A Love Song for Bobby Long Edit

A few. The 10th, 11th, and 12th. Do you mind?

A lot happened real fast...

A man who was sure the shortest path to heaven was straight through hell.

A neighbor told me when I was 9 and I ran over his tomato plants.

A New Orleans summer drowns in thick, dank stillness.

A place Lorraine had to escape from...

A place of fables and illusion.

A weed is just a weed...

A woman that's crawled into every molecule of his being...

About life, because an unexamined life...

About this wonderfully elusive something called pussy.

After she died, I hardly ever heard from Lorraine.

Alias Samuel Clemens, was born, or down south to Kansas...

All growed up.

All right, close your eyes.

All right, let's get you into bed. Come on.

All right, Nebraska.

All right, now, I have something to tell y'all.

All right, now.

All right, that's it. I'm going home.

All right.

All right.

All right.

All those lady magazines...

Allow him to believe in a generous nature, then rob him blind every time.

Always in a whisper.

Am I, really?

An unwelcome visitor that shows up long enough...

And a warm bed to pass the time away?

And about me, too?

And any spring could be our last...

And as hard is it is to believe...

And as I look around, I see that there are many...

And at the top grew a true lover's knot

And besides, I think we owe it to your mother.

And Bobby and I had to escape to.

And Bobby got here, and all hell broke loose.

And Christmas is as good a day as any to believe in fairy tales.

And everyone fell silent.

And everyone knew but me.

And from his grave grew roses red

And get that off your pecker.

And go down to the river like we used to? What do you think of that?

And guess who helped? We had Ray, and Ike, and even Earl.

And he and Lorraine brought you here for a reason.

And he cracked Bobby's face wide open.

And he is forever grateful.

And he pulled out something. He started throwing it high in the air like that.

And he said, "It's a piece of pussy, Long. My very own."

And he was buried there beside her

And his shoulders were already broad, and his fingers were stained with tobacco.

And I could have sworn it was your turn to do the laundry.

And I don't believe that she thought you'd be interested.

And I don't want to remember.

And I got you this.

And I guess if people want to believe in some form of justice...

And I guess that was the Ernest & Julio talking.

And I guess you got some real men in your real life, too.

And I just started making them up.

And I know that we must seem horrible to you...

And I think she was kind of frightened by it all.

And I wanted her for my very own.

And I watched him play it cool...

And I watched, knowing that I had seen God for the first time.

And I would be sitting on the side with this nice man...

And I'll have my pick of goddamn debauchers:

And I've been trying really hard to better myself.

And in the glorious words of T.S. Eliot:

And it was in that tormented haze, at the age of 10...

And it's none of your damn business how we live.

And leaves us just in time for us to forget again.

And Leroy looked at me with that nasty sideways grin...

And Leroy, he parked himself casually by third base, and he went in his pocket...

And my ass.

And New Orleans, all this...

And not no Vinegar Bend Junior College, neither. My baby's smart.

And play parasite to our generosity.

And playing ball, and swimming, and beating off.

And pray as if you're gonna die tomorrow.

And put one of them backless numbers on me.

And read it in front of the entire class, and there's no exceptions.

And stay young as long as you can. Your youth is fleeting. Be kind.

And that was more than anyone could have asked for.

And that's what you've given your old man.

And the love of a child who, God willing...

And the path he chose to become one.

And the Shirley Temples on the house.

And then...

And this one summer, I was, I don't know, 10 or 11.

And this place definitely kicks ass over the trailer.

And this shithole is just fine for us.

And this, too. From the lawyer. It's time to tell her.

And turned him into a creation of devotion and obsession.

And up rode Leroy Tuberville.

And we were doing all the normal things that boys in Alabama do.

And we'll be right here when you get back from school...

And when she did, she came home for a big show at the Howlin' Wolf.

And when was that, that you quit?

And who are you?

And you are a young, blooming bud.

And you didn't mean a damn thing to her. I didn't think you would care.

And you was so cute.

And you will respect me!

And you, you're free to do as you please.

And you, you're really a writer?

And, God, he worshipped his dad.

Any sign of him?

Anything about her.

Are they getting something else for their trouble?

Are we just gonna be like that family?

Are you fucking crazy?

Are you having sexual intercourse with one another?

Are you in love with her?

Are you ready to see our daughter graduate?

Are you serious? It's Martin Chuzzlewit.

Are you worried about him?

Are you, little Purslane?

Are you?

Aren't you gonna ask me in? I drove all night.

Aren't you people glad to see me?

As opposed to the piece of shit life that we had?

Away from Alabama...

Away from lives that no longer belonged to us.

Because I miss her, I guess.

Because I spoke to that boyfriend of yours...

Because if it's gonna be like this, I ain't learning nothing.

Because she's a young woman.

Because she's becoming more fetching every day.

Because we know God, and God knows us.

Besides, they're gonna take them off anyway...

Besides, when you sell that book, everything will change...

Besides, you should spend time alone with Georgianna.

Besides, you're always complaining how your bed is so cold.

Besides...

Better than her poking around and finding out the truth.

Biloxi?

Bobby could start over.

Bobby likes to think I am.

Bobby Long's tragic flaw was his romance with all that he saw.

Bobby stepped in...

Bobby was still married.

Bobby went crazy. He beat up that kid pretty bad.

Bobby, I don't think that's any of your damn business.

Bobby. If he's on his back, you have to turn him over.

Bobby. We got company, man. Wake up!

Boy, she was devastated neither one of you was there.

Bravo, man.

Breakfast of champions.

But every day felt like the wrong day.

But I knew it was magical and very special because of the way it was spoken about.

But I love the rain.

But I need peace and quiet. I got so much to do...

