STEVE GELLER, MUSICIAN
Some of my Songs, part II: Murder on April 6th
The following tracks comprise some the music for the musical Murder on April 6th. The story, a school shooting and trial, is my own idea, and I wrote the music and the script. Frequently helping me brainstorm and hone ideas for the plot was Keith Rode.
The 2008 demo CD from which these tracks are taken feature live voices recorded over accompanying MIDI tracks. The lone exception is the guitar part in "If You'd Ask Me To," which is performed by the album's recording engineer, David Pullin. The album was recorded at Pullin's studio, "Twelvetone Studios," in Sacramento, CA. The singers (beside myself) are listed alongside each track on this site.
The Plot
Kelly Foster, a 17-year-old high school student in (fictitious) Aledaño, Arizona, has just fatally shot three of her male classmates in the crowded school cafeteria on the morning of April 6th. Her defense at trial is that she had heard inside information that these three boys were themselves just minutes away from committing a mass shooting of their own, and (for various reasons) this was her only way to prevent this larger atrocity. Most of the musical takes place either within the 6 months leading up to the shooting, or during the trial ten months after the shooting. There are several twists along the way that force the characters and the audience to rethink their assumptions, and the musical ends with the jury thus far favoring Kelly’s conviction 11-1.
The Songs
Many of the musical’s songs propel the plot forward, but don’t necessarily make ideal stand-alone showpieces, and therefore the songs I have chosen to present here are mostly self-contained and require little plot-related explanation.
What I Thought (Live) [4:34]
“What I Thought” is a song sung by Katherine Meyers, the mother of one of the victims (Ben). After believing throughout the entire musical that Ben was simply an innocent casualty of Kelly’s heinous act, new information casts doubt on this presumption, and she is shaken so deeply by this news that she questions her faith in God. Presented here is an audio of me performing the song live.
Lyrics
Katherine: I had always believed things would happen for a reason. Though the logic escaped me, still I knew there was a plan.
That the man up above held the future in His vision, And although we sometimes faced affliction, He was still a loving man.
And I'm not saying there will be some new immense epiphany, or even that I question His existence or His mission. I just wish I knew that what I thought was true.
All religions have their version of what is happening behind the secret curtain. They all preach interpretations of invisible occasions, while no one in the world is really certain.
I had always believed we were destined for salvation If we spoke well of others, and had favor in our heart.
I had always conceived of a world without division, Filled with kindness, filled with altruism. Now my faith is torn apart.
And I'll never hear again the laughter of my Ben, and I will never be as much in love with God as I believed I was. I just wish I knew that what I thought was true.
Had I known that this would happen, had I been able to forewarn him of events, Would it be an act of heresy, unjust and overzealous? Who am I to interfere with providence?
I had always believed that with every passing season, We had grown as a people from the simple to the wise.
I had always believed I could spot the false Messiah, Though the golden dream still glowed like prisms in the glimmer of his eyes.
But I no longer ask that He extend His clemency, and I no longer think I can assume He has a plan.
I may have it figured out, yet I may be mistaken too. I just wish I knew that what I thought was true.
And this girl who believes she has falsely been imprisoned knows as much of the truth as the most embraced religions.
There is no one who's sure. Nothing spoken, nothing written. I just wish I knew that what I thought...
If You'd Ask Me To [3:11]
“If You’d Ask Me To” is Ben’s love song to Kelly, sung at a party at his house (the two have a messy breakup two months before she ends up shooting him). I am the soloist on this recording. The guitar part, intended to be performed onstage by Ben, is played here by the CD's recording engineer, David Pullin.
Lyrics
Ben: Go if you need to go. Stay if you think you want to. I'd feel much better with you here today, but it must be your say.
Will the light guide your way back home? Will it shine at the end of the tunnel? There's something to gain by the invitation anyway.
I'd spin you an elegant fairy tale of crimson and yellow and blue. I'd do anything for you, if you'd ask me to.
But my heart is breaking--while your choice I'm awaiting.
It's a beautiful night, in spite of the internal battle. Don't let your decision be affected by me, but it sure would be lovely.
Your eyes shine the light of my soul, which dances in radiant color, Expecting accepting you answer--pending what it will be.
I would whisk you away on an escapade of glitter and paper and glue. I'd do anything, it's true, if you'd ask me to.
I wish that I could keep you here. I wish it was easy to make you stay near. But at the end of the day, you have to meet me halfway. You have to meet me halfway.
So if you decide it's a "go," I'm here for you to rescue. And I'd do everything that I'd do, if you'd ask me to. If you'd ask me to.
Tabitha's Lament [1:38]
“Tabitha’s Lament” is a song sung by local media personality Tabitha Brooke, about the ongoing feud between her network (DFN) and Bunton News Channel, a feud that impacts many of the musical’s plot developments. Sung by Paige Seegan.
