel I can carry that load
You gave me the strength

And so much more.

That's not it yet.

We're gettin' there. But I think
we can take it a lot farther.

This is a song about knowing that true
love is out there somewhere, right?

- And how life changes when you find it.
- Yeah.

You believe in love, right?
I mean, deep, true love?

Yeah. Of course, I do.

Okay. So, what does that mean to you,
then?

Oh, Grady, that's...

You should know by now that I'm not
good at expressing stuff like that.

Come on.

Describe the person who you want
to spend the rest of your life with.

Okay, let's try something:
close your eyes.

- What?
- Trust me. Close your eyes.

All right, now visualize
what you want that to look like for you.

I want to be sure.
I want it to be easy, for once.

I'm tired of falling
and getting my heart broken.

And when we look at each other,
I just want us to know, you know?

I want to look him in the eyes
and know that everything's okay.

My heart's been broke a thousand times

It feels like it took years to find

The one to turn those wrongs to rights

Now it's all right

- That's it!
- How did you just do that?

How did you, like, take my heart
and make it sing?

Okay. Do you remember it, though?

- All right. My heart's been broke.
- Yes. 'Cause it has.

Yeah. A thousand times.

Sorry to bother you two
but we have a guest.

Duke?

Hope I'm not interrupting anything.

I just wanted to check out the venue and
maybe get that tour you promised me.

Well, yeah, it's perfect timing.

- Isn't it, Grady?
- Yep.

- Then I'm all yours.
- Great.

- You go on ahead. I've seen it.
- Coming, Grady?

No, it's all right. I'll stay here.
Play around with the song a little bit.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

- Okay. Come on.
- Suit yourself.

- You good?
- Yes, sir.

This is quite the set-up.
And it opens tomorrow?

Yep. Bright and early.
It's the biggest event of the year.

We used to have these back home.

- Tulsa.
- Someone's done her homework.

So, is that how you and Grady
know each other? From back then?

- How did you guys meet?
- Grady hasn't told you?

He actually doesn't talk too much
about you.

I was doing the roadhouse circuit,
getting nowhere.

One day after a gig, this guy comes up,
introduces himself,

says he wants to be a musician.
We hit it off.

- Just like that?
- Just like that.

And a year later we're in Nashville

and I'm singing "Country Mile"
on the radio, our first big hit.

Oh, gosh, I love that song.

But you know what my favorite
of yours is? "A Life in a Love".

You wrote that one yourself, yeah?

Those lyrics are great.
Where did you come up with that?

Who knows where lyrics come from,
right?

Yeah.

I can see why you're proud of the ranch.
It's a gem.

All this land
and mighty fine horses, too.

Do you ride?

I used to, back when I had time.
It's been awhile.

Don't you make time
to do the things you love?

Where do you draw the line between
Duke Sterling the superstar

and Duke Sterling the person?

I've been asking myself that question
a lot lately.

- No easy answers.
- You sure make it look easy.

You always look like you're having
a great time on stage. Lucky fans.

Some days, it's pure joy.

Other days,
it's like putting on a costume.

Hey, Dad! Grady!
You will not believe what just happened.

Duke asked me to sing at the music
festival Saturday night.

- With him on the main stage.
- That's fantastic. Thank you.

My pleasure.

Hope I was right to say yes.

It's a great opportunity,
a featured spot.

I know, but am I ready for that?

I've been in this business for years.
Voices come and go all the time.

But the ones who last are the ones
who have something special.

Something nobody's heard,
nobody expects.

- And you have that.
- You think so?

Anybody who doesn't see that,
or hear that,

doesn't know what they're talking about.
Shayna, you are one of a kind.

But, first things first, we still have
a lot of work to do on the song,

so I better get back to the motel.

- Yeah.
- Night.

Right over here!

Writing just feels so different
right now, you know?

It's like... It's exciting again!

I was up all night working
on these lyrics.

- Grady's really got you digging in.
- Yeah, well, it has to be perfect.

I still don't know what I'm going
to sing on Saturday.