But in addition to these activities of an innocent childhood...

But it's all right, because Lawson is gonna take us home.

But long before she died.

But old Leroy popped his treasure between his teeth...

But she never came for me, so I just forgot.

But still he had the beautiful wife and kids.

But the heat gives way to a gentle warmth.

But the truth is nobody was really there watching, were they?

But the truth of his handicap...

But this sweet thing, she can move.

But we are not strangers. We were her friends.

But we still got something to offer. We must.

But when we got there, he was gone.

But when you're finished, why don't we just all sit down and talk like a family?

But you aren't a virgin, are you?

But you can move it.

But you will not continue to lay around here...

But you're my father.

By cutting their throats open.

Byron, de Sade, Hemingway.

Called this granddaddy the Tree of Life.

Came in and announced...

Can you give me that shirt, please?

Cecil mentioned earlier that today was a day we should count our blessings.

Cecil's pretty torn up. Make sure he eats.

Champion fuckup, maybe.

Change?

Checkmate. Let's get out of here. We're depressing me.

Choked by that silver spoon.

Christ, he had me so convinced of my own grand destiny...

Christ, I can't do it while you're watching me.

Christ, you're really living in some parallel universe.

Come on in, sit down.

Come on in.

Come on in.

Come on, baby, stop.

Come on, darling, we better get home.

Come on, Lawson. Christ.

Come on, man, let's play gin.

Come on, man, sit...

Come on, man. Of course she takes a language.

Come on, man. You gotta piss sometime.

Come on.

Coming.

Cool it. Don't go after her. I never said I was going anywhere.

Couldn't you count to nine months?

Courtesy of a lovely teacher...

Damn.

Did anyone ever tell you that you smell like a Parisian woman in springtime?

Did whatever the hell he wanted...

Did you ever have two men at once? Have you?

Did you get the girl? She know anything?

Did you love her?

Didn't Lorraine have to do that for a while? Most junkies do.

Do you have to go after her like that, relentlessly?

Do you know how lethal the smell of a Parisian woman in springtime is?

Do you know how much I had to go through for you for this?

Do you remember your mother when y'all were living together?

Do you want her to stick around? Is that what you want?

Does every word out of your mouth have to be in character...

Does it take away from my appearance, in your opinion, miss?

Don't forget to use the cuddly bear stuff.

Don't fuck with the Teacher, okay?

Don't got the lungs for it.

Don't have anything else to do.

Don't know why you have to go so soon.

Don't walk away.

Don't you know it's gonna kill you? Didn't you watch Lorraine?

Every day, at least once. Y'all gonna eat?

Every idiot knows that books are better than life. That's why they're books!

Everybody's seen my peter.

Everyone was.

Finally free?

Find anything?

Find anything?

For me? You expect me to... Come on. What's in it for you?

For your constant sexual harassment.

Fostering inspiration.

From hers grew greenbriers

Fuck you!

Fuck, no.

George Sand.

Georgianna went a half hour ago. You're gonna miss it.

Get me a beer.

Get up, old man. I hear we gotta take you to a doctor.

Girl, your English is fucking atrocious.

Glad you came, honey.

Go on and relax, baby. Drink your beer.

Go.

God damn it, I wanna go to the river now.

God damn it!

God, sometimes you make me so fucking sick.

God, we are living under the same roof as a goddamn dropout.

God, what do you do? Except shit around and talk about how smart you used to be.

Good Lord, y'all look like regular taxpayers.

Good morning to y'all, too.

Good night, Bobby.

Good to see you again, Purslane.

Good universities.

Great minds.

Great to hear it.

Great to meet you. I've seen you play around, man.

Has it ever occurred to you that if we help her get on her feet, she might move on?

Have we heard from the man yet?

Have you ever read any book?

Have you ever read it?

Have you lost your goddamn mind completely?

Have you no respect for the dead?

Have you told her about that?

Have you told her about the difference between true love...

Haven't I paid?

He could move in with me and get some more work done.

He cut up my story and hung it on the Christmas tree.

He didn't. We had a nice day, didn't we?

He kept on saying he had to leave.

He never even knew how she felt.

He said all gardeners hate purslane.

He should never have been by himself.

He started spending more time with us than he was at home.

He took a swing.

He was a man who was destined to go through life and not around it.

He was just a little boy, and it was so dark.

He'll always be there for you.

He's afraid of doctors.

He's been putting it off for weeks.

He's definitely your run of the mill senior year poet.

He's got to cut down. He's got fierce emphysema.

He's not gonna leave you.

He's not usually such a jackass. He's just upset about Lorraine. We all are.

He's right, you know. I can't stay here.

He's writing a book about me.

Hello?

Hello? Is anyone there?

Her friend fell for Bobby pretty hard.

Here 26 years.

Hey, babe.

Hey, is that an SAT application?

Hey, sugar, what are you doing here?

Hey, what are you doing here?

Hey, who are you calling a loser?

His mysterious jewel going up and down.

Ho, ho, ho!

Home state of Willa Cather, one of our first successful female authors.

Honey, I peed myself.

Honey, I was there. Sweetheart, I was there.

Honey, put your bags down. We don't bite.

Honey, where do you want me to put your glasses?

Honey, why did you leave school early?

How about we grab a bottle of wine...

How about you?

How come I didn't know you were a badass sax player?

How could you talk about her all the time and never tell me this?

How do you know who I live with?

How help her?

How is he?

How long you gonna sit around here smoking up our cigarette money?

How'd that happen?

I actually started to believe I was really remembering her.

I always knew it.

I always suspected, but she never told me.

I am a professor. I am a troubadour. A poet.

I am so fucking sorry.

I am sorry, all right?

I am thankful for a God that I had thought had given up on me...

