Sold Out (2021) - full transcript
A music-based drama about a female talent scout who takes a down-on-his-luck construction worker under her wing and helps him rise to his potential as a singer/songwriter.
(film projector whirring)
(traffic rumbling)
- [Lauren] He works all day,
and then he wants to go out at night, too.
- One night a month, I wanna play a gig.
I can't just go to work and come home,
I need something that fills me up.
- And I guess your family
doesn't fill you up?
- I didn't say that.
- You kind of did.
- Lauren, what do you
think of John's music?
- Ah, it's fine.
- Thanks.
- I was supportive for
years, but at some point,
he needs to grow up and realize,
that it's not going to happen.
Everyone thinks they can sing.
Everyone thinks they were
made for something great,
and you know what?
It's bullshit, because somebody
has to work in a cubicle.
(drumbeat)
(background people chattering)
- Let's go, guys, we've got a
lot of antsy people out there.
- Not yet.
- Five minutes, that's it.
- I can't believe she's late.
- She'll make it.
- She always does.
(bluesy rock music)
- Anyone else industry?
- Yeah.
- Hey, I liked the piece you
did on streaming last month.
- Thanks, I just hope
it helps the artists.
- Probably not, but enjoy the show.
Hey, I'll see you at the after party.
- Okay.
- Oh, hey, you made it.
- Yeah, yeah, quite a buzz on these guys.
- Yeah, you'll love
them, promise. Come on.
- Hey, did you get my messages?
- Yeah, I can't talk now.
- I've got a new project for you.
- Find me after the show.
- It's important!
- Well?
- We sold out.
(all cheering)
- What's the vibe out there?
- Well, there are 1000
people on their feet
another 100 hoping to get in.
That director I told you about is here,
you got A&R guys and
radio weasels everywhere.
Take your pick, boys,
any company you want,
big, small, independent, they
all wanna sign Lincoln 8.
(Kat laughing)
Well, come on, boys, this is the fun part.
(rock music from the stage)
- [Bassist] You're amazing.
- [Both] Uh!
- This is all because of you.
- Damn right it is.
(both laughing)
Oh, oh-oh!
- I think I might barf.
- Breathe.
(drummer breathing deeply)
Better?
- We'll see.
(Kat laughs)
- They're waiting.
- You made this happen.
- We did it together.
(audience cheering)
- I'll thank you properly after the show.
- [House Manager] Ladies and gentlemen,
put it together for Lincoln 8!
(audience cheering)
♪ Jump the tracks ♪
♪ 'Cause I am on the wrong path ♪
♪ This way is leading me back ♪
♪ Down to nothing good ♪
♪ Slow down, we got to
turn this thing around ♪
♪ Everything is upside down ♪
♪ Backwards, inside out ♪
♪ 'Cause life is just a
moment and then it's gone ♪
♪ And time is just the
medley of things we've done ♪
♪ One chance to get it right ♪
♪ But I'm doing it wrong right now ♪
♪ 'Cause nothing ever lasts,
when you're a rolling stone ♪
♪ I need you to be my
angel and take me home ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm heading for a train
wreck, if I do this alone ♪
♪ Worn down, I'm so very worn out ♪
♪ I've lied so many times,
I don't know what to say ♪
♪ So get up, 'cause
I'm not gonna give up ♪
♪ We've come so far now,
it's just a matter of mind ♪
(background people chattering)
- I need a favor.
- Surprise.
- I'll pay you whatever you want.
- Who is it?
- She's a young talent we just
signed, a lot of potential.
- Fine.
- Really?
- I'll be at Dugan's tomorrow at five.
- You won't be sorry.
- We got three definite offers,
Universal, Epic and Capitol.
- Capitol Records, oh my gosh!
Ah, the Beatles, they
were with Capitol Records.
- And Warner Brothers is
flying us to LA tomorrow
to talk about their deal.
- On their jet.
- All of us, you too, Kat.
- Yeah, so, ah, I'm-I'm not going.
- What do you mean?
- This is the end of the road for me.
- We need you in LA.
- You'll be fine.
- [Guitarist] But this
is what we've worked for.
- Right, so my job is done.
- That's what this has been to you, a job?
- Don't make this personal, Colton.
- Nothing with you ever is.
- Man, this sucks, we're gonna miss you.
- Send me a postcard.
- Where to? You don't have an address.
- Oh yeah. (laughs softly)
Hey.
You guys enjoy the party.
(background people chattering)
(Bassist exhales heavily)
(phone ringing)
(drawer closing)
(phone ringing)
(cup clattering)
(phone ringing)
Hello?
Yeah, that's me.
They left what?
(car rumbling)
(car door closing)
Hi, girl.
(guitar case thudding)
(note rustling)
(Kat sighing softly)
Looks like it's just us girls now.
(background rock music)
Hey, Malone.
- Hey, ain't seen you
around here in a while.
How was the show last night?
- Oh, you heard about that?
- Everyone in town heard about it.
Got some messages for you.
You know, they have these
things called cell phones.
Get your messages on a
bright, little screen.
- You're much more
interesting than a cell phone.
- There is that.
(Kat laughs softly)
You expecting someone?
- Unfortunately.
- Go easy on her.
- Kat.
- Hey, Garrett.
- This is Mercy Maines.
- Oh, my gosh, it's so great to meet you.
Garrett told me you're the best.
- [Kat] Don't trust a word he says.
- How do you wanna do this?
You wanna start by listening to her demo
or we could just-
- You can take a seat.
Well, go on now.
- I'll be over there,
if you need me.
- Do you wanna hear
anything in particular?
- (sighs) I'd like to hear what
makes you wake up screaming
in the middle of the night.
- Huh?
- Just play something.
♪ Baby, I know that it's tough ♪
♪ Choices we made, the things we gave up ♪
♪ Got us where we are today ♪
♪ And if you run, you'll never know ♪
♪ Oh, just how far we could go ♪
♪ Baby, I want you to stay ♪
♪ 'Cause I've loved you
since the beginning, oh ♪
♪ Stay with me now that
we're winning, oh ♪
♪ Moving so fast my head's spinning ♪
♪ But I've loved you since
the beginning, beginning, oh ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Loved you since the beginning ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
(Kat breathing deeply)
- What's the problem, Kat?
- The problem is they'll eat her up.
- You don't know that.
- She's in high school!
- It's not up to you!
Come on, this was a mistake.
- Can you pass the ketchup?
You, with the attitude, ketchup, please.
(background pool table noise)
Salt too.
Don't worry about it,
I'll just get it myself.
I'd hate to put you out.
Malone, I would like to buy
this lovely lady a drink.
- No need, Kat drinks on the house.
- On the house?
I've been coming here for years,
I've never had a drink on the house.
- Maybe you should stop coming.
- You'd miss me.
- No.
(John sighing)
- So why did that girl
care what you think?
- Who knows?
- Are you in the music
business or something?
- Something.
- Really?
- Why, are you a musician?
Please tell me you're not.
- Construction worker.
- Thank you. (laughing)
- But I do sing on the job.
- So I bet you're super handy, right?
- Oh no.
That question always gets me into trouble.
- What do you mean?
- When someone asks that,
it means they either need me
to hang their mini-blinds or
unclog their toilet for free
or for a meatloaf or something.
- You've been paid in meatloaf?
- Twice.
(Kat laughing incredulously)
- So if I'm staying in a
motel that has a leaky faucet,
that's not something you'd
be interested in fixing?
(John laughing)
- Ah, I don't know about that.
- Okay, no worries.
I'm sure I can find someone
who would love to fix it.
- I'm sure you can.
Maybe call the manager.
- Yeah, sure.
Challenge. (laughing)
- Meh-meh, meh-meh, meh-meh!
- What are-
(dog barking)
- Whoa!
- Oh hi, Janis.
- Hello.
Over here? Watch out, Janis.
Beep, beep, beep, oh, oh, oh!
- [Kat] Oh!
- Well, hello, hello.
- Hey, Janis, come on.
- Yes, hello, goodbye.
- Yes, yes.
(door closing)
(sirens wailing in distance)
(John sighing)
(door opening)
(door closing)
What?
- I have, ah,
someplace I need to be.
- Yeah, me too.
(mini-fridge door opening)
Better get going.
- Yeah.
Do you play?
- [Kat] No, a friend gave it to me.
- Wow, nice friend.
(John sniffing)
They all smell different, don't they?
What's this, mahogany?
- You're a construction worker?
- That's my day job, honey.
(melodic guitar music)
Sorry, I have to run, I've got a gig.
- What?
- You think I go to Dugan's for the food?
I don't know who you are or what you do,
but I've been playing
empty bars for 10 years.
So if there's any way you can help me out.
Come to the gig.
Okay then.
Good luck with your faucet. Bye, Janis.
(door opening)
(door closing)
(car rumbling)
(CD player clicking)
♪ I've been walking at
dusk, just walking ♪
♪ With these lonely
man's blues on my back ♪
♪ I've been down to the well ♪
♪ I've been to the Liberty Bell ♪
♪ But it looks to be getting a crack ♪
♪ I've been talking about
love, just talking ♪
♪ And it seems like I don't get nowhere ♪
♪ Maybe I ought to go ♪
♪ To just where I don't know ♪
♪ But it looks to be other than here ♪
♪ And if I was a lighthouse ♪
♪ I would shine out on the ocean ♪
♪ And if I was a train ♪
♪ I would always run on time ♪
♪ Safely on their way ♪
♪ I would send God's weary travelers ♪
♪ And when my time was done ♪
♪ I would leave it all ♪
(bottle of beer opening)
♪ Behind ♪
(power tool whirring loudly)
- Callahan!
(wood clattering)
- [John] Didn't think I'd see you again.
- Sorry to disappoint.
- What are you doing here?
- I listened to your CD.
(hammer banging)
There's something there.
Do you have more than three songs?
- No.
- Why not?
- Because I have a wife and
kid and a mortgage payment.
- I'm sorry, you have a wife?
- We're going through a rough patch.
- Like going to people's motel rooms?
- Spare me the judgment,
I have enough of my own.
- Well, you're gonna
have to write more songs.
You can't cut an album or play a show,
unless you have at least 10 songs.
- (laughs) What the hell
are you talking about?
- Oh, I'm leaving town
and you're coming with me.
- What?
(hammer banging)
I don't even know who you are.
- I'm an independent music scout.
I've worked with hundreds of artists,
most of them you've heard of.
Hey, if you don't believe me, ask around.
(power tool whirring)
- Where would we go?
- I don't know.
- For how long?
- No clue.
- At least tell me why.
- Because I can make it happen for you.
I wanna be on the road by
sunset, pack some things
and meet me at Dugan's at five.
(hammer banging)
(melodic guitar music)
Yeah, so it's just the belt's
been making some noise.