You have plenty of time.
The show's not for three days.

I do not have plenty of time.
The show is in three days!

It depends on how you look at it, see.

- Oh, hey, Mr. Judson!
- Hey.

You must be pretty proud
of your girl, here.

- Only every single day of her life.
- Let's see how you feel after Saturday.

You're going to be incredible
and you know it.

It's just... With Duke headlining,
this place is going to be packed.

I've never sung in front
of that many people before.

Just keep in mind that most of the folks
are going to be there love you already:

friends and family,
people you grew up with, babysat for...

- Dated.
- It's Duke who should be nervous.

You got the home-town advantage
and they're all going to love you.

Me and Jenny are going to be your...
What's that word? "Posse."

- My posse?
- That's right.

Look at you, Mr. Judson!
When did your father become so cool?

- I don't know.
- Never.

For that, you get
a spiced cider on the house.

Thank you very much.

- Ladies, see you later.
- See you!

Grady, you're missing all the action.
Festival's in full swing.

- Shayna's down there helping Jenny.
- The song needs some work.

Shayna asked me to meet her here
in a bit.

Could I ask you a question?

How do you really feel about Duke
Sterling asking Shayna to sing with him?

- It's great. Just great.
- Why don't I believe you?

No, it is. It's going to be a showcase
for her.

I just hope with the rehearsing and all
we'll have time to polish the song.

Right. So, you're concerned about
her spending time with Duke

because of the song?

Mostly the song. Yeah.

And yet, I just told you Shayna's down
there at the festival

and you're still standing here.

Come here. Do you want some corn?
That's good. That's really yummy.

Good job! I got you.

- Making new friends?
- Not so new. This here is Pumpkin.

She was all round and her face
was all orange when she was born.

- So, we call her...
- Pumpkin?

Yeah. Every time I pass by,
I can't help but stop and say hello.

Here, you hold this.
Say hello to Grady. I'm not Grady...

- Pumpkin, what's this?
- Say hello to Grady.

Sorry I'm running late.

I wanted to make sure that I stop by
Jenny's booth, you know?

Make sure that she had
everything handled.

But we can begin work whenever
you want.

Actually, I was thinking,
opening day and all,

we got a really good jump
on that lyric and the tune's good.

The verses are pretty solid.
I think we've got a good start.

- So, maybe we deserve a break.
- Yeah, maybe we do.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

- She thinks so.
- Have you walked around yet?

- A little. Not too much, though.
- Let's go. Let me show you around.

Yeah, I was listening
to some of your old songs.

That one that you wrote for Becky Shaw,
"Dancing at Dawn"?

- Still my absolute favorite.
- That was just an album cut.

- We didn't release that as a single.
- Doesn't make it any less awesome.

You are awesome.
Why do you need my help?

The label lost faith in my ability
to do it on my own. I did too.

I guess I've always been better
with the right partner.

- And early on, that was Duke.
- Early on.

- My favourite game. Come on!
- What? Okay.

Here, here.
Always my favourite carnival game.

Hey, Tyler.

So, do you know how to play this?
You do? I'm going to tell you anyway.

You have to knock down
all six bottles in one throw.

You don't have to tell me.
I'm the unofficial state champion.

Well, then, I think that you will have
to prove yourself.

All right.

- Okay, no laughing. Look...
- No!

- I'm just warming up.
- Yeah.

I think that you should just be warmer
than whatever that was.

Fair.

All right, so I'm a little rusty.
Three more?

- This one's the good luck one.
- You mind if I give that a shot?

Duke? I thought
you were welcoming the newbies?

I was. And now, I'm just seeing
what else the festival has to offer.

It's a lot harder than it looks, Duke.

I think I can handle
a couple milk bottles.

- Just going to step back here.
- I think we got an audience.

- You ready for this?
- Yep.

Make you a little bit nervous?

I was aiming for that.

This close.

Can I have a ball, Tyler?

That, boys, is how it's done.
Thank you, Tyler.

Who's up for ring toss?

Come on, boys!