I appreciate what y'all are doing, but I'm not going back.

I believe that I do have a story for you gentlemen.

I believe the term is "dirty old man," not "disgusting."

I can rectify this.

I can't believe it.

I can't think of anything.

I couldn't take it any longer. I had to ask.

I deserve it.

I did. But where did you hide it?

I didn't belong there.

I didn't mean to mess things up between you and Georgianna.

I didn't mean what I said.

I don't feel right about lying to her.

I don't go to school. I waitress. You need one?

I don't have a card for procrastinate.

I don't know if I can promise.

I don't know if you remember me...

I don't know the end of the story yet.

I don't know what happened, really.

I don't know. It was a long time ago.

I don't read those anymore. I don't have the time.

I don't remember how to do this.

I don't see no signs, Miss Daisy.

I don't think they'll teach Burroughs at Catholic school.

I don't want any reason for my daughter to be ashamed of her daddy.

I don't want to sell our house. I love our house. I just...

I figure this is a good place to start.

I figured it was about time I got a life.

I filled out a few applications.

I gotta go.

I guess I could unload them at a flea market or something.

I guess that will change if we all became roommates, wouldn't it?

I guess you already know the deal on the house.

I had all kinds of made up memories.

I had the urge to read something likable about myself.

I have a broken face.

I have a date.

I have to go to a funeral, Lee...

I hear you'll be staying at Bobby and Lawson's for a while?

I helped name you.

I hope you're not wearing them lady underwear.

I just came up here to make sure that you're safe...

I just thought I'd give Lawson a break.

I just...

I just...

I keep forgetting there's a woman in the house.

I knew Ben would be waiting.

I knew he wasn't himself tonight.

I know a lot about you.

I know it does sound totally stupid.

I know that you're no innocent...

I know that. I'm not some dumb kid, you know.

I know you.

I like the way bones look on a light box.

I loved her first.

I made up so many memories...

I made you breakfast in mattress.

I may have fallen a little in love myself.

I mean, Bobby's right. There's no reason to let Lorraine's clothes collect dust.

I mean, everybody was at that time. That's just how it was.

I mean, I don't have...

I mean, people remember a lot of weird shit.

I might have to go away.

I most certainly am. They're good luck.

I need to get away from Bobby full time. Overtime.

I never understood why she would want me to live with y'all...

I only speak the truth.

I really did want to come to the funeral. I just never got his message.

I really do enjoy...

I really need a job.

I really think Pursey can get financial aid.

I remember the first time you took me to see her sing.

I remember the last time she wore that dress.

I remember when there was a new one every night. Y'all was pussy magnets.

I saw this program on the Medical Channel that you can cure people of snoring...

I saw you with Purslane on Christmas Eve.

I saw. It was never very long, but I was there.

I see what she didn't do: Leave.

I shall die for him tomorrow

I taught them. I was their father.

I think Gran wanted me to know that when she was gone, I'd be totally on my own.

I think she's working. Is there an occasion I don't know about?

I think we should stick to the Socratic method.

I think you're still handsome.

I thought I should be here with him.

I thought I'd go down to the Quarter...

I thought she was getting better that last time, I really did.

I thought she was so beautiful.

I thought that would be a hard one.

I used to do some cute or funny stuff when I was little.

I used to think real hard...

I used to try to remember her.

I waited for you to get the... What the fuck are you doing?

I wanna be normal. It's just not my life.

I want to go to the river now.

I want to say something on this occasion...

I want you to remember something, Purslane.

I was so mad at you.

I was so taken.

I wasn't sure exactly what it was...

I went after him.

I wish it would snow.

I wish we never knew.

I wish y'all would just shut up...

I'd go through the fields saying it to myself: "Pussy."

I'd have destroyed that TV weeks ago if I'd known it would drive you to Steinbeck.

I'd like to propose a toast...

I'll be more fun than all of them whiners put together.

I'll do it for you.

I'll have red beans and rice and a beer, please.

I'll need a place to stay, and y'all said I had a right.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you later. I'm out of cigarettes.

I'll stand.

I'll take better care of her this time.

I'm a big girl, Lawson. I have been for quite some time now.

I'm back.

I'm doing okay reading English. I'm not a writer.

I'm getting up out of bed now. You can watch if you want.

I'm gonna die alone.

I'm just a girl. Don't you get that?

I'm not supposed to tell you, remember?

I'm Ruthie. My gentleman friend, Ray.

I'm so full.

I'm so sick of your high and mighty attitude about poor, dead Lorraine.

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry about your mother. You look a lot like her.

I've been practicing wearing this shoe. It's just numb, is all.

I've been waiting for you all day.

I've lived long enough anyhow.

I've seen him with a woman that he can't get enough of.

I've seen you piss a thousand times.

If I could do anything?

If just for a little while.

If she leaves, she's gone. Final chapter. End of story.

If she thinks your grades are good enough for college, you go to college.

If we make it to heaven, then everybody will be there...

In such a damn hurry on that road.

In this arrangement? Because I'll just stay out.

Invisible people. It's beautiful.

Is it romantic?

Is it?

Is something wrong?

Is there anyone here who doesn't remember me with Lorraine, or am I the only one?

Is this really your idea of an apology...

Is this true?

Is worth more than a hundred people who don't appreciate them.

It closes up when the sun goes down.

It doesn't have a smell.

It doesn't mean I want my book getting the clap.

It doesn't stop kids from making wishes on them.

It don't matter to me.

It fell off the back of a truck.

It felt good to remember...

It has its moments.

It is not supposed to be comfortable. It'll put your brain to sleep. Sit up.

It looks just as pretty on you.

It must be getting pretty crowded for you, only two rooms.

