Scene #5 [Song #8-Wheelchair by the Door]

Scene 5

The diner, after closing. The diner is empty except for the Cook, Cashier, a Bass player, and Catfish. They are getting ready to practice together—the Cook plays guitar, the Cashier plays drums. There is a large digital clock on a wall.  It is a little after 9:00 pm

 Cook: So what do you got?

Catfish: Let’s do a 12 bar in D

Cashier: You heard the man, 12 bar in D boys, hit it

[listen to my recording of "Wheelchair by the Door'" on this YouTube link:]

 Song 8: Wheelchair by the Door

Catfish: HE’S AN OLD MAN OF NINTEY

THE WHEELCHAIR’S BY THE DOOR

He thinks his friends are coming

but they died in the War

He knows that you are family

but your name he can't recall

and if you can't see the Beauty,

you can't see at all

yeah, if you can't see the Beauty

you can't see at all

She's the Old Lady in the shoe,

gets by on that Social Security check

But she'll break out the best china

“Ain’t no trouble, what the heck”

the steaks are thick and juicy

when you leave, she asks you to call

and if you can't see the Beauty,

you can't see at all

Yeah, I tell you she's a Beauty

but you don't see at all

The wind was blowing trash

down this God-damned, lousy street

and I swear it was a week

since I last had a bite to eat

when I first picked up this harp

played it, and Man, I had a ball

and if you can't hear the Beauty

you can't hear at all

YEH, If you can't hear the Beauty

you can't hear at all 

Catfish: Well what do you think?

Cashier: I think it’s getting late

Cook: (loud yawn, as he rubs his eyes) Raaaaah! Oh my, look at the time.  We got a busy today tomorrow

Catfish: (looking at a digital clock on the wall, it reads 9:15 or around there) Late, huh,

even in Minnesota we’d stay up ‘til 9:30

Cashier: Well, this is Chicago, chief, and it’s late

Cook: Yes, We need to lock up now and get on home, and uh, we’ll let you know

Catfish: Sure, Of course, well thanks,

Catfish exits the diner. Behind him, the Cook holds his nose and laughs silently, as the Cashier nods in agreement. Blackout.

The End