And I know it's true
And if I'm crazy, then you are, too

If there's one thing I was meant to be
It was...

So close,
but the bridge is not quite right.

I know. You think it's the tune,
or the lyrics?

- One or the other.
- That's a safe bet.

Yeah. We'll figure it out.

You maybe want to go back
to the festival tonight

and check out some music?

Grady, I'd love to but I told Duke
I'd go to Jenny's place tonight.

- You should come with us.
- Right. Yeah, I'll think about that.

When are you gonna tell me
what happened between you two?

It's just the way it is.
Life happens, people change...

I have to take that.

Excuse me.

Hey. What's up?

Who's this Shayna Judson
I keep hearing about?

You really need to start listening,
Ron.

I told you.
The woman I'm writing the song with?

- And now she's opening for Duke?
- That might be stretching a point.

- She's singing a number, Duke's idea.
- She that good?

Duke and I don't see eye to eye
on many things these days but, yeah.

Yeah, she is. And, y'know, I wouldn't
want another label to spot her first.

Maybe you should come on out here;
listen for yourself.

- Maybe I will. Good idea, Grady.
- I still have one now and then.

- That's a good one.
- Thank you.

What?
I didn't know what to wear.

No, you look perfect, girl.
Is this is for Duke?

No, it's not "for Duke". It's...

What do you wear when a country star
asks you out?

This'll get his attention.
Are you and he...

Stop it.

No, we're here to listen to the band
and talk about the show on Saturday.

Place is jumping.

Yeah, some folks might've got the idea
that you'd be here so...

Now how would they know that?

It's a small town. People talk.

Okay, I talk. What can I say?
You're good for business.

Why don't you guys take a seat.

I'll send someone
over to get you some drinks.

- Oh, thanks, Jenny.
- On the house.

If you're ever looking for a manager,
that girl wouldn't be your worst choice.

- You look very pretty tonight.
- Thank you.

So, we're hurrying to get you the song,
so you have time to practice.

Don't worry about me.
I'm a quick study.

Have I told you how much I appreciate
what you're doing for me?

And for all the struggling musicians
in this town this week?

You can't even begin to imagine.

I've been there. Not an easy business.
Sometimes you need a helping hand.

I had that.
So this is just me paying it forward.

Welcome one and all.

You're all here for the Music Festival,
I bet.

I thought so. We're going to play
one for you that y'all know and love.

As a matter of fact, this one's
written by a good friend of ours

and he happens to be here tonight.

And I think,
with a little encouragement,

he might come on up here and help
us out. What do you think?

No, Lonnie, no. This is your night.

You know they're not going to stop
'til you get up there, right?

All right. Come with me.

Oh, no.
No-no-no-no-no!

I love this place.

Come on.

Bring it on home!

You sound incredible onstage.

If you liked that, wait 'til you hear
the song we're working on for Saturday.

See you then!

Hey, I'll be right back.

- Grady!
- Thanks. Thank you.

- Wait up!
- Thanks, man.

Hey! Grady? Why did you leave?

There's too many people in there.
Just needed some air.

C'mon. That's not it. Tell me.

"We can't wait for you hear the song
we've been working on."

- He didn't mean it like that.
- He meant it exactly like that.

- What is your problem with Duke?
- I can't trust him.

Why? What did he do?

- He stole my song.
- What? What song?

That song. The one you just sang
with him. "A Life in a Love".

We wrote that song together,
but then he took all the credit for it.

He made it this huge hit and now
everyone, they think it's his.

If that's true, why didn't you sue him,

or go to the press,
or something like that?

'Cause just like that,
he was Duke Sterling.

One of the most powerful men
in country music.

If I'd have gone after him,
I would've never worked again.

That doesn't sound like the Duke I know.

That's because
you don't really know him.

Hey! If he did that to us,
I'd drop out of the festival.

- No. You can't do that.
- Why? Why not?

There's a record label
coming to hear you sing.

- How do you know that?
- Because I asked them to.

You did that? For me?