(Kat laughing)
You want it, oh?
Sit.
Shake hands.
(packets rustling)
(melodic guitar music)
(car rumbling)
(melodic guitar music)
- Kaitlyn says they're the
best swim lessons in town.
- She's already in ballet and soccer.
- She needs to learn to swim, John.
- For $300?
- That's what it costs.
- What about piano lessons?
- Where's that gonna get her?
(knocking on door)
- I'll get it, I'll get it!
- Hey, where you going?
(door opening)
Millie, go find Mommy.
Now.
(Millie laughing)
(door closing)
What are you doing here?
- What are you doing here?
I said five o'clock.
- I'm not going.
- Why not?
- Because I have responsibilities,
I can't just pick up and leave.
- Bullshit, people do it all the time.
- Not me.
- You're right, not you.
You hate your job and
your marriage, but by God,
you're gonna suffer through
them to the very end.
- Don't pretend like you know me.
- Well, I've known a lot of
people like you and guess what?
It's not cool to go down
with the ship, find your joy
and I swear it spills over
to the people you love.
- Do you have kids?
- [Kat] No.
- Then you don't know what
you're asking me to do.
- You're right, I don't,
but I do know that kids
learn what they live.
What are you teaching your daughter, John?
You asked for help, this
is what it looks like.
- I'm sorry, I can't.
(door opening)
(door closing)
- [Kat] Unbelievable.
- Who is she?
- (sighs) She's in the music business.
- That again?
- Yeah, that again.
- Just go.
- What?
- I can't stand the tension
in this house anymore.
I'm not happy, you're not
happy, let's stop pretending.
(door opening)
- Wait!
- Will you bring me a
present, when you come back?
- Of course.
- A unicorn?
No, wait, a giant panda.
- A panda bear, you want a panda bear?
- No, a giant honey bear.
- A honey bear? You're my honey bear.
Yeah, I'll buy that, sure.
- I might have really long
hair, when you come back.
- I don't think I'm
gonna be gone that long.
Give me a hug, give me a hug.
Call if you need me.
- I won't.
(door opening)
(car engine idling)
(car door closing)
(car door opening)
(drumbeat)
- When Daniel taught me what this meant,
you remember what this was?
- Oh yes.
(both laughing)
- Let's get married.
- What?
- I'll love you every day of
my life and I'll never leave.
- I'm holding a cheeseburger.
- You're beautiful.
- You're nuts.
- Marry me.
- Okay.
(both laughing)
(car rumbling)
- (sighs) I'm usually putting
Millie to bed right now.
- What's that like?
- Sing me a song, Daddy.
♪ Twinkle, twinkle ♪
- Not that one.
♪ This little light of mine ♪
- No, the lullaby song.
♪ Sleep, you little alibi ♪
♪ With your reasons in a row ♪
♪ You have turned in
circles all of your life ♪
♪ Just so your shadow would not show ♪
♪ Dream with me, dream with me ♪
♪ And we'll wake in better days ♪
♪ And we'll build a boat ♪
♪ And hope that it floats ♪
♪ And then we'll sail ♪
♪ Sleep, you little resume ♪
♪ With your head above the crowd ♪
♪ You have held your breath
in all of your life ♪
♪ Just to make somebody proud ♪
♪ Sleep, you little reservoir ♪
♪ Let your banks just overflow ♪
♪ No, you can't contain all of that rain ♪
♪ You're gonna have to let it go ♪
♪ Dream with me, dream with me ♪
♪ And we'll wake in better light ♪
♪ And until we rise with open eyes ♪
♪ Goodnight, my love, goodnight ♪
♪ Yes, until some sun wakes everyone ♪
♪ Goodnight, my love, goodnight ♪
- John.
- Yeah?
- You made the right decision.
- So where are we going?
- I don't know, you tell me.
- I'm sorry, what?
- [Kat] This is your journey, John.
(phone ringing)
(traffic rumbling quietly)
- Hey, Pete.
I'm not gonna make it in today.
I need to take some time
off for personal reasons.
I don't know, maybe a week.
- A week?
- I know, I didn't expect to get paid.
Yeah, yeah, I get it.
(traffic rumbling quietly)
God!
I got fired.
- They're hiring, you
wanna get an application?
- You think this is a joke?
I have bills, I need a job.
- You have a new job. Tell the truth.
Speak it, write it, sing it.
- Does it come with dental?
(car rumbling)
(melodic guitar music)
It's no good, I don't even know
how I wrote those three songs.
Everything that comes out now is crap.
- Write it anyway, then
go back and fix it.
- There's no hook, it can't be fixed.
- John.
(John sighing)
You can't be an artist and
a critic at the same time.
When you write, you write.
Give yourself that freedom.
And when you're done,
decide if it's any good.
Try tuning it down half a step.
(tuning the guitar)
(melodic guitar music)
- Hey, that sounds better.
- I know.
- Are you a musician?
- Nope.
- Singer?
- No.
- Then how did you get
into the music business?
- Bad luck.
When are you most creative?
When you're showering?
Running? Doing dishes?
- To be honest, I haven't
felt creative in a while.
- When was the last time?
(gentle melodic music)
- When Lauren and I were dating.
I used to write in the
space above the garage,
it had great acoustics
and I had this Hoffman
guitar, that sung like a bird.
Then she got pregnant and we needed money
for a car with a backseat,
so we sold everything,
bought a Honda.
- Solid car.
- I liked my guitar better.
- Let's find it.
(cheerful melodic music)
- Hey, Phil, it's John Callahan.
Yeah, yeah, it's been a
while, random question,
do you still have that Hoffman
I sold you a while back?
Okay, what cousin?
Yeah, yeah, I met her once.
Um, where does she live?
Hey great, thanks, Phil,
appreciate it, man.
It's in LaCrosse.
(cheerful banjo music)
Should I check to see if
there's a leaky faucet?
(bag unzipping)
- Why?
You wouldn't do anything about it anyway.
I'm going for a run.
(bag unzipping)
(footsteps running)
What are you doing?
- I haven't exercised
in ages, do you mind?
- I do, actually.
- So where are you from?
(Kat groans)
What, you're the only one,
who's allowed to ask questions?
- Chicago.
- I checked the faucet, by the way,
it's not leaking, but I would've fixed it.
- I wouldn't want you to fix it anymore.
- No?
- No.
- You sure?
- Yeah, that moment has passed.
(gentle guitar music)
(John sighing)
- I've got nothing, I'm
just coming up blank.
- Is there a voice or sound in your head?
Something that drives you?
- The words "I expected more from you."
- Who said that?
- My father said it first.
My parents split up, when I was a kid,
my sisters went with my
mom, I went with Dad.
He was a salesman, a lot
of cheap suits and cologne.
He was always gone, so I
was left to fend for myself.
I used to cook dinner outside,
so I wouldn't have dishes.
One night when I was eight, I
took some ham out to the woods
behind our house, cooked it over a fire.
It never dawned on me, that
it hadn't rained in months,
just knew I was hungry and
no one was coming to help.
The fire took out 20 acres.
When my dad picked me up
at the police station,
he said, "I expected more from you."
The upside was in juvie, they gave me
breakfast, lunch and dinner
and I wasn't alone anymore,
so it all worked out.
- Except for that voice in your head.
(melodic guitar music)
♪ There's a man in a cheap suit ♪
♪ Holding a beer can ♪
♪ Standing on his back porch ♪
♪ Looking out past the highway ♪
♪ The sun is going down ♪
♪ In a field of dry corn ♪
♪ And the slider keeps catching ♪
♪ And the screen is torn ♪
♪ His tie is loose ♪
♪ His socks are thin ♪
♪ He shakes the can once ♪
♪ And goes back in ♪
♪ He walks between his children ♪
♪ And the television glow ♪
♪ Through the kitchen for another ♪
♪ To the living room alone ♪
(car door opening)
- What are you doing?
- Driving.
- [Kat] No.
- Yes.
- No!
(car rumbling quietly)
(knocking on door)
(door opening)
- Hi.
- [John] Are you Skye?
- I am until my next life.
- I'm John Callahan, your cousin, Phil,
gave me your address, this is Kat.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- We're searching for a Hoffman guitar,
I sold it to Phil about six years ago,
apparently he gave it to you.
- Oh, my God,
that guitar is the sweetest
instrument I have ever played.
- So you have it?
- No, I'm into the tabla
now, have you heard of it?
It's an Indian drum, magical,
the first time I heard it,
I connected with a part of
myself deep down inside,
that is actually Indian,
I never knew She was there,
until I played the tabla.
- Where's the guitar?
- I sold it to a pawn
shop in Cedar Rapids.
- Shit.
- How long ago?
- I don't know, maybe a month.
- Do you know the name of the store?
- No, but I can take you
there, I need rent money.
Arlo, we're taking a drive!
My boyfriend, you'll love him.
- So then she came into my tent and asked
if anyone had any extra
birth control pills.
- (laughing) Well, it was Burning Man,
I figured there was every
kind of drug there, right,
why not birth control? (laughing)
- We've been together ever since.
- Longest relationship of my life.
- Four months, baby.
♪ Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me ♪
♪ For I come from Alabama
with a banjo on my knee ♪
- Big finish!
♪ Oh, I come from Alabama ♪
♪ With a banjo ♪
♪ On my knee ♪
(car rumbling)
- There it is, up there!
- Thank God!
- I don't see it.
- Let's ask.
Hi.
- [Randy] You need something?
- Yeah, we're looking for a guitar.
- A '73 Hoffman Dreadnought,
Indian rosewood back and sides,
sitka spruce on top.
- Yeah, I don't know what that means,
but we got a sweet ass one in the back.
- Can we see it?
- That's got to be it.
- How much is it worth?
- A couple thousand.
- Do you have any money?
- No. You?
- Not really.
- That's it!
- How much?
- Not for sale, sold it this morning.
They'll be by after work to pick it up.
- Are you kidding?
(phone ringing)
- Sorry, man.
- What if I can come up with the money?
- Can't do it, it's sold.
- John, go wait outside.
- Why?
- Uptown Pawn.
- Just go.
- Nine p.m.
Yeah, you have a good day too.
- I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.
- Randy.
- Randy.
Randy with the guitar.
- Yeah.
(footsteps running)
- [John] My God, she's nuts.
Get your butt back here.
(patting window)
- No, no, no, no.
(car door opening)
I don't wanna get fired this week!
- Go, go!
- What about the kids?
- Leave them!
- No, no, no!
(car rumbling)
Oh, I am so getting fired.
(cheerful guitar music)
♪ It's too late to go home early anymore ♪
♪ I can't stand to read the number ♪
♪ On my hotel room door ♪
♪ One wants two wants another ♪
♪ I called my wife, I missed my brother ♪
♪ I'll have one more ♪
♪ And then I've got to get some rest ♪
♪ I been rolling since
the sun came up today ♪
♪ From Phoenix all the way to Santa Fe ♪
♪ Ashes arcing down the road ♪
♪ It's a high, heavy
load on my shoulders ♪
♪ But I know ♪
(car rumbling)
- Hey, wake up, we're here.
