Author's Notes: I'm going to attempt this song, although I'm not sure how butchered it will come out. I love this song, but because the lyrics are so choppy, it will be a challenge (kind of like La Vie Boheme).
The move of a band member is affecting us at a time when we are already having difficulties within the band, and arguments are becoming more and more common.
Flute: It's true you sold your snare and are moving out there?
Snare: It's true I'm leaving now for Santa Fe, It's true you're with this Low Brass scum?
Trombone: I said I'd never speak to him again
Flute: Try now
Trumpet: Who said that you have any say in who he says things to at all?
Saxophone: Who said that you should stick your bell in other people's…
Trumpet: Who said I was talking to you?
Drum Major: Must you guys have this fight each night-
You'll never come to agreements!
Drum Major 2: He (snare) was the same way, he was always "Run away, never play, don't commit"-You're full of it!
Trumpet: He's in denial
Saxophone: He's in denial
Trumpet: Didn't give an inch when I gave a mile!
Flute: I gave a mile
Snare: Gave a mile to who?
Clarinet: Come on guys, chill!
Drum Majors: I'd be happy to die for a taste of what Doc once had-
A band to live for, unafraid to say "Good work today!"
Snare: Oh, your words are nice, maybe, but Band's not a three way street!
You'll never share a bond until you bond yourself, I should know.
Doc: You all said you'd be cool today, so please, for my sake!
I can't believe you guys
I can't believe you're going
I can't believe this family must die
Band once helped us believe in dreams
I can't believe you disagree
All: I can't believe this is goodbye
Clarinet: I hear there are great Marching Bands out west
Doc: Some of the best. How could he?
Clarinet: How could you let him go?
Doc: I don't know. How can we keep going? (exits)
Clarinet: Maybe I'll see how when music I can retain
At least now if I try my attempts won't be in vain
Snare: This band is in vain
Clarinet: Are you insane?
There's so much left to do;
There's drills, there's new songs
Snare: Marching's overrated too
Clarinet: So are you
Snare: Who are you to tell me who I am? What to do?
Clarinet: The band.
Snare: But who, then, are you?
You have got your band
They say you live for the band
And you're in love with band
You hide in this band
Clarinet: From what?
Snare: From facing the failure, facing the loneliness,
From facing the fact that's band's a lie,
Yes, band is a lie-tell you why!
You're always preaching to work as a team,
But that's how you die
You pretend to rely and combine
When you really detach and break up and sigh
Clarinet: Perhaps it's because we're the only group that's this large
Snare: Poor band!
Clarinet: You know you still love marching,
Are you really jealous, or afraid your new band's weak
Snare: They did look small
Clarinet: Bands are shrinking now
The season's running out of time,
And you're running out the door!
Snare: No more! Oh no!
I gotta go
Clarinet: Hey, for someone who's always been let down, who's heading out of town
Snare: For someone who's longed for a band of her own, who's with her clarinet-alone?
I'll call
I hate the fall (leaves)
(Clarinet exits, other instruments and Doc enter)
Doc: You heard?
Flute: Every word.
I don't want friendships with no guarantee
I don't want to watch this die
I just came to say goodbye band,
Goodbye band, came to say goodbye band,
Goodbye
Saxophone: Just came to say goodbye band,
Goodbye band, goodbye band, Goodbye
Trumpet: Glory! One phrase of glory. Have to find!
(flute, sax, and trumpet exit)
(cut Mimi and Benny's conversation)
All: Goodbye band, goodbye band,
Came to say goodbye band, goodbye
Just came to say goodbye band, goodbye band
Goodbye band, hello broken heart