It probably meant something coming from him.

It seems hard to believe...

It seems to me if someone wanted to see their kids...

It sort of seemed romantic at the time.

It takes one to mock one. At least I can support myself.

It was a double header.

It was love at first sight.

It was my first time in New Orleans.

It was our home that night, all of ours.

It was the invisible people he wanted to live with.

It was yesterday. It was real nice.

It would conspire against him...

It'd just gotten so late.

It'll probably add value to the selling price, so thanks.

It's about to become you and "tardy" in the same sentence, so...

It's all right. I can walk to the curb from here.

It's clear. I pissed clear.

It's complicated. So many reasons.

It's Dylan Thomas.

It's fine.

It's just a fungus. Got goop.

It's just something that we kicked around.

It's Lorraine's. You just let her stuff collect dust in there.

It's no big deal...

It's not suited for a girl like you.

It's pretty funny, actually. My grandma was always talking about...

It's probably some bacterial thing. It's nothing.

It's so damn cold.

It's so hot, and this chair is so uncomfortable.

Jesus H. Christ.

Jesus. Are you anxious to get home?

Juliette told Bobby to leave and never come back.

Jumped on his bike grinning at me, and rode off...

Just figured I'd stay here until you get fed up and leave.

Just hold that punch.

Just make sure it stays zipped up.

Just remember to be kind to one another.

Just tell me what is Nebraska's role in American Literature? Go.

Last time I saw you, you were teeny.

Lawson and I are two thirds, and you are only one third.

Lawson and I have been living here for some time.

Lawson is not in love with you.

Lawson said he didn't mind.

Lawson, Bobby's trying to get me to tell him where the vodka is again.

Lawson, where's the laundry?

Lawson's cigarettes are red. Mine are green.

Lawson's gonna leave me right by myself.

Lay only in a mind both exalted and crippled by too many stories...

Leaving us in a cloud of dust and desire.

Lee, what are you doing here? How did you find me?

Let him use the bedroom. Come on, sit down.

Let me be here.

Let me live vicariously. Now, you aren't, are you?

Let me tell you what the deal is.

Let's go.

Let's go. She needs some time.

Like a family.

Like being an x ray technician or something like that.

Like her voice, the way she smelled, you know, anything.

Like parents got lots of stories about their kids.

Like you probably got a ton of stories about your kids, right?

Listen, Pursey, I need to tell you something.

Listen, sweetheart, that's one of your mama's songs.

Little Purslane.

Look for a job. I haven't tried there yet.

Look, I'm sorry, all right?

Look, you come back and see old Tiny again, all right?

Lord, it's cold.

Lorraine and me...

Lorraine didn't know she was a poet.

Lorraine died and you didn't tell me?

Lorraine thinking I'd share this shithole with two alcoholic strangers.

Lorraine was great at being wrong.

Lorraine would want you to have these.

Lorraine's house shrank with each passing day, straining uneasy walls closer.

Make it long and narrow

Make yourself at home, darling.

Making Lawson lose his concentration, I do not care what you do.

Man, you must be doing okay. No rent...

Maybe I could help you get started on those bone portraits.

Maybe I should start...

Maybe I've grown too calloused over the years, but you are just a girl.

Maybe you'd rather I earn money bringing friends home.

Maybe, but only part time.

Maybe.

Me and "homework" in the same sentence.

Men who lie to girls so they can have a roof over their heads?

Merry Christmas!

Mine included a lot of talk...

Molière.

Mother, go make my bed

My brand is on sale.

My English final, I gotta write something...

My face got hot, my breath quickened.

My favorite one was that she'd take me to see her shows...

My friend Sean brought me. Sean, this is Junior.

My kids don't even know me.

My true love died for me yesterday

My wife was 18 when I met her.

Never even got a chance to hear her sing.

New Orleans is a siren of a city.

Nice hat.

Nice place.

Nine fucking years.

Nineteen hours ago, when we were quizzing.

No matter how pretty the flower.

No one calls me that but my dead grandmother, but thanks.

No one. I just live here.

No school, I hear. What, you skip a grade?

No, but it's just that, normally, it's just not on...

No, I'll be staying at Lorraine's indefinitely.

No, I'm... It's none of your business.

No, it's not stupid.

No, just me and Uncle Earl.

No, not really.

No.

No.

No. Don't go, Pursey.

No. I'm meeting him somewhere.

No. Oh, God. How?

No. Should we get him up first?

Nobody can do the Alabama shuffle as good as Bobby Long...

Not an old one.

Not for Junior.

Not nearly as lethal as a Louisiana woman who don't give a shit.

Not really.

Not tonight. I got him all to myself.

Not unlike the students that flowed through my classes years ago.

Nothing happened. That night...

Now, come on up and give your old man an Alabama shuffle.

Now, I didn't have any money.

Now, Leroy was an upstanding delinquent. Twelve.

Now, look, be careful.

Now, Pursey, go put some music on. We're gonna celebrate.

Now, tell us everything.

Now, trust me on this.

Now, why don't you come out and fucking say what you really mean?

Now, you must work as if you're gonna live 100 years...

Now, you remember how to get there?

Now, you remember...

Of course I am. But what if I wasn't?

Of course I was.

Of course not. "Contribute only to one's own death." That's my motto.

Oh, Christ.

Oh, God!

Oh, God.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

One day they'll understand, when you finish that book.

One day, we was all...

One night, their youngest had a Little League game.

Or are you just trying to one up his GED offer?

Or I'd pretend that...

Or is that the idea: Just to be anybody but who you really are?

Or should I move east to Missouri, where Mark Twain...

Over on the Redneck Riviera.

Piss right now.

Play that slow one that I asked for.

Playing ball out in a broom sage field.