(car door opening)
(car door closing)
(snow crunching underfoot)
Oh, shit!
(door closing)
- He's breathing.
- [Kat] He usually is.
- [Wayne] I'm okay.
Shut the door.
- Who is it?
- My dad.
I'm going to bed.
Take the room at the top of the stairs.
(footsteps ascending stairs)
(Wayne moaning softly)
(number dialing)
(phone ringing)
- [Lauren] Hey, it's Lauren.
I'm probably out doing something fabulous.
Leave a message and I'll call you back.
Maybe. (giggling)
- Hey, it's me. Sorry
I've been out of touch.
I'm in the middle of nowhere
without cell service.
How's Millie?
God, I miss her.
Give her my love and let me
know when I can talk to her.
I'm gonna try you guys
tomorrow night, let's say six,
I need to hear my girl's voice.
(receiver clattering)
(door opening)
(people chattering loudly)
(Lauren laughing)
I need to talk with you for a minute.
- What's up, husband? (laughing)
- I, I don't know.
- What's the matter, babe,
what's with the uptight look?
- I saw you dancing with Tony.
- Yeah?
- You were all over him.
- Oh, come on, give me a break.
(door opening)
(melodic dance music)
- I'm just saying, I didn't like it.
- Are you kidding?
Are you jealous? It's our wedding.
- I know and I don't think it's right
for you to be rubbing up on another guy.
- I was having fun,
that's what you're supposed
to do at a wedding.
Excuse me.
(door opening)
(melodic pop music)
(people chattering loudly)
(door closing)
(gentle guitar music)
♪ Amazing grace ♪
♪ How sweet the sound ♪
♪ That saved a wretch like me ♪
♪ I once was lost ♪
♪ But now I'm found ♪
♪ Was blind, but now I see ♪
♪ Twas grace hath taught
my heart to fear ♪
♪ And grace my fears relieved ♪
♪ How precious did that grace appear ♪
♪ The hour I first believed ♪
- I'm not gonna apologize for last night.
- You never do.
- Sometimes the loneliness
just gets to be too much,
you know?
- I know.
That's a great hat, Wayne.
- It was my daddy's.
The most authentic person I've ever known.
- Can I try it on?
- Get outta here. (claps) Who wants bacon?
I slaughtered the pig myself.
- Yes, sir.
- [Kat] I'm going for a walk.
- I'll join you.
- [Kat] Nope, stay and write.
(snow crunching underfoot)
(soft melodic music)
(gentle guitar music)
♪ That we're given... ♪
(John groaning softly)
♪ Tracks in the snow... ♪
♪ Chorus, where ♪
Run of three.
Four, three.
(John sighing)
(John humming)
(Kat exhaling heavily)
- Hey.
- Where's John?
- He's in the shower.
Been in there for two hours.
Hot water's expensive, you know.
(water running)
(John humming)
- Hey, what's going on in here?
- I came up with a great melody.
I'm working on the verses
now. (humming tunefully)
- Alright.
(shower running)
I just wanted to make
sure you weren't drowning.
(John laughing)
(toilet flushing)
- (humming) OH! Argh!
♪ ...that we're driven,
all the mercies... ♪
♪ ...could be the one to find you... ♪
♪ Mercies that we're
that we're... beginner ♪
♪ While the light ♪
♪ All the lengths to which we're driven ♪
- He'll call, sweetie, I'm sure he will.
Any minute.
- Come on. (claps) Bring your guitar.
- Where to?
- Trust me, you don't wanna miss this.
Come on.
(footsteps descending stairs)
- The Coda Club?
- Yeah, it's an underground jam session
for musicians, who are
touring the Midwest.
You never know who'll drop by.
- Cool.
- Yeah, they're legendary.
You've gotta know someone to get in.
- Do we know someone?
- Honey, you know me.
- [Allen] Hey Kat, how you doing?
- Hey.
- [Allen] Good to see you.
- Nice to see you.
- Who's this you got with you?
- Yeah, so Allen Kirk,
this is John Callahan.
- Nice to meet you, John.
- Nice to meet you.
- I see you brung a
little toy with you there.
- Hm-mm.
- Yeah, I did, yeah.
- Well, I guess you brung that
to play a little bit, right?
- Yeah, I'll probably just
listen the first time.
- I don't think so.
You come in here with that
thing, you have to work.
(melodic bluegrass music)
♪ How long you been a
waiting down here all alone ♪
♪ I don't know now, Daddy, I don't know ♪
♪ I don't know, Daddy, I don't know ♪
♪ But I feel like it's been
a long, long time ago ♪
(all humming tunefully)
♪ Well, our Lord ♪
♪ Take me with you baby,
anywhere you wanna go ♪
♪ I said, take me with you
baby, anywhere you wanna go ♪
♪ We'll go back to Minneapolis ♪
♪ All the way down to Chicago ♪
♪ Oh, oh, babe ♪
♪ Take me where you wanna go ♪
♪ Hey, yeah, babe ♪
♪ Take me anywhere you wanna go ♪
♪ I don't care where we're
going as long as I'm with you ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Oh, oh ♪
♪ I don't care where we go, baby ♪
♪ As long as you take me with you ♪
♪ Ooh, yeah ♪
(all laughing)
- Nice.
- (chatter)
- I don't understand why those
guys don't have record deals.
- Because they don't want them.
- Why not?
- They fund their own music.
They sleep on couches
and drive rental cars,
eat backstage 100 nights a year,
sell CDs to people who
look them in the eye
and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Those guys, they don't sell out.
- Although some of us would rather sign
a three-album deal with Warner Brothers.
- Oh, my God, are you serious?
- [Colton] Absolutely.
- You did it.
- We did it.
(John clears throat)
- Colton, this is John Callahan.
- Nice to meet you.
- My new project.
- That didn't take long.
- Did you come all this
way just to pick a fight?
- (sighs) No.
I came to give you this.
They gave us a signing bonus
and we all agreed it should go to you.
- Oh, Colton, I can't take this.
- Too late, your name's
already on the check,
we just didn't know where to send it.
- Shit, that's a lot of money.
- That's a lifetime's supply
of running shoes is what it is.
- Hey.
Your wife called about 20 times.
Piece of work.
- Oh, shit!
(door opening)
Lauren!
(baby crying)
Hey, hey.
Hey, hey.
I got your message.
- I can't do this anymore.
- Can't do what?
- She just cries all day.
She doesn't wanna play, she won't sleep,
she won't drink my milk, she just cries.
I hate her. (crazed laughter)
- What?
- I don't want her around.
I don't want her in my house.
I didn't ask for this, I
don't want this to be my life!
- [John] We'll get you some help.
- Get her out of my fucking house!
- Ssh!
(baby crying)
Oh.
Hey.
Hey.
(phone ringing)
(John sighing)
(receiver clattering)
- Hey, mind if I join you?
- Thought you went to bed.
- [Colton] You're sitting on my bed.
- Oh, sorry.
- So you must be pretty good,
if Kat's taken you under her wing.
- I don't know about that.
- I do.
She's got an eye for talent.
All you have to do is jump on board.
- I'm here, aren't I?
- Commit to it.
When you commit to something,
it changes shape, it changes everything.
- The last time I committed to something,
it didn't turn out so well.
- So, try again.
- How long have you been playing music?
- About 15 years.
I don't really count the
years I was an addict.
- What got you through?
- A higher power.
You gotta believe in something
bigger than yourself.
- So you think you were
put here to make music?
- No, I think we're all just put here
to make the world a
better place, you know,
no matter how you go about it,
build a bridge, plant
a tree, write a song.
Doesn't matter,
just leave the world a better
place than you found it.
- Thanks.
- Goodnight.
- Hey, why'd you give Kat a
guitar, if she doesn't play?
- Why don't you ask her?
(dishes clinking)
- Hey, always good to see
you, come back anytime.
- Careful, I'm the kind of guy
who'll take you up on that.
- Good luck.
- Take care of her.
- I'm trying.
- I can hear you.
I'm gonna drop him off
at the train station
and then run some errands in town.
I won't be back till late, get writing.
- [John] Yes, ma'am.
- And you, stay away from the beer, okay?
- Whiskey it is.
(door opening)
(car rumbling quietly)
(melodic guitar music)
(John humming tunefully)
(door opening)
(light clicking on)
(eerie music)
- Hey.
- Jesus, you scared me.
What are you doing up?
- Doing a little reading actually.
- Okay.
- Yeah, I was just reading
about a child prodigy.
It's an incredible story,
she wrote like hundreds of songs,
played 14 instruments,
even composed a symphony
before the age of 12.
She sounds amazing.
Katie Revere, huh?
- That's me.
- I don't get it, you're
this musical genius,
why are you keeping it a secret?
- Because it's none of your business.
- Well, it kind of is my business,
because I left my wife
and daughter and job at your suggestion
and now I'm not sure who you are.
- I'm going to bed.
- See, I've been sitting here for hours
trying to figure out what the big deal is
and for the life of me,
I can't make sense of it.
- It's nothing.
- Then explain it.
- The music business wasn't
my cup of tea, so I got out.
- Not that far out.
What's ironic is that you told me
my job was to tell the truth,
to speak it, write it and sing it.
But it's fine for you to lie, right?
- Alright, I've had enough.
- Tell me one thing.
Do you miss it?
(eerie music)
- What?
- [John] Singing, playing.
- No.
- And there's another lie.
See, now I'm getting
good at spotting them.
- Get out.
- What?
Why are you-
- Get the-
- Why are you pushing me away?
- Get the hell out.
If you don't wanna be here, then leave,
no one's stopping you.
- Guess I touched a nerve.
- Go on, go back to your pathetic life.
Lie in bed next to a woman you don't love
and pretend like it doesn't bother you
to wear a tool belt for the
rest of your goddamn life!
(haunting orchestral music)
(slow piano music)
(footsteps running)
(train rumbling)
(slow piano music)
(door slamming shut)
- That went well.
- If you'd like to come back,
I'd be happy to talk to just you.
- No, thanks.
- You know, it's amazing what can happen,
when just one person believes in you.
But the truth is that
person has to be you.
(snow crunching underfoot)
(door opening)
(Lauren laughing)
- Oh, God!
John, what are you doing here?
- Where's Millie?
- John.
- Where's my daughter?
- She-she's at my mom's.
John.
Wait, don't do this.
- You did this.
It's funny, I had all
this guilt about leaving,
but it worked out pretty
well for you, didn't it?
- That is not fair.
You left here with another woman.
- We're working together.