I believe in you, Shayna. I'm serious.

Look, this is your shot.
You have to take it.

Grady!

Powerful feeling.

The stage.
The spotlight.

All those people cheering just for you.

Feel it once,
it's hard to walk away from.

You disappeared on me last night.

It was late.

And I figured it would take you awhile
to get away from that autograph line.

We wanted to get this to you.

It's the newest version of the song,
mine and Grady's.

- Just so you have an idea.
- Okay. Great. I'll have a look.

Great.

Is there something else on your mind?

Grady told me about
"A Life in a Love".

You want to hear my version? Chances
are I come off a bit better in it.

We'd been writing together a while.
Good songs, but nothing caught fire.

And then he brought me
that set of lyrics. I loved it.

Heck, everybody loved it. Label wanted
to release it as my first single,

but only if it had my name on it.

Why? Why would they do that?

They wanted to build me up as this
big-time, authentic country music artist

and they thought a song that wasn't
100% mine would hurt that. So...

So, they told everybody you wrote it.

I could've told reporters,
set the record straight, but I didn't.

It's on me.

I guess it's kind of what you said
earlier, right? That one shot at fame.

I apologized. I tried to explain.

Made sure Grady
got every penny he deserved,

but, well, he's a proud man.

He was a good friend once.

I don't have many of those.

I'm not trying to come off like
it's so hard to be famous,

but sometimes you have to choose

between your career
and the people you care about.

I hope you never have
to make that choice

'cause sometimes, it's sad to say,
the career wins.

Hey. Got your message.

Yeah. I knew you couldn't turn down
an invitation to see Pumpkin again.

Look, about the other night,
I've been thinking:

I didn't need to dump all that
me-and-Duke stuff on you.

It's just sometimes I let it get to me.
I'm sorry.

No, what happened to you is wrong.

And, honestly, I have no idea how I
would handle that kind of situation

if I was in your shoes.

Do you think that the two of you
should talk about it, though?

I've tried that over and over again.
It never gets us anywhere, though.

It's a shame, too. Man, he and I were
a good team. And so are we.

You and I have something special
and I just wanted to let you know

how much I appreciate everything
that we're doing together.

I really enjoy working with you, too,
Grady Connor.

Nothing's ever going to get
in the way of that.

You've helped me remember
what I love most about music.

Even my lyrics have gotten better,
somehow.

Actually, about that,
I just talked to Duke...

Wait, you talked to Duke?

- Yep.
- What did he say?

Wants us to look at the bridge
and a couple of the lyrics,

but I think we knew that.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

Shayna, Duke's looking for you.

We need a time through your number
for lights and sound.

Okay. This'll be quick, right?

So that we can polish the song
this afternoon?

That won't give Duke and the boys
enough time to rehearse it

if he wants it in the show tonight.

That's okay, go ahead. That's fine.
I can handle what's left.

On your own?
That's our song, Grady.

It still will be.
It'll always be our song.

- Now go. Get up on that stage, girl!
- Okay.

All right.

- I got a VIP pass.
- Looks good.

Check, check. One, two.

- I can't hear it.
- One, two, three...

- Shayna?
- Yeah?

So sorry. We're having a bit
of a sound issue. Give us ten?

Sure.

They said that, like, an hour ago.
They need to fix this.

Shayna, this is your big break.
What's going on with you?

Grady. He wants to polish
the song by himself and I just...

I can't help but feel like
I'm letting him down

in the moment he needs me most.

Maybe you need to decide
what's more important.

Okay, what we're going to do,
we're going...

Tell Duke I'll be back soon as I can.

Don't just stand there.
We've got work to do.

What about your rehearsal with Duke?

I have sung that song a million times.
First things first.

And Duke's okay with this?
All right, then come on in.

- No... Not here.
- Then where?

- That's my hat.
- Come with me.

All right.

- She was just here.
- I know.

But she said
she was going to be right back.

- Carl!
- Yeah. Hold on. One sec.

- What's up?
- Where's Shayna?