Pretty much a one night stand.

Pretty, golden purslane.

Probably on some barstool somewhere, whining about how misunderstood he is.

Promise you won't laugh?

Pure, unadulterated joy.

Pursey did begin to catch on in school.

Pursey, honey, open up.

Pursey, honey, you go right ahead and be wicked.

Pursey, honey, you have taught this old fool a thing or two.

Pursey, it's us.

Pursey, open up, honey.

Purslane Hominy Will.

Purslane Hominy, sit up.

Purslane, our prodigy has returned.

Purslane? This is Bobby Long again.

Purslane's an axillary bloom.

Put that on my tab.

Quiet, everybody. Quiet down.

Quiet. Bobby's gonna tell a story.

Ray said she came in early this morning. Used the phone.

Really?

Really? And why not?

Really? That's a first.

Remember that very generous girl who used to skinny dip?

Remember when I told you I made up memories about her?

Robert Browning.

Robert Frost.

Said herself it was a shithole. She's better off.

Said I got to dry out.

Said I'd go to the game with him later.

School starts in a month.

See this bone? It's broken.

See you at home.

See you later, man.

See you tomorrow, darling.

See, my job was to keep you full of Shirley Temples.

Seemed like a good place to write. It was far away...

Sex is nice.

She ain't gonna leave.

She asked for the weekend off.

She did what?

She did, did she?

She died.

She don't like me. She likes Lawson better than she likes me.

She finally told me about my father.

She locked the door.

She loved those books.

She must be cleaning or something.

She never meant nothing to you...

She never would. Besides, God wouldn't let that happen.

She said your grandma would bring you up.

She used to sing here. I was about your age. She was something.

She used to sit right where you're sitting now.

She used to sit you right over there on that stool.

She warned me that Lorraine would always be selfish.

She was buried in the church house yard

She was hard to understand, but she kept the door to her heart open.

She was never your mother!

She was really tiny. You should have seen me trying to zip it up.

She was right.

She was surprised. We weren't.

She was.

She what?

She won't last. You're gonna make sure of that.

She worked so hard to get clean.

She'd be so proud.

She'd make me these perfect grilled cheeses with the crusts cut off.

She's born again now.

She's dead, all right? He called because he thought you'd wanna know.

She's fresh, all right.

She's gonna go off to some fancy school after we taught her everything she knows.

She's got a crush, and we both know how nice that is.

She's here, honey.

She's no picnic. Tortures me with that noise.

She's really nice.

Shit, can we do anything besides this?

Shit, I ain't worth this much.

Shit, man. Your foot's blue.

Shit.

Shit.

Should I just come back?

Since you seen her.

Smart ass.

Smarter than her old man.

So I convinced him to have drinks with the girls first.

So if you want to quit, take it slow.

So it was a little pink. I'm not going.

So long.

So we got English Lit, European History, Geography, Psychology.

So we named you after yellow flowers and corn.

So what?

So what? The will says we can stay for a year.

So you came here?

So, now what? Lorraine finally kick y'all out?

So, when's the funeral?

So, where is he, the son of a bitch?

Some lawyer sent you a letter.

Some people reach a place in time where they've gone as far as they can...

Some sax player in Memphis.

Somehow one drink became two, and then three.

Somehow, the wine began to outlast the day...

Someone should have told them Creoles we got something called winter in Louisiana.

Something.

Sorry to wake you so early. It's barely noon.

Sorry, sir.

Spring, and we're still here.

Stopped pretending.

Students loved him. Faculty hated him.

Sure I can. Then maybe I can go to Harvard.

Sure.

Sweetheart, we've been waiting for you.

Talk to her on the way.

Tell me one.

Thank y'all very much. Have a Merry Christmas.

Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Thanks. We try.

That Bobby guy called again today.

That child should know anything worth listening to is on vinyl.

That consumed his every thought...

That cough sends shivers of mortality down my spine.

That girl looks so much like Lorraine.

That happened in a fight? You lost?

That he was sleeping with my girlfriend...

That I could carry with me for eternity.

That I have not given credence to.

That my mother is dead! Fucking asshole. I am so out of here.

That night reminded Bobby and me of a time in our lives...

That she was putting on her eye shadow and talking to me in the mirror...

That was your mother, Pursey.

That which is unknowable, and those who remain out of sight.

That would have been fine with me.

That you haven't seen a man naked before.

That's a really good look for you, too.

That's all.

That's an easy one.

That's beautiful.

That's because your check is here.

That's fascinating.

That's for goddamn sure.

That's how Bobby used to put it.

That's how she put it.

That's just fine! I came all the way up here to see you!

That's just fucking brilliant, Lee. Get out!

That's nice...

That's right. Everyone just wants to see your peter.

That's so corny.

That's why they're hanging from the goddamn Christmas tree.

That's your opinion.

The date's right.

The deal is that Lorraine left the three of us the house.

The girl is here. Get up.

The grass remains a stubborn green...

The lawyer could get to her at any time.

The night before my grandma died...

The ones in books who live only in someone's mind's eye.

The ones that we walk past every day.

The ones we sometimes become.

The place where wives and jobs collide with desire...

The pretty little house Lorraine was fixing up for me...

The really pathetic part was that I used to make up memories about myself.

The trail is exhausted.

The truth is, I wish I could see them. I miss them like hell.

The way I heard it, it was more of a revolving door, wasn't it?

The wife who's smart enough to get rid of you, or the kids you never fucking see?

The woman deserves to know the truth.

Their year is almost up...

Then Bobby Long got his for a song.

Then they damn well would, unless they didn't give a shit.

There he was, with this perfect piece of girl,

There was a woman who I wanted to marry.

There you go.

