NEMO
(intro)
THE EARTH TURNS AND HEAVEN KNOWS,
MOUNTAINS RISE, A RIVER FLOWS.
WHO ARE WE, IN NEED, ALONE?

NEMO
(Main theme)
IN TIME LONG AGO,
I SHIVERED ALONE, 
SO COLD WERE THE CLOUDS,
OBSCURING THE SKY.

IN SHADOWS I LIVED
FOREVER I CRIED,
MY SPIRIT HAD DIED,
THEN YOU TOUCHED MY HEART.

ROCKET
IN HELLISH BRIGHT NIGHT,
I RAN THROUGH THE FIRE,
I DANCED IN THE FLAMES,
IGNITING THE SKY.

I SPUN LIKE THE SUN,
A HYDROGEN BLAZE,
UNABLE TO BREATHE,
THEN YOU TOUCHED MY HEART.

NEMO AND ROCKET
(a chorus, triumphant)
YOU TOUCHED MY HEART
YOU TOUCHED MY HEART
WHAT FEARS DID WE HAVE? (Nemo)
WHAT FEARS DID WE HAVE? (Rocket)
THAT DROVE US APART? (Nemo)
THAT DROVE US APART? (Rocket)
YOU DROVE OUT MY FEAR 
WHEN YOU TOUCHED MY HEART.

(bridge; in unison)
THE EARTH TURNED, MOUNTAINS ROSE, BUT HEAVEN KNEW
STUMBLING, STAGGERING, STUNNED, WE WERE BUT TWO
ATOMS, PARTICLES, LOST IN THE BLUE
BUT DESTINED TO COLLIDE: ME AND YOU

NEMO
IN SHADOWS I LIVED
FOREVER I CRIED,
MY SPIRIT HAD DIED,
THEN YOU TOUCHED MY HEART.

ROCKET
I SPUN LIKE THE SUN,
A HYDROGEN BLAZE,
UNABLE TO BREATHE,
THEN YOU TOUCHED MY HEART.

NEMO (descant) AND ROCKET
(Repeat chorus, more triumphant)

	NEMO
YOU TOUCHED
YOU TOUCHED MY HEART
YOU TOUCHED
YOU TOUCHED MY HEART
WHAT FEARS DID WE HAVE?
WHAT FEARS DID WE HAVE?
THAT DROVE US APART?
YOU DROVE OUT MY FEAR
WHEN YOU TOUCHED, TOUCHED, TOUCHED, TOUCHED, TOUCHED, TOUCHED, TOUCHED, TOUCHED, 
TOUCHED, TOUCHED,  
       ROCKET
YOU TOUCHED MY HEART
YOU TOUCHED MY HEART
WHAT FEARS DID WE HAVE
THAT DROVE US APART?
YOU DROVE OUT MY FEAR
WHEN YOU TOUCHED, TOUCHED,
TOUCHED, MY HEART.
WHEN TOUCHED, TOUCHED MY 

NEMO AND ROCKET
(in unison)
HEART, WHEN TOUCHED, TOUCHED MY HEART

When You Touched My Heart

This is the song that Nemo sings when he's decided whether to sell his songs to get the money to buy more elixir. 

(LOWDOWN looks at his watch.)
I’ll keep the offer open for five minutes.

(NEMO walks over to the counter where MR. TWIST hands him a guitar. He starts to sing.)

	NEMO
What is a song to sing?
Simply words and melody.
What is to sing a song?
A song is not reality.
What is to live a life?
Don’t we all need harmony?

What are those songs I wrote?
Mere products of my fantasies.
How dare I write of love,
When no one even cares for me.
What is a life to live?
It must be more than melody.

[bridge:]
Those songs were the songs
That I wrote alone,
That I sang alone,
When I was alone,
In darkest nights
Tormented nights,
And sunny days ... Of hope.

It’s now the time to choose,
A hero wouldn’t hesitate.
What is to live a life,
Don’t we all need harmony?
What is a life to live?
I know it’s more than melody.
(NEMO turns to LOWDOWN.)
And I need more than my songs!

What Is A Song To Sing?

This is the song that Madame Buzzard sings to Nemo when he asks what the elixir does and where she got it. 