- Are you really telling me
you don't have feelings for her?
(John sighing)
(gentle melodic music)
We're not happy anymore
and we both deserve to be.
If someone had to be the
bad guy, I guess it was me.
(door opening)
(door closing)
- I'm gonna miss you, girl.
- You sure you wanna leave her?
- Give you a reason to
get up every morning.
- Where to now?
What's this?
- It's enough to pay what
you owe on the house.
(Wayne sobbing quietly)
Not for beer, for the house.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
(bag zipping up)
- Hey.
Don't you miss having
a place to call home?
- Every day.
(melodic orchestral music)
(melodic guitar music)
- I wish you could come over today.
- We talked about this, kiddo.
- But Mom won't mind, please,
just to open presents?
- I'm sorry, honey.
(knocking on door)
(door opening)
- [Millie] Mommy!
- (laughs) Hi, sweetie.
I missed you.
Hey, go get your stuff, the car's running.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Merry Christmas.
- I didn't get you-
- It's okay. (laughs)
I just saw it and thought
you might like it, open it.
(paper rustling)
I know you said he's a friend of yours,
you may already have it.
- I don't.
Thank you.
- Listen, um, if you don't
have anything to do tomorrow,
you're welcome to come to the house.
I mean, Frank will be there,
but I know it would mean
the world to Millie.
- I'm good, thanks.
Come here, you.
(Lauren laughing)
Hey.
Have a good Christmas, okay?
- Good girl.
(door opening)
(door closing)
- I can't believe you're
open on Christmas.
- What else am I gonna
do, roast chestnuts?
May as well feed the lonely.
- You're a smart man.
- Not according to my wife.
(John laughing softly)
Beer?
- [John] Yes, sir.
(bottle of beer opening)
- Five dollars.
- On Christmas? Have a heart.
- Oh, I have a heart,
it needs medication and
that shit's expensive.
- [Kat] Why don't you put it on my tab?
(background Christmas music)
- Hi.
- Hi.
- I'm surprised to see you here.
- Yeah, well, I'm Malone's Secret Santa,
so I had to stop by.
(paper rustling)
Ah, my favorite.
Careful now or I'll mistake
you for someone who cares.
- Many do.
- Messages.
- Most of those are from me.
(bottle of beer opening)
- On the house.
(background Christmas music)
- I tried to call you, but your
dad said you'd already left.
- Yeah, well,
you know me.
- No, I don't.
- How you been?
- I can't say I ever
spent Christmas in a bar.
- (laughs) Welcome to the club.
(bottles clinking)
So divorce, huh?
- How'd you know?
- I stopped by your house
and the RV king told me.
- The RV king and the prom queen,
they're a match made in heaven.
So why'd you come looking for me?
- Who said I was looking for you?
- It's kind of obvious.
- Okay, so what if I was?
- You tell me.
- I don't like how things ended.
- So I got under your skin?
- Don't push it.
- The road's gotta be lonely.
- I like the road.
- I never said you didn't.
I don't care why you're
here, I'm just glad you are.
You wanna get out of this shithole?
- [Malone] I heard that.
(sensual melodic music)
♪ La la la la la la la ♪
♪ Ah ♪
♪ I've never known someone like you ♪
♪ You've got a heart ♪
♪ Like a hurricane lamp ♪
♪ You've got a heart ♪
♪ Like a hurricane lamp ♪
♪ And I see you shine ♪
♪ Everywhere I am ♪
♪ 'Cause you've got a heart ♪
♪ Like a hurricane lamp ♪
♪ You keep your light inside ♪
♪ You keep your light inside ♪
♪ You keep your light inside ♪
♪ You keep your light ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
I think you needed some sleep.
- It's weird, I, I never sleep.
That's a beautiful song.
- I wrote it for you,
in case you leave today,
at least you heard it.
Was it easy for you to write?
- Pretty much.
I always had a melody in my head,
it wouldn't stop, until I got it out.
- What was your instrument?
- Piano.
- But you play guitar too?
- I do.
I did.
What else do you wanna know?
- Why do you cry in your sleep?
- I...
I begged my mom to send the
demo to record companies.
She was against it at first,
but then she saw it was what I wanted,
what I needed
and she got involved.
It's funny,
she chose the label,
sat in on every recording
session, met with every producer,
shook the hand of every radio DJ,
but she never wondered
why the head of the label
needed to see me at his house on weekends.
(gentle melodic music)
The first time,
I was 14.
I tried to run.
I screamed,
"I won't, I won't, I
won't let you touch me!"
And he said, "Of course not, honey.
You touch me."
So that's, that's what we did.
- Jesus, Kat.
Did you tell anybody?
- I told my mom
and it killed her.
She was dead a year later.
Pop picked up the bottle
and never stopped.
So I love music just about
as much as I hate it.
- I'm so sorry.
- I don't need pity,
okay?
- [John] Okay.
- So let me ask you something.
(John laughing)
Do you have 10 songs?
- I do.
- Good!
(both laughing)
- In fact,
I have 10 songs, plus 18 more.
- Really?
- Really.
- Well then, it's time
for you to have a show.
(both laughing)
- No, every Friday's filled
for the next three months.
- Then bump someone.
- He brings in eight people.
- 12.
- Not anymore, we'll sell out.
- (groaning) Fine.
(Kat laughing)
- Alright, you're gonna need a band.
- I am?
- You are.
(cheerful, upbeat music)
- Once more.
(band chattering)
- Hunter, it's Kat Revere.
I wanted to invite you
to a gig on the 27th.
You're gonna love this guy.
♪ I was driving out on County N ♪
♪ With my high-beam headlights on ♪
♪ In the late night FM no-man's land ♪
♪ Looking for a Tom Petty song ♪
♪ The persieds... ♪
Guys, that was my bad.
I think I should close with "Open Road."
- You can't save your best song for last.
- That's what all the artists do.
- All the big artists.
Put your best stuff up
front or people will leave.
Open with "One for Sorrow."
- Actually, I'd like to cover
your song "Don't Wake Me Up."
I wanna start with something
slow, ease into things.
- So you wanna put people to sleep?
- It's a hell of a song.
- I know.
- Songs are meant to be played.
- Okay.
- Okay?
- But make it your own.
- I will.
♪ Far too long ♪
What do you think?
- I think you need a back up singer.
- Paul's the back up singer.
- I think a woman is better.
- Do you know anybody?
- I can make some calls.
- Hey, you could do it.
- Not on your life.
- I can sing, but it'll
be $2 more an hour.
(band laughing)
- [Babysitter] Sold.
- I think we can swing it.
- Alright.
- We'll put you in on the chorus.
- How are you feeling?
- Scared.
Excited.
Worried.
- What are you worried about?
- That no one will show up.
- I promise the place will be packed.
- [John] And now I'm more worried.
(faucet water running)
- What can I do to help?
- I've been thinking about this a lot
and I want you to sing with
me on the opening number.
- Conversation over.
- It's just one song.
- [Kat] It's a no.
- [John] Kat.
- Really, John, you wanna
have this conversation
the night before your show?
- Just hear me out.
That man took everything from you,
but if you let him take
the music too, he wins.
- He already won!
- Bullshit.
You know what you'd have me to do?
Use it, every bit of the
anger, resentment, betrayal,
put it in the music, slay the beast.
But you, you're choosing to be silent,
when you should be screaming to the world.
- I-I can't.
- You haven't tried.
- [Kat] Have you seen my running shoes?
- I hid them.
- I'm going out for a while.
- You can't run from
this, it's inside you.
- [Kat] Goodbye.
- Are you coming back?
(door slamming shut)
(drumbeat)
(background people chattering)
Whoa, look at you.
- Hey, you like?
- Ah, yeah, maybe, yeah.
(all laughing)
- You've gotta let them
know who the talent is.
(people chattering loudly)
- Hey, guys.
- Somebody borrowed Mom's lip gloss.
- Just so you know, I
have to be home by 10.
- You know anything about this guy?
- Not a thing.
- Me neither, but Kat's
never wasted my time.
(beer bottle opening)
- On the house.
(background people chattering)
- [Paul] There was a delivery for you.
- You gonna start soon?
- Let's give it five more minutes.
- What are yous waiting for?
I can't let anyone else in
or the Fire Department will shut me down.
(background people chattering)
- Shall we?
- Let's do it.
- [Paul] Let's do it.
- Hi everybody, thanks
for coming out tonight.
This first song was written
by a friend, who reminded me
you can't stop a wild bird from flying.
♪ Can't stop the sun from rising ♪
♪ Can't stop the waves from
reaching for the shore ♪
♪ Can't stop the wild bird from flying ♪
♪ No, you can't stop me from trying ♪
(melodic piano music)
♪ Open my eyes, pull back the covers ♪
♪ Every day as gray as all the others ♪
♪ Is it just some kind
of trick of the light ♪
♪ Making my world of black and white ♪
♪ Suddenly burst into all these colors. ♪
♪ If it's a dream, don't wake me up ♪
♪ If it's a lie, don't interrupt ♪
♪ If it's a fairytale,
I wanna hear the end ♪
♪ I can see it all, when I close my eyes ♪
♪ And I've been waiting my whole life ♪
♪ So call me a fool to dream, but just ♪
♪ Don't wake me up ♪
♪ My mother told me, when I was young ♪
♪ Don't give your life away to anyone ♪
♪ Never give it up without a fight ♪
♪ Even if you're scared,
keep shining that light ♪
♪ It takes one little sunbeam
to drive the dark away ♪
♪ If it's a dream, don't wake me up ♪
♪ If it's a lie, don't interrupt ♪
♪ If it's a fairytale,
I wanna hear the end ♪
♪ I can see it all, when I close my eyes ♪
♪ It's coming closer all the time ♪
♪ So call me a fool to dream, but just ♪
♪ Don't wake me up ♪
♪ Don't wake me up ♪
(Kat sighing)
(audience cheering)
- What do you say we pick
up the pace a little?
♪ We'll start out with fancy sheets ♪
♪ And wear them down so thin ♪
♪ I'll get myself a coal black suit ♪
♪ I'll never wear again ♪
♪ Your Mama will give us china ♪
♪ And your Daddy give us hell ♪
♪ And when we make our getaway ♪
♪ They're gonna ring them wedding bells ♪
♪ One for sorrow, two for joy, they say ♪
♪ And I've had my fill of sorrow anyway ♪
♪ I was driving out on County N ♪
♪ With my high-beam headlights on ♪
♪ In the late night FM no-man's land ♪
♪ Looking for a Tom Petty song ♪
♪ The Perseids were falling ♪
♪ In that hothouse August night ♪
♪ I saw two come down together ♪
♪ And I thought it looked about right ♪
♪ And it's one for sorrow,
two for joy, they say ♪
♪ And I've had my fill of sorrow anyway ♪
♪ We're gonna have 100 babies ♪
♪ And a little house outside of town ♪
(traffic rumbling)
- [Lauren] He works all day,
and then he wants to go out at night, too.