There's no rush for her or for us...

There's no way a driver could have seen him.

There's something about this city.

There's too many people...

These boxes are all Lorraine's, so...

They gave me some medicine.

They grew and they grew so very high

They just gotta look at his toe and make sure.

They know you're not going to school?

They needed him for some more tests.

They used you, Purslane.

They went everywhere she did.

They're all torn up about it. Ranks up there with being out of vodka and cigarettes.

They're like portraits, but on the inside.

Things had gotten a little out of hand...

Things might have...

Think she'll come right home?

Think we'll still be living together in heaven?

This can't be that sweet baby girl, Purslane.

This idiot, the dean's nephew...

This is beer and tomato juice.

This is stories of misfits...

This is you here:

This Lorraine's house?

This place really looks like you.

This robe and the person who wore it...

This show?

This was you, darling.

Those guys that you had to share this place with.

Till they could grow no higher

Time was never a friend to Bobby Long.

To finding my very own tiny piece of love and wonder...

To Florida?

To help you with your homework.

To her endlessly entertaining middle aged roommates?

To Lorraine. May she finally find peace.

To my very beautiful daughter, Purslane Hominy...

To Others Than You.

To pull off this graduation. I gotta write a short story, or poem, or something.

To remind us of what we're missing...

To succeed in killing oneself, one must be in the oven.

Tomorrow she goes to school. I'll set the alarm. Get up early.

Too long, and not long enough.

Tossing her up in the air.

Turn that music off, girl! Can't you see he's working?

Twined with greenbriers

Two goddamn days and no one's seen her.

Unless I missed it because you forgot to tell me...

Unless you and Purslane don't want me around anymore.

Video poker or nickel slots?

Want me to take the streetcar with you?

Want someone to show you around?

Wanting memories.

Was it that long since we seen her?

We all know that you ain't no angel of purity...

We all loved her.

We are never leaving. Never!

We both knew we should tell her the truth...

We deserve it.

We don't have an alarm.

We gotta take Bobby to the doctor. He's still pissing blood.

We have been very patient out of respect for Lorraine...

We hung out all the time.

We might have improved on their oversight...

We need one more.

We read too many damn books.

We should put it right up front where everybody could see.

We took care of her.

We were close at one time.

We were fishing...

We were just thinking that maybe after the holidays...

We, too, once were innocent children.

We'd both chosen to forget until she arrived.

We'll go to Paris, drink '61 Latour...

We'll still be friends. It's them I wanna get away from.

We'll still be sitting here getting older and uglier...

Well, aren't y'all sweet?

Well, God damn it, pour some vodka in it then.

Well, I don't play much anymore, you know.

Well, I have children.

Well, I kind of felt that maybe...

Well, I know you'll just do fine.

Well, I lost a lot more than the fight.

Well, I thought about maybe working in a hospital or something...

Well, look how nice you changed everything.

Well, my guess is that she wasn't the only one.

Well, sort of.

Well, suddenly I am shy, okay?

Well, that's a good question.

Well, then ask me. Say:

Well, then, maybe you might wanna invite Georgianna over for dinner.

Well, they ought to.

Well?

Were you in love with her or something?

What about her?

What about the toe?

What about your work, sugar? There's no privacy there.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing now? You waitressing?

What are you doing today?

What can I do? Tell me.

What deal?

What did I tell you about her?

What did I tell you? Goddamn string d****d over my ass.

What do you care? You're slicing it up, anyway.

What do you mean?

What do you think of my face?

What do you think? It's all your favorite colors.

What else can I get you boys?

What happened, Lawson?

What is that shit you are drinking? God, it reeks.

What is your life? What do you want?

What makes you think I could do this?

What the hell is going on?

What would a teenage hussy want with this place, anyway?

What, honey?

What, you worried about him?

What?

What?

What's wrong?

Whatever.

When I dedicated the rest of my life...

When I met Bobby, he seemed absolutely larger than life.

When I was growing up, I always hung around boys a couple years older than me.

When was that?

When your mama used to play here...

Where else would a teenage girl go but straight home...

Where life's a book and no one takes responsibility for writing.

Where we're celebrating our love and friendships with one another.

Where William Burroughs spent his last years?

Where's Bobby? I made him that andouille gumbo shit he loves.

Whether you like it or not, I am the senior male in this house...

Which one of y'all snores like a goddamn train?

Which room is mine?

Which you, of course, opened.

Who is my very own golden girl.

Who'd give me all the Shirley Temples I wanted.

Whose heart once found Bobby Long cause enough to skip a beat or two.

Why are you such a dramatic old bastard?

Why can't I study in bed?

Why did y'all leave that school?

Why didn't you tell me your mama was a singer? That's so cool.

Why didn't you use the bed, sweetheart?

Why do you keep drinking that shit?

Why do you talk about her so much?

Why don't you ever see them?

Why don't you just cook me some dinner and I'll go rent us a porno?

Why don't you pour your old buddy a drink?

Why don't you start off in the kitchen? I'll finish this.

Why not? You don't have anything else to do.

Why?

Why'd you give her this?

Will be in college this fall.

Will you forget that?

Will you stop grieving about that hunk of shit and sit down?

Will you think about it?

Winter arrived before we realized the sunlit hours of summer had waned.

Winter never feels truly at home in New Orleans.

With Junior. You used to play with Lorraine back then.

With the privilege of becoming Bobby Long's teaching assistant.

With this cool new invention called heat.

Women wanted him.

Work this whole thing out.

Would that be like that family you destroyed?

Would you let me read your book sometime?

Would you quit drinking so much?

Would you really help me get my GED?

Write bad poetry. Yes, everything will be just perfect.

Y'all, this is Lorraine's daughter, Pursey. She's gonna stay with us for a while.