Lyrics
Tabitha: A new development in the bitter media feud between our parent company, Bunton News Channel, and DFN:
Claims that Victor Walsh, Bunton CEO, although this hasn't been proven, Made illegal contributions to the campaign of a congressman.
Their feuding began 3 years ago with the case of a kidnapped girl scout. Both networks covered it endlessly, and it brought all the copycats out.
And the finger-pointing battles, in the fight to gain exclusives That would humanize kidnappers, was the fault of the network executives.
And the bitterness continues. And they both still blame each other. And what should be serious issues, as a result, do not get covered as they should,
Though they claim it's all in the public good.
I Saw What I Saw [2:54]
“I Saw What I Saw” is sung at trial by eyewitness Tim Watters, an acquaintance of Kelly’s and friend of the victims. The song depicts Tim’s conflict of interest in recounting the shooting while trying to avoid the bias that bespeaks his resentment of Kelly (and her rejection of his romantic advances). Soloists: Alex Kloehn (as Tim Watters), Joe Ferreira (as Defense Attorney Greg Adams), Netty Carey (as Prosecutor Jennifer Dowley), Melissa Frago (as Judge Prowyn Lansing).
Lyrics
Tim: Mr. Adams, find another witness to conflict what I contend; You won't find one, 'cause there are none, so there's nothing to defend.
The victims were all friends of mine, the defendant I know well, But nothing I could testify would free her from her cell.
I saw what I saw. The image is still prevalent. She took her gun out and shot them all dead.
According to law, much more might be relevant, But all that I witnessed was all that I said.
If you wanna talk about relationships, I am surely no expert in the field.
Greg: But it was your side that brought up relationships, and now a little truth has been revealed.
Tim: I feel what I feel. I can't change my memories. I'm being forthright, for bad or for good.
Greg: But your hatred is real. We all have our enemies. and if you could slander her, you probably would.
Jennifer: Objection, your honor, hypothetical! Judge Lansing: Sustained. Jennifer: These questions are a wild goose chase,
For though your concerns are theoretical, This remains quite an open and shut case.
Tim: I saw what I saw. Let's stop all the quarreling. I was one foot away from those shots that were fired.
My eyes have no flaw. My mind is not faltering. She shot them, Mr. Adams, and they expired.
They were my friends, and while I'm sad for Kelly, I do not feel pressure to withdraw. My testimony stands. Their death is on her hands. I saw what I saw.
Elegy for a Grieving Mother [2:05]
“Elegy for a Grieving Mother” is sung by the court audience just before Katherine Meyers testifies. I recorded all 3 parts in this recording, though in the musical, it would be sung (in a different key) by women. Except for a change of one word, the lyrics to "Elegy for a Grieving Mother" were written by Keith Rode.
Lyrics
Company: The orchestra of stars intones the symphony of night, Each member adding volume with its singly special mark
But if one is extinguished when it once had been so bright, The grand array collapses to the solitude of dark.
Discordant is the melody when shrouded in a grave. A mother suffering endlessly yet choking back a tear,
Still yearning for a precious child whom crying cannot save. How empty is this life without the ones that we hold dear?
The memories of brilliance may reside within the mind, But empty chairs will always haunt those people left behind.
Top Gift [2:34]
“Top Gift” is sung by Kelly’s classmates during her birthday, wherein each are playfully competing for Kelly to award their gift “top gift.” Soloists: The first solo is mine (as Ben Meyers), followed by Kevin Man (as Gianni Marco), Netty Carey (as Zoe Gossett), Alison Eeds (as Eileen Tren), Alex Kloehn (as Dante Joxer), Keith Rode (as Sam Kent), Andy McClelland (as Ian Hazelwood), Anne Marie Renna (as Hope Caballero), Mike Guzman (as Chris Kirkland) and Catherine Gloria (as Gail Spence).
Lyrics
All: Top Gift! Top Gift!
Ben: Ok, yeah, I know. The Dan Brown craze has come and gone. But even so, when he signed this, he was still going strong.
I give you a copy of Angels and Demons, guaranteed to keep you awake. And if y'all don't like it, you can go jump in the lake. All: Top Gift!
Gianni: Nothing up my sleeve, but this festive coin will still disappear. If you believe, we might find it behind this pretty ear.
I give you the art of misdirection, a word we all should learn to speak... All: Misdirection! Gianni: And if y'all don't like it, you can go jump in the creek.
Zoe: I'm the only one that got her something with a heartbeat. Two angelfish, Kelly! Beat that!
Eileen: Pink Tasmanian Devil heated cushion for your front seat. Your driving will be a snap! All: Top Gift!
Dante: I think I'm in, cause you'll enjoy my chocolate duck. Sam: I think I'll win, 'cause with this poker set you will all be out of luck.