- One night a month, I wanna play a gig.
I can't just go to work and come home,
I need something that fills me up.
- And I guess your family
doesn't fill you up?
- I didn't say that.
- You kind of did.
- Lauren, what do you
think of John's music?
- Ah, it's fine.
- Thanks.
- I was supportive for
years, but at some point,
he needs to grow up and realize,
that it's not going to happen.
Everyone thinks they can sing.
Everyone thinks they were
made for something great,
and you know what?
It's bullshit, because somebody
has to work in a cubicle.
(drumbeat)
(background people chattering)
- Let's go, guys, we've got a
lot of antsy people out there.
- Not yet.
- Five minutes, that's it.
- I can't believe she's late.
- She'll make it.
- She always does.
(bluesy rock music)
- Anyone else industry?
- Yeah.
- Hey, I liked the piece you
did on streaming last month.
- Thanks, I just hope
it helps the artists.
- Probably not, but enjoy the show.
Hey, I'll see you at the after party.
- Okay.
- Oh, hey, you made it.
- Yeah, yeah, quite a buzz on these guys.
- Yeah, you'll love
them, promise. Come on.
- Hey, did you get my messages?
- Yeah, I can't talk now.
- I've got a new project for you.
- Find me after the show.
- It's important!
- Well?
- We sold out.
(all cheering)
- What's the vibe out there?
- Well, there are 1000
people on their feet
another 100 hoping to get in.
That director I told you about is here,
you got A&R guys and
radio weasels everywhere.
Take your pick, boys,
any company you want,
big, small, independent, they
all wanna sign Lincoln 8.
(Kat laughing)
Well, come on, boys, this is the fun part.
(rock music from the stage)
- [Bassist] You're amazing.
- [Both] Uh!
- This is all because of you.
- Damn right it is.
(both laughing)
Oh, oh-oh!
- I think I might barf.
- Breathe.
(drummer breathing deeply)
Better?
- We'll see.
(Kat laughs)
- They're waiting.
- You made this happen.
- We did it together.
(audience cheering)
- I'll thank you properly after the show.
- [House Manager] Ladies and gentlemen,
put it together for Lincoln 8!
(audience cheering)
♪ Jump the tracks ♪
♪ 'Cause I am on the wrong path ♪
♪ This way is leading me back ♪
♪ Down to nothing good ♪
♪ Slow down, we got to
turn this thing around ♪
♪ Everything is upside down ♪
♪ Backwards, inside out ♪
♪ 'Cause life is just a
moment and then it's gone ♪
♪ And time is just the
medley of things we've done ♪
♪ One chance to get it right ♪
♪ But I'm doing it wrong right now ♪
♪ 'Cause nothing ever lasts,
when you're a rolling stone ♪
♪ I need you to be my
angel and take me home ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm heading for a train
wreck, if I do this alone ♪
♪ Worn down, I'm so very worn out ♪
♪ I've lied so many times,
I don't know what to say ♪
♪ So get up, 'cause
I'm not gonna give up ♪
♪ We've come so far now,
it's just a matter of mind ♪
(background people chattering)
- I need a favor.
- Surprise.
- I'll pay you whatever you want.
- Who is it?
- She's a young talent we just
signed, a lot of potential.
- Fine.
- Really?
- I'll be at Dugan's tomorrow at five.
- You won't be sorry.
- We got three definite offers,
Universal, Epic and Capitol.
- Capitol Records, oh my gosh!
Ah, the Beatles, they
were with Capitol Records.
- And Warner Brothers is
flying us to LA tomorrow
to talk about their deal.
- On their jet.
- All of us, you too, Kat.
- Yeah, so, ah, I'm-I'm not going.
- What do you mean?
- This is the end of the road for me.
- We need you in LA.
- You'll be fine.
- [Guitarist] But this
is what we've worked for.
- Right, so my job is done.
- That's what this has been to you, a job?
- Don't make this personal, Colton.
- Nothing with you ever is.
- Man, this sucks, we're gonna miss you.
- Send me a postcard.
- Where to? You don't have an address.
- Oh yeah. (laughs softly)
Hey.
You guys enjoy the party.
(background people chattering)
(Bassist exhales heavily)
(phone ringing)
(drawer closing)
(phone ringing)
(cup clattering)
(phone ringing)
Hello?
Yeah, that's me.
They left what?
(car rumbling)
(car door closing)
Hi, girl.
(guitar case thudding)
(note rustling)
(Kat sighing softly)
Looks like it's just us girls now.
(background rock music)
Hey, Malone.
- Hey, ain't seen you
around here in a while.
How was the show last night?
- Oh, you heard about that?
- Everyone in town heard about it.
Got some messages for you.
You know, they have these
things called cell phones.
Get your messages on a
bright, little screen.
- You're much more
interesting than a cell phone.
- There is that.
(Kat laughs softly)
You expecting someone?
- Unfortunately.
- Go easy on her.
- Kat.
- Hey, Garrett.
- This is Mercy Maines.
- Oh, my gosh, it's so great to meet you.
Garrett told me you're the best.
- [Kat] Don't trust a word he says.
- How do you wanna do this?
You wanna start by listening to her demo
or we could just-
- You can take a seat.
Well, go on now.
- I'll be over there,
if you need me.
- Do you wanna hear
anything in particular?
- (sighs) I'd like to hear what
makes you wake up screaming
in the middle of the night.
- Huh?
- Just play something.
♪ Baby, I know that it's tough ♪
♪ Choices we made, the things we gave up ♪
♪ Got us where we are today ♪
♪ And if you run, you'll never know ♪
♪ Oh, just how far we could go ♪
♪ Baby, I want you to stay ♪
♪ 'Cause I've loved you
since the beginning, oh ♪
♪ Stay with me now that
we're winning, oh ♪
♪ Moving so fast my head's spinning ♪
♪ But I've loved you since
the beginning, beginning, oh ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Loved you since the beginning ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
(Kat breathing deeply)
- What's the problem, Kat?
- The problem is they'll eat her up.
- You don't know that.
- She's in high school!
- It's not up to you!
Come on, this was a mistake.
- Can you pass the ketchup?
You, with the attitude, ketchup, please.
(background pool table noise)
Salt too.
Don't worry about it,
I'll just get it myself.
I'd hate to put you out.
Malone, I would like to buy
this lovely lady a drink.
- No need, Kat drinks on the house.
- On the house?
I've been coming here for years,
I've never had a drink on the house.
- Maybe you should stop coming.
- You'd miss me.
- No.
(John sighing)
- So why did that girl
care what you think?
- Who knows?
- Are you in the music
business or something?
- Something.
- Really?
- Why, are you a musician?
Please tell me you're not.
- Construction worker.
- Thank you. (laughing)
- But I do sing on the job.
- So I bet you're super handy, right?
- Oh no.
That question always gets me into trouble.
- What do you mean?
- When someone asks that,
it means they either need me
to hang their mini-blinds or
unclog their toilet for free
or for a meatloaf or something.
- You've been paid in meatloaf?
- Twice.
(Kat laughing incredulously)
- So if I'm staying in a
motel that has a leaky faucet,
that's not something you'd
be interested in fixing?
(John laughing)
- Ah, I don't know about that.
- Okay, no worries.
I'm sure I can find someone
who would love to fix it.
- I'm sure you can.
Maybe call the manager.
- Yeah, sure.
Challenge. (laughing)
- Meh-meh, meh-meh, meh-meh!
- What are-
(dog barking)
- Whoa!
- Oh hi, Janis.
- Hello.
Over here? Watch out, Janis.
Beep, beep, beep, oh, oh, oh!
- [Kat] Oh!
- Well, hello, hello.
- Hey, Janis, come on.
- Yes, hello, goodbye.
- Yes, yes.
(door closing)
(sirens wailing in distance)
(John sighing)
(door opening)
(door closing)
What?
- I have, ah,
someplace I need to be.
- Yeah, me too.
(mini-fridge door opening)
Better get going.
- Yeah.
Do you play?
- [Kat] No, a friend gave it to me.
- Wow, nice friend.
(John sniffing)
They all smell different, don't they?
What's this, mahogany?
- You're a construction worker?
- That's my day job, honey.
(melodic guitar music)
Sorry, I have to run, I've got a gig.
- What?
- You think I go to Dugan's for the food?
I don't know who you are or what you do,
but I've been playing
empty bars for 10 years.
So if there's any way you can help me out.
Come to the gig.
Okay then.
Good luck with your faucet. Bye, Janis.
(door opening)
(door closing)
(car rumbling)
(CD player clicking)
♪ I've been walking at
dusk, just walking ♪
♪ With these lonely
man's blues on my back ♪
♪ I've been down to the well ♪
♪ I've been to the Liberty Bell ♪
♪ But it looks to be getting a crack ♪
♪ I've been talking about
love, just talking ♪
♪ And it seems like I don't get nowhere ♪
♪ Maybe I ought to go ♪
♪ To just where I don't know ♪
♪ But it looks to be other than here ♪
♪ And if I was a lighthouse ♪
♪ I would shine out on the ocean ♪
♪ And if I was a train ♪
♪ I would always run on time ♪
♪ Safely on their way ♪
♪ I would send God's weary travelers ♪
♪ And when my time was done ♪
♪ I would leave it all ♪
(bottle of beer opening)
♪ Behind ♪
(power tool whirring loudly)
- Callahan!
(wood clattering)
- [John] Didn't think I'd see you again.
- Sorry to disappoint.
- What are you doing here?
- I listened to your CD.
(hammer banging)
There's something there.
Do you have more than three songs?
- No.
- Why not?
- Because I have a wife and
kid and a mortgage payment.
- I'm sorry, you have a wife?
- We're going through a rough patch.
- Like going to people's motel rooms?
- Spare me the judgment,
I have enough of my own.
- Well, you're gonna
have to write more songs.
You can't cut an album or play a show,
unless you have at least 10 songs.
- (laughs) What the hell
are you talking about?
- Oh, I'm leaving town
and you're coming with me.
- What?
(hammer banging)
I don't even know who you are.
- I'm an independent music scout.
I've worked with hundreds of artists,
most of them you've heard of.
Hey, if you don't believe me, ask around.
(power tool whirring)
- Where would we go?
- I don't know.
- For how long?
- No clue.
- At least tell me why.
- Because I can make it happen for you.
I wanna be on the road by
sunset, pack some things
and meet me at Dugan's at five.
(hammer banging)
(melodic guitar music)
Yeah, so it's just the belt's
been making some noise.
(Kat laughing)
You want it, oh?
Sit.
Shake hands.