Yeah, and dandelions.

Yeah, she and Junior was our best night here, when they wasn't bickering.

Yeah, she is.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah. My guidance counselor gave it to me. I meant to throw it out.

Years ago, you trusted my opinion.

Yes, I am, sir.

Yes, I do.

Yes, I guess you would.

Yes, I really would.

Yes.

Yes.

You already live in my house for free.

You and Bobby.

You are alcoholics, aren't you?

You are fucking shameless.

You are great, man. Really, really great.

You are just incorrigible.

You are Socrates, of course.

You are such a shameless ham.

You can get your GED, you know.

You can give us a chance. It might be fun.

You can open them now, darling.

You can't park here. You'll get another ticket.

You can't walk home from the streetcar alone.

You certainly didn't choose him for his brains.

You clean the fuck up?

You could stay at my place.

You didn't know that? Jesus Christ, man!

You do? Just exactly who is Plato and who is Socrates...

You don't do anything else I tell you to do. Where is it?

You don't know nothing about me.

You drink too much.

You finally figured us out.

You find a job?

You fucking sold my car for fucking $300?

You give me five minutes, and then you do what you think is right.

You got a light?

You got any short stories you haven't destroyed by fire or scissor?

You got any smokes?

You got me now, honey. You're not alone anymore.

You got work to do.

You have not been very supportive in this ordeal.

You haven't stayed over there since before Christmas, right?

You know damn well I've been looking for a job.

You know damn well she'll miss us if she leaves.

You know that she can't take French 1 as a senior.

You know they didn't mean to hurt you...

You know what, I am. I really am.

You know, girl, I have had just about enough of your bad attitude.

You know, I know what y'all think of me.

You know, I never asked to write your damn book.

You know, I wanna say something...

You know, I'm trying to be serious for once, Bobby. God.

You know, like, "Wasn't it cute when Suzie couldn't say supercalifucking..."

You know, some people would call you a disgusting old man...

You know, you eat like shit?

You know...

You let that fresh young thing live with you?

You like Lawson better than me, don't you?

You look very pretty today, Purslane.

You may not smoke green. Bobby's.

You might.

You must be here for some reason.

You nervous?

You never did show. He never did, either.

You okay? Can I come in?

You really did a number on yourself this time.

You said something to me recently. It got me thinking.

You said you wanted to see more of the New Orleans music scene.

You said, "I'm just a girl."

You should get some sleep.

You should have been there, young lady.

You should have done a lot of things.

You smell nice.

You still are.

You think that... I have a real life now. I go to school...

You told them about the news, honey?

You wanna teach me about respect? Who respects you?

You want a drink? I'm ready.

You want to help her out of them tight little pants.

You want to tell me that you're disappointed in me?

You were in the band, weren't you?

You were really in Lorraine's band?

You'd rather freeze than wear your mama's clothes.

You're an embarrassment of riches, little girl.

You're drunk.

You're in school now. That's some funny stuff.

You're living in some fantasy world...

You're staying with me, aren't you? You're welcome to go elsewhere.

You're supposed to be the senior male? The grownup.

You're too skinny for me.

You've better things to do than waste another day worrying about Bobby Long.

Your bill.

Your fly is down. Come on, we're gonna be late.

Your hair's sticking up.

Your mama and I were close since we were young.

Your mama loved you, you know? You meant the world to her.

Your mama used to come here a lot.

Your mother hasn't lived here for years.

Your redemption and my penance, right?

"Chapter 2: I got up, I got drunk..." Lovely and witty.

"He'd make a lovely corpse." Come on, man. Charles Dickens.

A few years ago, at least. It'll be six years, October.

A professor? Yeah, he was a good one.

A real life? Yeah.

Again? He called a couple of days ago, remember?

And don't even get it in your mind. She should have Lorraine's room.

Are you gonna move out? No.

Are you sleeping with her, Lawson? No. How could you think that?

Bobby, get up. She's here. Who?

but I think that might be a bad sentence. I think they all are.

Call me at Ray and Ruthie's and I'll... No, I'll get a ride.

Can I ask why? I don't know.

Can't you see us doing something here? To hell with you.

Close your eyes, man. I'm not closing my goddamn eyes.

Come on. Good, presents. Yay!

Come see what Pursey did. Christ. Stop yelling.

Did you get some sleep? No.

Did you love her? Yes, very much. But I just...

Don't procrastinate. By whatever do you mean?

Eggs and bacon, ma'am. Both of us. Cheese on our grits, darling. Please.

Every tiny thing about her? Oh, yes.

For how much? $300.

Forget it, man, all right? Forgotten, forgotten.

Fuck you! Or what?

Fuck! So you're doing okay in English.

Fuck. Go.

Give us a call next week. All right, thanks.

Go ahead. We gotta quit.

God, you should be grateful... This is our house!

Here, I'll help you out. No, I'm fine.

How do I look? Well, pretty good.

How's Bobby? Better than you sound.

I don't think so. Why not?

I have to go. Isn't he picking you up?

I knew your mother pretty well. How well?

I know him. Really?

I like "lariat" better. I think you... I like "lasso."

I think Art Appreciation. Music.

I think he peed blood. God damn it.

I thought you didn't have any. I don't.

I'll see you guys. See you there.

I'll stay out here. I'll bunk with you. Okay, fine.

I'm gonna blow the whole thing. I know you.

I'm so sorry. Don't be.

I'm the sole owner of this house. Yeah, I know.

I'm Tommy, just so you can follow. Sounds just like you.

I've missed you so much... This letter says as of July 1...

Is he all right? They think so.

is simply a life... Not worth living.

Is that a new dress? Yeah.