I don't know... exactly. Her stomach,
or something. But I'm sure she'll be...

With Grady.

We were talking about choices.
I guess she made hers.

That's it.
Now we just got to write it down.

Sounds more like Duke than Duke.

Just need to get these changes to him
and then...

Well... that's that.

- That's that.
- Yeah.

I'll just get this written out for Duke
and the band, then.

- You guys need to sing this as a duet.
- Me and Duke? No, no.

Yeah, it's the perfect song
for the two of you.

Duke's a smart man. He'll see that.

No, Grady, if I'm going to sing this
with anybody,

that somebody should be you.

No.

Are you imagining that something's
going on between me and Duke?

No! It's just, look...
You're already going to be there.

Yeah.

Nobody wants to see the two of us
up there. They want to see Duke.

And as soon as you start singing,
they're going to want to see you too.

Yeah, I don't care what they want.

If you're going to be there,
you should be up there.

I won't be. Because I can't.

I've got to finish this up and then get
back to Nashville tonight.

- To Nashville? Tonight?
- Yeah, I've got a job waiting there.

It's... I thought I told you about it,
didn't I?

No. Grady...

You're on the edge of something huge,
Shayna.

Please don't let anything
get in the way of that.

The truth is: you don't need me.

And, between us,
you don't need Duke Sterling.

- You got this.
- No. You can't just leave.

Not... not until we talk more.

I'm sorry. I...

Hey, Jenny, is everything okay?
Wait, wait, slow down.

What is he... I'm in the middle of...

Okay. Yeah.
No. Okay. I'll be right there.

- Duke needs me back at rehearsal.
- You got to go.

Hey, Carl!
Hey. Where's Duke?

You missed the sound check,
the rehearsal...

No, but I'm here now. I can explain.

Okay. Duke asked me to call
Lonnie's band to take your spot.

- What?
- He's sorry this didn't work out.

Wait, but Carl, this is for him.

Yeah, I know you're disappointed
about not being on stage tonight.

- No! That is not what this is about.
- I'm sorry, Shayna.

Okay, this whole thing
has just gotten way out of hand.

Okay, what is really going on here?

People sometimes want to get near Duke

so they can take advantage of his fame,
or his money.

So, when he decides to get close
to somebody

and really trust them
and they aren't there for him...

Wait, he doesn't think that that's me?
Or is this all about Grady?

They have a complicated history.

- Yeah, I know. I know about the song.
- It was never about that.

He always knew Grady
was a better songwriter.

What does that matter?
He's Duke Sterling.

He's number one on the charts.
He's famous, he's rich...

And he's a guy who doesn't always
feel like he's good enough.

- Carl, you've gotta le me talk to him.
- It won't do any good.

There's only one person I've ever known
who could talk any sense into him.

Okay. Then that's who we need to get.

Grady?

Pick up, Grady, come on.

Shayna,
Mr. Connor left something for you.

Thank you.

I'm so proud of us,
proud to have written this with you.

But the label needs a song by Duke
Sterling, so I'm giving him this one.

- For him. And for you.
- No, no.

Come on. Come on, Duke.
I'm not leaving 'til you talk to me.

- Duke!
- Knock all you want.

Nobody's home.

So, I've been making a fool out
of myself here for nothing?

I am so sorry I ran off,
I really am, but, please:

you got to give me a second chance.

- I don't know, Shayna.
- I had to finish the song.

It is so important for you
and you know it's important for me, too.

This is from Grady.
It's the final version.

- Why isn't he giving it to me himself?
- Because he left.

He seems to think that there's something
going on between you and me.

My name's on this.

He said that there's a
record guy coming tonight

and he wants to hear a song
by Duke Sterling. That's it.

Grady wanted it this way?

He did that for you.
Honestly, when I look at the two of you,

I don't see one of you
being better than the other.

All I see is two really, really good men

who have one very annoying thing
in common.

What's that?

They are too stubborn
for their own good.

You may have something there.

What you said the other night...
I don't let people close, either.

But when I do, it's for life.
I hope that includes you.

