One of Many Long Day’s Journeys into Night
The scene is set in the backseat of a chauffeur driven black Mercedes W116. Nancy Reagan was telling people my age to Just Say No, Margaret Thatcher was de-regulating British banks and a child somewhere was falling apart.
Jacqueline: Why do you speak that way?
Alan: What way?
Jacqueline: Always putting so much emphasis on the H. You say Hwy instead of why.
Alan: Why do speak with a French accent, Lili?
Jacqueline: Because I’m French.
Alan: I speak the way I speak because I’m me.
J: It’s like you’re trying to stand out from the other children.
A: I don’t need to try.
J: Look at your father, you should be more like him, everyone adores him.
A: I don’t.
J: Stop saying things like that.
A: I can’t stand him. He’s an idiot.
J: Don’t speak about him that way, he’s my son.
A: He’s your idiot son. You always defend him.
J: Your mother is manipulating you against him.
A: And what are you trying to do? Manipulate me in his favour?
J: The problem is addiction, it’s the alcohol, it’s not him, he’s a wonderful man.
A: He’s a selfish man.
J: It’s the alcohol, the drugs.
A: You’ve got it the wrong way around, he’s not a failure because of alcohol and drugs; He uses alcohol and drugs to disguise the fact that he’s a failure. It’s his excuse.
J: How can a young boy like you be so unkind, so bitter?
A: How can a woman your age be so foolish, Madam?
J: Please stop doing that, calling people Sir and Madam, and do stop calling your grandfather Doctor, he hates it. I know you do it just to upset him.
A: How about Professor? Would he prefer that?
J: We’re your family.
A: My what?
Alan laughs, Lili stares through the window.
J: We love you.
A: You what?
J: We love you and we want what’s best for you.
A:
C Cm7 Am7
You always hurt the one you love
C Cm7 Dm7 G7
The one you shouldn't hurt at all;
Dm A Dm7 Dm6
You always take the sweetest rose
Dm7 G C G7
And crush it till the pet - als fall;
C Cadd9 Cm7 Am7
You always break the kindest heart
Dm Dm7 G7
With a hasty word you can't re-call;
J: Stop singing and listen to me.
A: It’s the Mills Brothers.
J: You never listen to what I’m saying.
A: I think it’s mutual.
J: Can’t you make a bit of an effort? For me?
A. Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan.
J: What plan?
A: I’m going to get on an air-plane one day and none of you will ever see me again.
J: Don’t be silly. We’re always going to be your family.
A: Technically, perhaps. But one day I’m going to control my own life, and there’s nothing any of you can do about it. It’s just a matter of time.
J: I don’t know what strange things are going on in that mind of yours but in this family we follow the rules your grandfather lays out.
A: I don’t intend to be around to know his rules.
J: And who do you think is going to be paying your bills?
A: I don’t care.
J: You say that now.
A: I suppose we’ll have to wait and see then.