Is that a real tree? Lord, where did you get that?

It is Christmas. Whatever. It's under the back stairs.

It's a day to count our blessings. Yes.

It's just bad habits. You're talking to me about bad habits?

It's too late. No, it's not too late.

Juice? No.

Just like they used Lorraine. Get out.

Lee, what do you want? What do you mean?

Like hell it did. All right, maybe it was a Volvo.

Like what? Fuck if I know.

Man, where's my car? I sold it.

Maybe I ain't dressed appropriate. You look fine.

Me, too. Me, too.

Me, too. Me, too.

Me, too. Me, too.

Most of it ends up in the trash. How long you been writing it?

No. You might have called.

Now, how do I look? Damn good.

Oh, God. I could have come in and cuddled with you.

Okay, Dr. Ruth, let's go. It's all right if you are.

once Lorraine's fool friends get the boot. What are you talking about?

Only if you're in school, though. Good one, Earl.

Pursey, where'd you put the vodka? You told me to hide it.

Pursey. Who?

School just seemed like a waste of time. It's not.

She knew how to reach people, you know? No, not really.

She snuck past us? Probably on purpose.

She's a kid, Bobby. She's 18.

Shouldn't I be learning the state capitals? Bullshit. You'll learn what matters.

So, y'all are really into books? They're mostly Bobby's.

Sorry. It's all right.

Stop! Hey, man...

That's the plumage of an English professor. Him?

That's what I thought. No, look.

The house. Your mother owned it... The deal!

They're your what? You cannot call them losers.

Those fucking scumbag losers lied... They are not losers. They're my...

We could go fishing. You don't fish.

We could have spooned together. Save it.

We're out of juice. Well, what's in that glass?

Well, college costs money. There's financial aid.

What did you say? Ben Franklin said it.

What the hell are you wearing? What do you care?

What was her name? I don't know.

What's the verdict? I got a kidney infection.

Why can't you be this sweet all the time? Sure, and what would that get me?

Why? Why not?

Will you be starting school in September? No.

Will you tell me about her? Yes.

Y'all going down to Cecil's? In a minute.

Yes, he is. No.

You are responsible for your share. My share?

You are the Teacher. You're goddamn right I am.

You can work here on the weekends, sugar. Really?

You don't remember me, do you? No, sorry.

You gonna tell her? Tell her what?

You grew up real pretty. Thank you.

You keep your lecherous eyes off our girl. What?

You locked the door. God damn it, I told you this would happen.

You sitting in again, or what? Tiny, there's somebody I want you to meet.

You want to speak French, don't you? Don't be an ass.

You what? I sold it. We didn't need a car.

You'll be fine. I'll see you later.

You're in the wrong appliance. What?

You're jealous. Absolutely.

You're not old enough to be Bobby. That's because I'm Lawson.

'Cause I think I really need to know now.

'Cause maybe I'm disappointed in you.

'Cause the weird thing is that, according to Lorraine, I am your family.

"'Nice hat', I said...,

"And at the end of all our exploring...

"and is recommended to the 12th grade."

"and know the place for the first time."

"as if mastering an imaginary lasso."

"As much as for his good

"as to ensure one's place in life as a loser."

"Bobby, what have you brought me?"

"But once the first one was discovered...

"but somehow too much of it has passed, and there's so much to say.

"but we can throw the whole book in the fire."

"Chapter 1: I got up, I got drunk, I passed out.

"eliciting Tommy's notorious smile.

"Everything about Tommy said ready."

"Friend by enemy I call you out

"Happiness makes up in height what it lacks in length."

"has successfully completed the 11th grade...

"He almost skipped right passed me.

"He never meant to let me in on his secrets.

"He strode across campus with purpose.

"He thrived on his own mystery.

"He'd make a lovely corpse," but I'll make no contribution.

"I am feeling better and coming home to sing you a brand new song.

"I am getting well and can't wait to see you.

"I just want to breathe in every day.

"I remember the day I graduated from protégé to confidant.

"I want you to have them now to give you our history.

"I was on the back steps of the library...

"I was only one of hundreds who came religiously twice a week...

"I write to you always, but never have the courage to send my letters.

"I wrote this song for you both."

"I'd like you to know your daddy...

"if it isn't the South's next great native son.'

"It was the same smile that he granted to each woman that caught his eye.

"it wasn't long before there were none left between us.

"My friend were an enemy on stilts

"My sweet Purslane...

"Never fight fair with a stranger." Arthur Miller.

"Or the smile for one of his children...

"Please come. Someone I love will be there and I want to introduce you."

"Procrastinate.

"See what is invisible, and you will see what to write. "

"Tab" sounds like y'all might pay it someday.

"That though I loved him for his faults

"the color of Easter, and that damn hat.

"The smile that served as an answer to all undesirable questions.

"Time seems to stand still in these places...

"to be dazzled by the Professor, each performance worthy of applause.

"To certify that Purslane Hominy Will...

"To drag one's ass in such a pathetic manner...

"To my sweet Bobby.

"Tommy took the stairs, two at a time, bellowing, 'Well, God damn...

"Tommy, at the front of the hall, waving his arms wildly...

"We cannot tear out a single page of our lives...

"We die only once, and for such a long time."

"We shall not cease exploration.

"What's that you got there, Leroy?"

"when I spotted his uniform, a freshly laundered shirt...

"whenever he found a tiny hand reaching for his."

"Who palmed the lie on me when you looked Brassily at my shyest secret

"Why stay we on earth except to grow?"

"will be to arrive where we started...

"With his head in a cunning cloud"

"With my whole heart under your hammer

"You there, my friend with a winning air

"You there, with a bad coin in your socket

"Your singing touched my soul. Bobby Long."