(packets rustling)
(melodic guitar music)
(car rumbling)
(melodic guitar music)
- Kaitlyn says they're the
best swim lessons in town.
- She's already in ballet and soccer.
- She needs to learn to swim, John.
- For $300?
- That's what it costs.
- What about piano lessons?
- Where's that gonna get her?
(knocking on door)
- I'll get it, I'll get it!
- Hey, where you going?
(door opening)
Millie, go find Mommy.
Now.
(Millie laughing)
(door closing)
What are you doing here?
- What are you doing here?
I said five o'clock.
- I'm not going.
- Why not?
- Because I have responsibilities,
I can't just pick up and leave.
- Bullshit, people do it all the time.
- Not me.
- You're right, not you.
You hate your job and
your marriage, but by God,
you're gonna suffer through
them to the very end.
- Don't pretend like you know me.
- Well, I've known a lot of
people like you and guess what?
It's not cool to go down
with the ship, find your joy
and I swear it spills over
to the people you love.
- Do you have kids?
- [Kat] No.
- Then you don't know what
you're asking me to do.
- You're right, I don't,
but I do know that kids
learn what they live.
What are you teaching your daughter, John?
You asked for help, this
is what it looks like.
- I'm sorry, I can't.
(door opening)
(door closing)
- [Kat] Unbelievable.
- Who is she?
- (sighs) She's in the music business.
- That again?
- Yeah, that again.
- Just go.
- What?
- I can't stand the tension
in this house anymore.
I'm not happy, you're not
happy, let's stop pretending.
(door opening)
- Wait!
- Will you bring me a
present, when you come back?
- Of course.
- A unicorn?
No, wait, a giant panda.
- A panda bear, you want a panda bear?
- No, a giant honey bear.
- A honey bear? You're my honey bear.
Yeah, I'll buy that, sure.
- I might have really long
hair, when you come back.
- I don't think I'm
gonna be gone that long.
Give me a hug, give me a hug.
Call if you need me.
- I won't.
(door opening)
(car engine idling)
(car door closing)
(car door opening)
(drumbeat)
- When Daniel taught me what this meant,
you remember what this was?
- Oh yes.
(both laughing)
- Let's get married.
- What?
- I'll love you every day of
my life and I'll never leave.
- I'm holding a cheeseburger.
- You're beautiful.
- You're nuts.
- Marry me.
- Okay.
(both laughing)
(car rumbling)
- (sighs) I'm usually putting
Millie to bed right now.
- What's that like?
- Sing me a song, Daddy.
♪ Twinkle, twinkle ♪
- Not that one.
♪ This little light of mine ♪
- No, the lullaby song.
♪ Sleep, you little alibi ♪
♪ With your reasons in a row ♪
♪ You have turned in
circles all of your life ♪
♪ Just so your shadow would not show ♪
♪ Dream with me, dream with me ♪
♪ And we'll wake in better days ♪
♪ And we'll build a boat ♪
♪ And hope that it floats ♪
♪ And then we'll sail ♪
♪ Sleep, you little resume ♪
♪ With your head above the crowd ♪
♪ You have held your breath
in all of your life ♪
♪ Just to make somebody proud ♪
♪ Sleep, you little reservoir ♪
♪ Let your banks just overflow ♪
♪ No, you can't contain all of that rain ♪
♪ You're gonna have to let it go ♪
♪ Dream with me, dream with me ♪
♪ And we'll wake in better light ♪
♪ And until we rise with open eyes ♪
♪ Goodnight, my love, goodnight ♪
♪ Yes, until some sun wakes everyone ♪
♪ Goodnight, my love, goodnight ♪
- John.
- Yeah?
- You made the right decision.
- So where are we going?
- I don't know, you tell me.
- I'm sorry, what?
- [Kat] This is your journey, John.
(phone ringing)
(traffic rumbling quietly)
- Hey, Pete.
I'm not gonna make it in today.
I need to take some time
off for personal reasons.
I don't know, maybe a week.
- A week?
- I know, I didn't expect to get paid.
Yeah, yeah, I get it.
(traffic rumbling quietly)
God!
I got fired.
- They're hiring, you
wanna get an application?
- You think this is a joke?
I have bills, I need a job.
- You have a new job. Tell the truth.
Speak it, write it, sing it.
- Does it come with dental?
(car rumbling)
(melodic guitar music)
It's no good, I don't even know
how I wrote those three songs.
Everything that comes out now is crap.
- Write it anyway, then
go back and fix it.
- There's no hook, it can't be fixed.
- John.
(John sighing)
You can't be an artist and
a critic at the same time.
When you write, you write.
Give yourself that freedom.
And when you're done,
decide if it's any good.
Try tuning it down half a step.
(tuning the guitar)
(melodic guitar music)
- Hey, that sounds better.
- I know.
- Are you a musician?
- Nope.
- Singer?
- No.
- Then how did you get
into the music business?
- Bad luck.
When are you most creative?
When you're showering?
Running? Doing dishes?
- To be honest, I haven't
felt creative in a while.
- When was the last time?
(gentle melodic music)
- When Lauren and I were dating.
I used to write in the
space above the garage,
it had great acoustics
and I had this Hoffman
guitar, that sung like a bird.
Then she got pregnant and we needed money
for a car with a backseat,
so we sold everything,
bought a Honda.
- Solid car.
- I liked my guitar better.
- Let's find it.
(cheerful melodic music)
- Hey, Phil, it's John Callahan.
Yeah, yeah, it's been a
while, random question,
do you still have that Hoffman
I sold you a while back?
Okay, what cousin?
Yeah, yeah, I met her once.
Um, where does she live?
Hey great, thanks, Phil,
appreciate it, man.
It's in LaCrosse.
(cheerful banjo music)
Should I check to see if
there's a leaky faucet?
(bag unzipping)
- Why?
You wouldn't do anything about it anyway.
I'm going for a run.
(bag unzipping)
(footsteps running)
What are you doing?
- I haven't exercised
in ages, do you mind?
- I do, actually.
- So where are you from?
(Kat groans)
What, you're the only one,
who's allowed to ask questions?
- Chicago.
- I checked the faucet, by the way,
it's not leaking, but I would've fixed it.
- I wouldn't want you to fix it anymore.
- No?
- No.
- You sure?
- Yeah, that moment has passed.
(gentle guitar music)
(John sighing)
- I've got nothing, I'm
just coming up blank.
- Is there a voice or sound in your head?
Something that drives you?
- The words "I expected more from you."
- Who said that?
- My father said it first.
My parents split up, when I was a kid,
my sisters went with my
mom, I went with Dad.
He was a salesman, a lot
of cheap suits and cologne.
He was always gone, so I
was left to fend for myself.
I used to cook dinner outside,
so I wouldn't have dishes.
One night when I was eight, I
took some ham out to the woods
behind our house, cooked it over a fire.
It never dawned on me, that
it hadn't rained in months,
just knew I was hungry and
no one was coming to help.
The fire took out 20 acres.
When my dad picked me up
at the police station,
he said, "I expected more from you."
The upside was in juvie, they gave me
breakfast, lunch and dinner
and I wasn't alone anymore,
so it all worked out.
- Except for that voice in your head.
(melodic guitar music)
♪ There's a man in a cheap suit ♪
♪ Holding a beer can ♪
♪ Standing on his back porch ♪
♪ Looking out past the highway ♪
♪ The sun is going down ♪
♪ In a field of dry corn ♪
♪ And the slider keeps catching ♪
♪ And the screen is torn ♪
♪ His tie is loose ♪
♪ His socks are thin ♪
♪ He shakes the can once ♪
♪ And goes back in ♪
♪ He walks between his children ♪
♪ And the television glow ♪
♪ Through the kitchen for another ♪
♪ To the living room alone ♪
(car door opening)
- What are you doing?
- Driving.
- [Kat] No.
- Yes.
- No!
(car rumbling quietly)
(knocking on door)
(door opening)
- Hi.
- [John] Are you Skye?
- I am until my next life.
- I'm John Callahan, your cousin, Phil,
gave me your address, this is Kat.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- We're searching for a Hoffman guitar,
I sold it to Phil about six years ago,
apparently he gave it to you.
- Oh, my God,
that guitar is the sweetest
instrument I have ever played.
- So you have it?
- No, I'm into the tabla
now, have you heard of it?
It's an Indian drum, magical,
the first time I heard it,
I connected with a part of
myself deep down inside,
that is actually Indian,
I never knew She was there,
until I played the tabla.
- Where's the guitar?
- I sold it to a pawn
shop in Cedar Rapids.
- Shit.
- How long ago?
- I don't know, maybe a month.
- Do you know the name of the store?
- No, but I can take you
there, I need rent money.
Arlo, we're taking a drive!
My boyfriend, you'll love him.
- So then she came into my tent and asked
if anyone had any extra
birth control pills.
- (laughing) Well, it was Burning Man,
I figured there was every
kind of drug there, right,
why not birth control? (laughing)
- We've been together ever since.
- Longest relationship of my life.
- Four months, baby.
♪ Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me ♪
♪ For I come from Alabama
with a banjo on my knee ♪
- Big finish!
♪ Oh, I come from Alabama ♪
♪ With a banjo ♪
♪ On my knee ♪
(car rumbling)
- There it is, up there!
- Thank God!
- I don't see it.
- Let's ask.
Hi.
- [Randy] You need something?
- Yeah, we're looking for a guitar.
- A '73 Hoffman Dreadnought,
Indian rosewood back and sides,
sitka spruce on top.
- Yeah, I don't know what that means,
but we got a sweet ass one in the back.
- Can we see it?
- That's got to be it.
- How much is it worth?
- A couple thousand.
- Do you have any money?
- No. You?
- Not really.
- That's it!
- How much?
- Not for sale, sold it this morning.
They'll be by after work to pick it up.
- Are you kidding?
(phone ringing)
- Sorry, man.
- What if I can come up with the money?
- Can't do it, it's sold.
- John, go wait outside.
- Why?
- Uptown Pawn.
- Just go.
- Nine p.m.
Yeah, you have a good day too.
- I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.
- Randy.
- Randy.
Randy with the guitar.
- Yeah.
(footsteps running)
- [John] My God, she's nuts.
Get your butt back here.
(patting window)
- No, no, no, no.
(car door opening)
I don't wanna get fired this week!
- Go, go!
- What about the kids?
- Leave them!
- No, no, no!
(car rumbling)
Oh, I am so getting fired.
(cheerful guitar music)
♪ It's too late to go home early anymore ♪
♪ I can't stand to read the number ♪
♪ On my hotel room door ♪
♪ One wants two wants another ♪
♪ I called my wife, I missed my brother ♪
♪ I'll have one more ♪
♪ And then I've got to get some rest ♪
♪ I been rolling since
the sun came up today ♪
♪ From Phoenix all the way to Santa Fe ♪
♪ Ashes arcing down the road ♪
♪ It's a high, heavy
load on my shoulders ♪
♪ But I know ♪
(car rumbling)
- Hey, wake up, we're here.