Ian: I give you a beautiful Christmas cactus, guaranteed to bloom real soon, And if y'all don't like it, you can go jump in the lagoon!
Hope: Not a single person in this room will not be envious. Scented lotions! Bath soaps! Chris: I'm not envious. Hope: Yes you are.
Chris: Playing with a racquet that is failing can be strenuous. Gut strings. Long strokes! All: Top Gift! Top Gift!
Gail: On behalf of us all, we're glad to have you as our friend. And so I call this little contest to a most delicious end.
I give you a specialty cake in the shape of a single-stand botanical oil lamp. The flame is this frosting clump. And if y'all don't like it, here's another place you can jump!
Charleton Heston [5:30]
So Many People [3:58]
“Charleton Heston” and “So Many People” are sung by a Left Wing pundit (the fictitious American Gun Control Alliance head Jeffrey Simone) and a Right Wing pundit (the fictitious Conerstone Outreach Society founder Bernard Pinson), each upon hearing of the shooting. Simone argues for stronger gun control, while Pinson blames the students’ behavior on an immoral society fostered by Liberalism. I am the soloist on both of these recordings.
Lyrics: Charleton Heston
Jeffrey: Charleton Heston says that guns don't kill people; "Damned dirty apes" kill people. But it's really just those little bullets that kill people, not the gun.
The NRA views "Saturday Specials" as hunting essentials. How would they feel after one took their son?
Though I grew up in simpler times, like every other kid in school, I'd sometimes lose my cool and start a violent altercation.
We'd use our knuckles till they bled, and though I wish we'd talk things through, at least when we were done we knew we'd settled our frustration.
But nowadays if you disagree, no one will ever challenge you
If they wanna live to have a point of view another day. And they'll see that bulging pocket of your jacket and they'll back away.
Lobbies point to violence long before there were school shootings, and tell us that the parents need to do a better job.
But to kill a man's so easy, so detached and unemotional. Don't even have to touch the man who's dying by your hand.
And the shots are fired so quickly, there's no time for moral reasoning. No time to say "Time Out!!," no time to talk to him at all, no time to stop the wheels in motion.
And my son was in the crossfire! He was not even eighteen! He was not even aware of the conflict at the scene!!
I used to own a gun myself, not because I sought to relish in my rights as an American, I bought it for protection.
And it's an evil world out there, where human life is cheap to us, and money is the succubus that causes the infection.
But if one day you had a choice between hazard and harmony,
Choose a world with more guns than hands to shoot them, or a world where hopes and dreams outnumber weapons of destruction?
You are the people. You do get to choose. Share your voices. Share your conscience. Share your views on the matter.
You are the voters of the leaders who will write the laws. You are the spirit of morality and valor.
You want to see a world controlled by strength and wisdom, Not controlled by pain and sorrow, shells and triggers.
You want to hand a better world down to your children. Make your choice. You are the ones.
Lyrics: So Many People
Bernard: So many people to blame, so little time, so much hatred and anger. What can you say of a culture that favors destruction and mocks the idea of salvation?
It takes an effort to minimize crime. Everyone has to be willing. Look at the Hollywood blockbuster season, and tell me the movies that don't embrace killing,
And don't embrace looseness of morals, and don't embrace outlaw behavior.
Look at the video game industry. Five hundred points for a headshot.
Blame it on the secular motto--"In nothing we trust." No guilt for the sinful, no penalties discussed, and no concept of shame. So many people to blame.
To be truthful, I'd not be surprised if these boys were on Ritalin. You can get it like candy these days, 'cause liberals like drugs more than discipline.
All you see is bad news in the world. if it bleeds, then it leads every station.
While science and "peaceniks" and college professors all hum the same tune of impending extinction.
So why would our kids act responsibly? And why would they care who they slaughter?
Teachers have got to be vigilant, but they aren't solely at fault.
There is blame for the activist judges who circumvent the will of the taxpayers who want to see people who kill have their feet to the flame. So many people to blame.
And God is love. God sees all. If we obey Him, think of how much less likely children will be to walk with the sinners, to drink from the wicked,
Dishonor their parents, rejecting the word of the Savior who warns that it's damning to murder and maim.
So much misinformation. So much hatred of principle. The U.N., and PETA, and lawyers, and Clinton, and hippies, and others too many to name.
You may not like my message, but I'm tired of this carnage, and there's so many people to blame.
KRAZ Jingle / Spy Island [2:00]
Lyrics
Announcer: Coming up this hour on the KRAZ 61 Afternoon Fun-Mash: It's a full block of your favorite new comedy, "Spy Island!"
Jingle: Watch how we're Raising Arizona! KRAZ. Channel 61.
Theme Song: There was a spy, who got an unwanted assignment and asked why.