If you hurry, you could probably squeeze
in a rehearsal. Not that you need it.

I'll go over these changes. We'll sort
the Grady stuff out tomorrow, okay?

Really?

- Hold on a minute.
- Yeah?

- This is a duet now?
- Yeah.

It just kind of ended up that way.

So, I guess you'll be needing
someone to sing it with?

Guess I will.

- You good here?
- Yeah.

- It's a crazy week, huh?
- I'll say.

- I'm so proud of you, Shayna.
- Doing a show with Duke is a big deal.

I was proud of you

when you were playing
those little bars up in Nashville.

No. I'm proud of you because of you;
because of the woman you've become.

Thanks, Dad.

- I only wish Mom was here.
- She is. You know she is.

Before you go,
thought maybe you could use this.

- That's Mom's guitar!
- Yeah.

I been meaning to give it to you
for a while

and then time seems especially
right tonight, so...

You know your Mom would want you
to have it.

You have no idea how much this means.

Yes, I do.

Hey, it's Grady Connor.

I'm not here but leave a message
and I'll get back to you.

Hey, Grady! It's Shayna.

I just want to say, again how much
I appreciate everything that...

I wish you didn't go.

We were great together.
We made each other great.

So, if you're ever back in town,
you know...

Alright.

Yeah, alright.
Okay.

- You look like a rock star.
- You don't look so bad yourself.

- Thank you.
- Thank you again for everything.

What are friends for?

Shayna, they're ready for you.

- For me?
- Local girl makes good.

You go get 'em started.
I'll be right there to join you.

- You're going to be great.
- So are you.

Okay. I'm going!

- Bye.
- Knock 'em dead.

- Here she is.
- Thanks.

- Grady.
- Carl.

- Grady, I heard you left.
- I did.

And then I realized there was something
I needed to do.

Look, Carl sent me the tracks
of your album.

You don't need another song,
especially from me.

- It's perfect the way it is.
- That means a lot coming from you.

- Thanks, Grady.
- Yeah. And c'mon: you're Duke Sterling.

Do the album you want.
If Ron doesn't like it,

you know how many other labels
would love to sign you?

Come on.

- Hi, everyone.
- Duke!

Are you ready to see Duke Sterling?

- Is that the only reason you came back?
- No, it's not the only reason.

So, how 'bout a warm
music festival welcome

for Silverado's own Shayna Judson?

Good evening, Silverado.

I want to say thank you
to Mr. Duke Sterling,

a great guy and a great friend.

And to all of you who came out tonight.

As you may or may not know,

it was my mom who started this music
festival and look at how it's grown.

It's an honor to be here tonight
and I am so happy to be back home.

Finally, I want to give a huge thank you
to Grady Connor.

This first number was inspired by him.

It started out as a love song
and ended as a love story.

Even if he doesn't know.
Okay.

- The song you and Shayna wrote?
- Yeah?

Doesn't need me to make it a hit.

- Seriously?
- Seriously.

... on love, 'til you showed up
And walked through that door

Yeah, you turned this ship around
Set sail on a different course

Now I count my lucky stars each night
And I know for sure

That I've finally found the one.

My heart's been broke a 1,000 times
It feels like it took years to find

The one to turn those wrongs to rights
Now it's all right

Baby I spent my whole life searching

But all of that time,
yeah, it was worth it

Every long way round
Every wrong turn that I took

Was getting me to you
I don't know if I couldn't see it

Or if I just couldn't believe it

Sometimes things hide
in the last place that you look

Yeah, but sometimes they're standing
right in front of you.

That's my daughter.
Isn't she wonderful?

Yeah.

Hey, have her call me.

Holy. Thank you.

Baby, I spent my whole life searching

But all of that time,
yeah, it was worth it

Every long way round
Every wrong turn that I took

Was getting me to you

I don't know if I couldn't see it
Or if I just couldn't believe it

Sometimes things hide
in the last place that you look

But sometimes they're standing
Right in front of you

In front of you

I'm standing right in front of you.