(car door opening)
(car door closing)
(snow crunching underfoot)
Oh, shit!
(door closing)
- He's breathing.
- [Kat] He usually is.
- [Wayne] I'm okay.
Shut the door.
- Who is it?
- My dad.
I'm going to bed.
Take the room at the top of the stairs.
(footsteps ascending stairs)
(Wayne moaning softly)
(number dialing)
(phone ringing)
- [Lauren] Hey, it's Lauren.
I'm probably out doing something fabulous.
Leave a message and I'll call you back.
Maybe. (giggling)
- Hey, it's me. Sorry
I've been out of touch.
I'm in the middle of nowhere
without cell service.
How's Millie?
God, I miss her.
Give her my love and let me
know when I can talk to her.
I'm gonna try you guys
tomorrow night, let's say six,
I need to hear my girl's voice.
(receiver clattering)
(door opening)
(people chattering loudly)
(Lauren laughing)
I need to talk with you for a minute.
- What's up, husband? (laughing)
- I, I don't know.
- What's the matter, babe,
what's with the uptight look?
- I saw you dancing with Tony.
- Yeah?
- You were all over him.
- Oh, come on, give me a break.
(door opening)
(melodic dance music)
- I'm just saying, I didn't like it.
- Are you kidding?
Are you jealous? It's our wedding.
- I know and I don't think it's right
for you to be rubbing up on another guy.
- I was having fun,
that's what you're supposed
to do at a wedding.
Excuse me.
(door opening)
(melodic pop music)
(people chattering loudly)
(door closing)
(gentle guitar music)
♪ Amazing grace ♪
♪ How sweet the sound ♪
♪ That saved a wretch like me ♪
♪ I once was lost ♪
♪ But now I'm found ♪
♪ Was blind, but now I see ♪
♪ Twas grace hath taught
my heart to fear ♪
♪ And grace my fears relieved ♪
♪ How precious did that grace appear ♪
♪ The hour I first believed ♪
- I'm not gonna apologize for last night.
- You never do.
- Sometimes the loneliness
just gets to be too much,
you know?
- I know.
That's a great hat, Wayne.
- It was my daddy's.
The most authentic person I've ever known.
- Can I try it on?
- Get outta here. (claps) Who wants bacon?
I slaughtered the pig myself.
- Yes, sir.
- [Kat] I'm going for a walk.
- I'll join you.
- [Kat] Nope, stay and write.
(snow crunching underfoot)
(soft melodic music)
(gentle guitar music)
♪ That we're given... ♪
(John groaning softly)
♪ Tracks in the snow... ♪
♪ Chorus, where ♪
Run of three.
Four, three.
(John sighing)
(John humming)
(Kat exhaling heavily)
- Hey.
- Where's John?
- He's in the shower.
Been in there for two hours.
Hot water's expensive, you know.
(water running)
(John humming)
- Hey, what's going on in here?
- I came up with a great melody.
I'm working on the verses
now. (humming tunefully)
- Alright.
(shower running)
I just wanted to make
sure you weren't drowning.
(John laughing)
(toilet flushing)
- (humming) OH! Argh!
♪ ...that we're driven,
all the mercies... ♪
♪ ...could be the one to find you... ♪
♪ Mercies that we're
that we're... beginner ♪
♪ While the light ♪
♪ All the lengths to which we're driven ♪
- He'll call, sweetie, I'm sure he will.
Any minute.
- Come on. (claps) Bring your guitar.
- Where to?
- Trust me, you don't wanna miss this.
Come on.
(footsteps descending stairs)
- The Coda Club?
- Yeah, it's an underground jam session
for musicians, who are
touring the Midwest.
You never know who'll drop by.
- Cool.
- Yeah, they're legendary.
You've gotta know someone to get in.
- Do we know someone?
- Honey, you know me.
- [Allen] Hey Kat, how you doing?
- Hey.
- [Allen] Good to see you.
- Nice to see you.
- Who's this you got with you?
- Yeah, so Allen Kirk,
this is John Callahan.
- Nice to meet you, John.
- Nice to meet you.
- I see you brung a
little toy with you there.
- Hm-mm.
- Yeah, I did, yeah.
- Well, I guess you brung that
to play a little bit, right?
- Yeah, I'll probably just
listen the first time.
- I don't think so.
You come in here with that
thing, you have to work.
(melodic bluegrass music)
♪ How long you been a
waiting down here all alone ♪
♪ I don't know now, Daddy, I don't know ♪
♪ I don't know, Daddy, I don't know ♪
♪ But I feel like it's been
a long, long time ago ♪
(all humming tunefully)
♪ Well, our Lord ♪
♪ Take me with you baby,
anywhere you wanna go ♪
♪ I said, take me with you
baby, anywhere you wanna go ♪
♪ We'll go back to Minneapolis ♪
♪ All the way down to Chicago ♪
♪ Oh, oh, babe ♪
♪ Take me where you wanna go ♪
♪ Hey, yeah, babe ♪
♪ Take me anywhere you wanna go ♪
♪ I don't care where we're
going as long as I'm with you ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Oh, oh ♪
♪ I don't care where we go, baby ♪
♪ As long as you take me with you ♪
♪ Ooh, yeah ♪
(all laughing)
- Nice.
- (chatter)
- I don't understand why those
guys don't have record deals.
- Because they don't want them.
- Why not?
- They fund their own music.
They sleep on couches
and drive rental cars,
eat backstage 100 nights a year,
sell CDs to people who
look them in the eye
and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Those guys, they don't sell out.
- Although some of us would rather sign
a three-album deal with Warner Brothers.
- Oh, my God, are you serious?
- [Colton] Absolutely.
- You did it.
- We did it.
(John clears throat)
- Colton, this is John Callahan.
- Nice to meet you.
- My new project.
- That didn't take long.
- Did you come all this
way just to pick a fight?
- (sighs) No.
I came to give you this.
They gave us a signing bonus
and we all agreed it should go to you.
- Oh, Colton, I can't take this.
- Too late, your name's
already on the check,
we just didn't know where to send it.
- Shit, that's a lot of money.
- That's a lifetime's supply
of running shoes is what it is.
- Hey.
Your wife called about 20 times.
Piece of work.
- Oh, shit!
(door opening)
Lauren!
(baby crying)
Hey, hey.
Hey, hey.
I got your message.
- I can't do this anymore.
- Can't do what?
- She just cries all day.
She doesn't wanna play, she won't sleep,
she won't drink my milk, she just cries.
I hate her. (crazed laughter)
- What?
- I don't want her around.
I don't want her in my house.
I didn't ask for this, I
don't want this to be my life!
- [John] We'll get you some help.
- Get her out of my fucking house!
- Ssh!
(baby crying)
Oh.
Hey.
Hey.
(phone ringing)
(John sighing)
(receiver clattering)
- Hey, mind if I join you?
- Thought you went to bed.
- [Colton] You're sitting on my bed.
- Oh, sorry.
- So you must be pretty good,
if Kat's taken you under her wing.
- I don't know about that.
- I do.
She's got an eye for talent.
All you have to do is jump on board.
- I'm here, aren't I?
- Commit to it.
When you commit to something,
it changes shape, it changes everything.
- The last time I committed to something,
it didn't turn out so well.
- So, try again.
- How long have you been playing music?
- About 15 years.
I don't really count the
years I was an addict.
- What got you through?
- A higher power.
You gotta believe in something
bigger than yourself.
- So you think you were
put here to make music?
- No, I think we're all just put here
to make the world a
better place, you know,
no matter how you go about it,
build a bridge, plant
a tree, write a song.
Doesn't matter,
just leave the world a better
place than you found it.
- Thanks.
- Goodnight.
- Hey, why'd you give Kat a
guitar, if she doesn't play?
- Why don't you ask her?
(dishes clinking)
- Hey, always good to see
you, come back anytime.
- Careful, I'm the kind of guy
who'll take you up on that.
- Good luck.
- Take care of her.
- I'm trying.
- I can hear you.
I'm gonna drop him off
at the train station
and then run some errands in town.
I won't be back till late, get writing.
- [John] Yes, ma'am.
- And you, stay away from the beer, okay?
- Whiskey it is.
(door opening)
(car rumbling quietly)
(melodic guitar music)
(John humming tunefully)
(door opening)
(light clicking on)
(eerie music)
- Hey.
- Jesus, you scared me.
What are you doing up?
- Doing a little reading actually.
- Okay.
- Yeah, I was just reading
about a child prodigy.
It's an incredible story,
she wrote like hundreds of songs,
played 14 instruments,
even composed a symphony
before the age of 12.
She sounds amazing.
Katie Revere, huh?
- That's me.
- I don't get it, you're
this musical genius,
why are you keeping it a secret?
- Because it's none of your business.
- Well, it kind of is my business,
because I left my wife
and daughter and job at your suggestion
and now I'm not sure who you are.
- I'm going to bed.
- See, I've been sitting here for hours
trying to figure out what the big deal is
and for the life of me,
I can't make sense of it.
- It's nothing.
- Then explain it.
- The music business wasn't
my cup of tea, so I got out.
- Not that far out.
What's ironic is that you told me
my job was to tell the truth,
to speak it, write it and sing it.
But it's fine for you to lie, right?
- Alright, I've had enough.
- Tell me one thing.
Do you miss it?
(eerie music)
- What?
- [John] Singing, playing.
- No.
- And there's another lie.
See, now I'm getting
good at spotting them.
- Get out.
- What?
Why are you-
- Get the-
- Why are you pushing me away?
- Get the hell out.
If you don't wanna be here, then leave,
no one's stopping you.
- Guess I touched a nerve.
- Go on, go back to your pathetic life.
Lie in bed next to a woman you don't love
and pretend like it doesn't bother you
to wear a tool belt for the
rest of your goddamn life!
(haunting orchestral music)
(slow piano music)
(footsteps running)
(train rumbling)
(slow piano music)
(door slamming shut)
- That went well.
- If you'd like to come back,
I'd be happy to talk to just you.
- No, thanks.
- You know, it's amazing what can happen,
when just one person believes in you.
But the truth is that
person has to be you.
(snow crunching underfoot)
(door opening)
(Lauren laughing)
- Oh, God!
John, what are you doing here?
- Where's Millie?
- John.
- Where's my daughter?
- She-she's at my mom's.
John.
Wait, don't do this.
- You did this.
It's funny, I had all
this guilt about leaving,
but it worked out pretty
well for you, didn't it?
- That is not fair.
You left here with another woman.
- We're working together.
- Are you really telling me
you don't have feelings for her?