And so he argued with the head of the FBI, who said "If you won't do it, we'll find some other guy!" And so the spy said: "Get my hat!"
And they sent him through the Arctic just to look for some ore, But the ore was haunted, and he crashed on the shore.
He said "What in the world am I spying for? I should resign!" There was a spy.
But then a boat full of beautiful women arrived. There was Inga, and Jessica, and another Jessica.
But the wife had already surprised him on his desert isle, and she said "Honey, I've brought our five kids with me...and Grandpa!"
And the driver of the boat was a famous chef.
And they're all on Spy Island, where I wanna go--To Spy Island. We'll have some French toast on Spy Island.
Jimmy: Grandpa, you're not gonna put that fondue kettle on top of Daddy's new spy assignment, are you? Grandpa: Eh, it'll only be for a minute. What could happen?
“KRAZ Jingle / Spy Island” is the local station’s normal programming (a very poor situation comedy) before breaking news about the trial interrupts the channel. Soloists: Mike Guzman (as the Announcer), Tom Dotan (as Theme Song Baritone), Alex Kloehn (as the Spy), myself (as Theme Song Tenor), Alison Eeds (as Theme Song Alto), Netty Carey (as the Spy's Wife), Andy McClelland (as Jimmy, and as Grandpa). Andy also sings the back-up voices during Tom's solo.
The New American Dream [5:23]
“The New American Dream” focuses on Ben's plan to use a school shooting in order to vault to instant fame. As he discusses, some of the most famous people in our current Reality TV society got to that point by doing something violent, dangerous or bizarre, and he figures that this is an easier path to recognition than through hard work. Soloists: The first is mine (as Ben Meyers), followed intermittently by Catherine Gloria (as Gail Spence), Mike Guzman (as Chris Kirkland) and Keith Rode (as Sam Kent). There is dialogue by Andy McClelland (as Ian Hazelwood), Netty Carey (as Zoe Gossett), and Anne Marie Renna (as Hope Caballero), and then the company underscores the soloists in the last quarter of the song.
Lyrics
Ben: Back in the old days, back in the 1990's, maybe, a kid would grow up, perfect a few skills, and look for a job that paid the bills.
But those were the old ways. You'd struggle and save for a rainy day. We've come so far, or at least we've gone a million miles away.
You don't have to climb no ladders now; You just spin the wheel and you win the game. Being seen is the only thing that matters anyhow.
The New American Dream is to be on TV, anyway you can. It's an easy plan. Don't need a lick of prestige. Don't need a degree. All you need is a cult of personality.
Fifteen minutes aren't as long as they seem. The new American...
Gail: Ben, this is all a bunch of useless garbage. Who cares about the talentless carnival ride? There's no grace, there's no greatness, there's no gravitas. You'd be dead inside.
Chris: Guys, this isn't the time! Can we stick to the point of the blow we're striking for our victimized friend? It's for Neve, not for you or me.
And these thoughts you're inviting just distract us from our duty.
Ben: Can't you see the big picture? Can't you see that we all could have our way? We'll take our revenge! We'll bury our debts. Look back on our work with no regrets.
I envision our future: A story on permanent display. We'll come so far, and the world will change for what we've done today.
And America loves its freak shows still. Just make sure the camera stays in frame. Anyone who will watch five nights a week knows it's a thrill.
Sam: The New American Dream: Leave your troubles behind. If you dig enough dirt up, you can change their mind.
Gail: The New American Dream: It's a big lottery. Be the first. Be the worst. It doesn't matter, you see.
Ben and Gail: Just push it more and more to extremes. The New American Dream.
Chris: God, I hate this culture. Gail: I love it. It's abysmal!
Gail: Generation Y Sam: Why do anything hard?
Gail: Generation Z Ben: Wake me when I'm famous
Gail: Generation U Sam, Ben and Gail: Just look on YouTube and behold the untold parading shamelessly.
Ian: Hey, guys, what's the dish? I thought I just heard YouTube.
Zoe: You guys are singing? And you didn't invite us? The meeting hasn't even started yet!
Hope: Who cares!! Everybody join in!! They haven't reached the finale yet! Dance Interlude!!!!
All: Generation Y...Why do anything hard? Generation Z...Wake me when I'm famous, please.
Generation I...Just look at the iPod in my hand; the bands all sound the same to me.
All: It's not about talent, class or brains. Gail: It's just about face time, just about fame. All: In reality culture, that's the one thing that remains.
All: The New American Dream in the new century: Ben: Where the strong use manipulative villainy.
Sam, Chris and Gail: So if you wanna be seen, Ben: Gotta stand on the wall. Seize the day and you'll have it all!
All: The New American Dream... Ben: Spin the wheel and you'll win the game. All: The New American Dream...