(John sighing)
(gentle melodic music)
We're not happy anymore
and we both deserve to be.
If someone had to be the
bad guy, I guess it was me.
(door opening)
(door closing)
- I'm gonna miss you, girl.
- You sure you wanna leave her?
- Give you a reason to
get up every morning.
- Where to now?
What's this?
- It's enough to pay what
you owe on the house.
(Wayne sobbing quietly)
Not for beer, for the house.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
(bag zipping up)
- Hey.
Don't you miss having
a place to call home?
- Every day.
(melodic orchestral music)
(melodic guitar music)
- I wish you could come over today.
- We talked about this, kiddo.
- But Mom won't mind, please,
just to open presents?
- I'm sorry, honey.
(knocking on door)
(door opening)
- [Millie] Mommy!
- (laughs) Hi, sweetie.
I missed you.
Hey, go get your stuff, the car's running.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Merry Christmas.
- I didn't get you-
- It's okay. (laughs)
I just saw it and thought
you might like it, open it.
(paper rustling)
I know you said he's a friend of yours,
you may already have it.
- I don't.
Thank you.
- Listen, um, if you don't
have anything to do tomorrow,
you're welcome to come to the house.
I mean, Frank will be there,
but I know it would mean
the world to Millie.
- I'm good, thanks.
Come here, you.
(Lauren laughing)
Hey.
Have a good Christmas, okay?
- Good girl.
(door opening)
(door closing)
- I can't believe you're
open on Christmas.
- What else am I gonna
do, roast chestnuts?
May as well feed the lonely.
- You're a smart man.
- Not according to my wife.
(John laughing softly)
Beer?
- [John] Yes, sir.
(bottle of beer opening)
- Five dollars.
- On Christmas? Have a heart.
- Oh, I have a heart,
it needs medication and
that shit's expensive.
- [Kat] Why don't you put it on my tab?
(background Christmas music)
- Hi.
- Hi.
- I'm surprised to see you here.
- Yeah, well, I'm Malone's Secret Santa,
so I had to stop by.
(paper rustling)
Ah, my favorite.
Careful now or I'll mistake
you for someone who cares.
- Many do.
- Messages.
- Most of those are from me.
(bottle of beer opening)
- On the house.
(background Christmas music)
- I tried to call you, but your
dad said you'd already left.
- Yeah, well,
you know me.
- No, I don't.
- How you been?
- I can't say I ever
spent Christmas in a bar.
- (laughs) Welcome to the club.
(bottles clinking)
So divorce, huh?
- How'd you know?
- I stopped by your house
and the RV king told me.
- The RV king and the prom queen,
they're a match made in heaven.
So why'd you come looking for me?
- Who said I was looking for you?
- It's kind of obvious.
- Okay, so what if I was?
- You tell me.
- I don't like how things ended.
- So I got under your skin?
- Don't push it.
- The road's gotta be lonely.
- I like the road.
- I never said you didn't.
I don't care why you're
here, I'm just glad you are.
You wanna get out of this shithole?
- [Malone] I heard that.
(sensual melodic music)
♪ La la la la la la la ♪
♪ Ah ♪
♪ I've never known someone like you ♪
♪ You've got a heart ♪
♪ Like a hurricane lamp ♪
♪ You've got a heart ♪
♪ Like a hurricane lamp ♪
♪ And I see you shine ♪
♪ Everywhere I am ♪
♪ 'Cause you've got a heart ♪
♪ Like a hurricane lamp ♪
♪ You keep your light inside ♪
♪ You keep your light inside ♪
♪ You keep your light inside ♪
♪ You keep your light ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
I think you needed some sleep.
- It's weird, I, I never sleep.
That's a beautiful song.
- I wrote it for you,
in case you leave today,
at least you heard it.
Was it easy for you to write?
- Pretty much.
I always had a melody in my head,
it wouldn't stop, until I got it out.
- What was your instrument?
- Piano.
- But you play guitar too?
- I do.
I did.
What else do you wanna know?
- Why do you cry in your sleep?
- I...
I begged my mom to send the
demo to record companies.
She was against it at first,
but then she saw it was what I wanted,
what I needed
and she got involved.
It's funny,
she chose the label,
sat in on every recording
session, met with every producer,
shook the hand of every radio DJ,
but she never wondered
why the head of the label
needed to see me at his house on weekends.
(gentle melodic music)
The first time,
I was 14.
I tried to run.
I screamed,
"I won't, I won't, I
won't let you touch me!"
And he said, "Of course not, honey.
You touch me."
So that's, that's what we did.
- Jesus, Kat.
Did you tell anybody?
- I told my mom
and it killed her.
She was dead a year later.
Pop picked up the bottle
and never stopped.
So I love music just about
as much as I hate it.
- I'm so sorry.
- I don't need pity,
okay?
- [John] Okay.
- So let me ask you something.
(John laughing)
Do you have 10 songs?
- I do.
- Good!
(both laughing)
- In fact,
I have 10 songs, plus 18 more.
- Really?
- Really.
- Well then, it's time
for you to have a show.
(both laughing)
- No, every Friday's filled
for the next three months.
- Then bump someone.
- He brings in eight people.
- 12.
- Not anymore, we'll sell out.
- (groaning) Fine.
(Kat laughing)
- Alright, you're gonna need a band.
- I am?
- You are.
(cheerful, upbeat music)
- Once more.
(band chattering)
- Hunter, it's Kat Revere.
I wanted to invite you
to a gig on the 27th.
You're gonna love this guy.
♪ I was driving out on County N ♪
♪ With my high-beam headlights on ♪
♪ In the late night FM no-man's land ♪
♪ Looking for a Tom Petty song ♪
♪ The persieds... ♪
Guys, that was my bad.
I think I should close with "Open Road."
- You can't save your best song for last.
- That's what all the artists do.
- All the big artists.
Put your best stuff up
front or people will leave.
Open with "One for Sorrow."
- Actually, I'd like to cover
your song "Don't Wake Me Up."
I wanna start with something
slow, ease into things.
- So you wanna put people to sleep?
- It's a hell of a song.
- I know.
- Songs are meant to be played.
- Okay.
- Okay?
- But make it your own.
- I will.
♪ Far too long ♪
What do you think?
- I think you need a back up singer.
- Paul's the back up singer.
- I think a woman is better.
- Do you know anybody?
- I can make some calls.
- Hey, you could do it.
- Not on your life.
- I can sing, but it'll
be $2 more an hour.
(band laughing)
- [Babysitter] Sold.
- I think we can swing it.
- Alright.
- We'll put you in on the chorus.
- How are you feeling?
- Scared.
Excited.
Worried.
- What are you worried about?
- That no one will show up.
- I promise the place will be packed.
- [John] And now I'm more worried.
(faucet water running)
- What can I do to help?
- I've been thinking about this a lot
and I want you to sing with
me on the opening number.
- Conversation over.
- It's just one song.
- [Kat] It's a no.
- [John] Kat.
- Really, John, you wanna
have this conversation
the night before your show?
- Just hear me out.
That man took everything from you,
but if you let him take
the music too, he wins.
- He already won!
- Bullshit.
You know what you'd have me to do?
Use it, every bit of the
anger, resentment, betrayal,
put it in the music, slay the beast.
But you, you're choosing to be silent,
when you should be screaming to the world.
- I-I can't.
- You haven't tried.
- [Kat] Have you seen my running shoes?
- I hid them.
- I'm going out for a while.
- You can't run from
this, it's inside you.
- [Kat] Goodbye.
- Are you coming back?
(door slamming shut)
(drumbeat)
(background people chattering)
Whoa, look at you.
- Hey, you like?
- Ah, yeah, maybe, yeah.
(all laughing)
- You've gotta let them
know who the talent is.
(people chattering loudly)
- Hey, guys.
- Somebody borrowed Mom's lip gloss.
- Just so you know, I
have to be home by 10.
- You know anything about this guy?
- Not a thing.
- Me neither, but Kat's
never wasted my time.
(beer bottle opening)
- On the house.
(background people chattering)
- [Paul] There was a delivery for you.
- You gonna start soon?
- Let's give it five more minutes.
- What are yous waiting for?
I can't let anyone else in
or the Fire Department will shut me down.
(background people chattering)
- Shall we?
- Let's do it.
- [Paul] Let's do it.
- Hi everybody, thanks
for coming out tonight.
This first song was written
by a friend, who reminded me
you can't stop a wild bird from flying.
♪ Can't stop the sun from rising ♪
♪ Can't stop the waves from
reaching for the shore ♪
♪ Can't stop the wild bird from flying ♪
♪ No, you can't stop me from trying ♪
(melodic piano music)
♪ Open my eyes, pull back the covers ♪
♪ Every day as gray as all the others ♪
♪ Is it just some kind
of trick of the light ♪
♪ Making my world of black and white ♪
♪ Suddenly burst into all these colors. ♪
♪ If it's a dream, don't wake me up ♪
♪ If it's a lie, don't interrupt ♪
♪ If it's a fairytale,
I wanna hear the end ♪
♪ I can see it all, when I close my eyes ♪
♪ And I've been waiting my whole life ♪
♪ So call me a fool to dream, but just ♪
♪ Don't wake me up ♪
♪ My mother told me, when I was young ♪
♪ Don't give your life away to anyone ♪
♪ Never give it up without a fight ♪
♪ Even if you're scared,
keep shining that light ♪
♪ It takes one little sunbeam
to drive the dark away ♪
♪ If it's a dream, don't wake me up ♪
♪ If it's a lie, don't interrupt ♪
♪ If it's a fairytale,
I wanna hear the end ♪
♪ I can see it all, when I close my eyes ♪
♪ It's coming closer all the time ♪
♪ So call me a fool to dream, but just ♪
♪ Don't wake me up ♪
♪ Don't wake me up ♪
(Kat sighing)
(audience cheering)
- What do you say we pick
up the pace a little?
♪ We'll start out with fancy sheets ♪
♪ And wear them down so thin ♪
♪ I'll get myself a coal black suit ♪
♪ I'll never wear again ♪
♪ Your Mama will give us china ♪
♪ And your Daddy give us hell ♪
♪ And when we make our getaway ♪
♪ They're gonna ring them wedding bells ♪
♪ One for sorrow, two for joy, they say ♪
♪ And I've had my fill of sorrow anyway ♪
♪ I was driving out on County N ♪
♪ With my high-beam headlights on ♪
♪ In the late night FM no-man's land ♪
♪ Looking for a Tom Petty song ♪
♪ The Perseids were falling ♪
♪ In that hothouse August night ♪
♪ I saw two come down together ♪
♪ And I thought it looked about right ♪
♪ And it's one for sorrow,
two for joy, they say ♪
♪ And I've had my fill of sorrow anyway ♪
♪ We're gonna have 100 babies ♪
♪ And a little house outside of town ♪