MADAME BUZZARD
For someone with a big problem, you sure ask a lot of questions.
(MADAME BUZZARD seems about to show NEMO the door, but then thinks better of it, like she’s going to let NEMO in on a big secret. She smiles. O.S. The FUNKY BEAT of a bass. MADAME B sings a short verse.)
Where did I get it?
What the hell is it?
I’ll tell you where and what.
(MADAME BUZZARD snaps her fingers, and a SAXOPHONIST appears, who lets fly a few appropriate wails before Madame B takes up the main theme.)
In ancient times across the sand,
In what we now call Egypt land,
There was a queen who was a sweetie
‘Twas known to all as Nefertiti

Royal princes, dukes, and kings,
Adorned her with gold rings and things.
But listen, boy, she was no looker,
The truth is Venus had forsook her.

(THE BUZZARD-ETTES, a quartet of back-up singers appear on the scene to sing the bridge.)

BUZZARD-ETTES
Teeth kinda jagged,
Hair kinda ragged
Nose kinda hookéd
Eyes kinda crookéd
Venus had forsook her

MADAME BUZZARD
It’s what the books don’t tell ya,
Those kind of looks repel ya.
Poor Nefertiti was friendless,
Her isolation endless.
 (MADAME BUZZARD pauses. She looks at NEMO and seems to have second thoughts about letting NEMO in on the secret, as NEMO waits breathlessly for enlightenment.)
So why did all the ancient hip
Make tracks to Nefertiti’s ship?

Because on her illustrous boat,
Where singers sang and writers wrote,
There lived the queen’s apothecary,
‘Twas kin of mine, good doctor Larry.
Good Larry had the stuff to fix her,
He used his special love elixir!

BUZZARD-ETTES
Ooh, that love elixir:
Pours kinda sticky
Smells kinda icky
Tastes kinda funky
Makes you kinda hunky

(The BUZZARD-ETTES point to NEMO to make sure he gets the message.)

MADAME BUZZARD
What did she have to drive men wild?
Why were the princes so beguiled?
She went to Larry to be fixed,
She drank the drink my cousin mixed!

And who today can make this brew?
I’m standing right in front of you!

(NEMO jumps in, pleading.)

NEMO
Please!
Believe me that I trust in you,
I never was a doubter.
I need your brew, I need the girl,
I cannot live without her.

(MADAME BUZZARD coyly turns her back on NEMO and returns to the Buzzard-ettes for another go at the main theme.)

 
MADAME BUZZARD
Today I am the only one,
Descended from Larry’s only son,
Who makes this recipe for romance, 
And without which you will have no chance.

(MADAME BUZZARD ends looking directly at Nemo. The BUZZARD-ETTES dance out of the room, singing as they go.) 

BUZZARD-ETTES
Without which you will have no chance.
Without which you will have no chance.
Without which you will have no chance.
Without which you will have no chance.

NEMO
Please, Madame Buzzard, help me!

MADAME BUZZARD
It’s very expensive.

In Ancient Times

These two songs are a conversation between Rocket and Nemo after Rocket has confronted Nemo about his secret letter to her. 

ROCKET
JUST BECAUSE YOUR FACE GOES RED,
YOU STAMMER WHEN I TURN MY HEAD
TO HEAR THE WORDS YOU MIGHT HAVE SAID,
A FRIENDLY INVITATION TO YOUR BED.

JUST BECAUSE YOUR MOUTH GOES DRY,
YOU STRUGGLE TO EMIT A SIGH,
YOUR PROBLEMS SEEM TO MULTIPLY,
AS YOU REACH OUT, BUT I GO BY,
IT DOESN’T SIGNIFY ... A GODDAMN THING!

(bridge)
NO, MY FRIEND, WE’RE NOT IN 
THE STATE YOU’RE THINKING OF,
WHEN HEARTS BEAT FAST, IT’LL NEVER LAST 
I PROMISE YOU, YES I PROMISE YOU, THIS ISN’T LOVE

(back to main theme)
JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK IT’S TRUE,
AND SOMETIMES I AM SWEET TO YOU
WELL, DON’T USE THAT TO MISCONSTRUE
OR BROKEN-HEARTED TROUBLE WILL ENSUE

Look, Nemo:

JUST BECAUSE MY THERMOSTAT
TURNS ON THE HEAT WHEN YOU HAVE SAT
BESIDE ME FOR A MINUTE FLAT
AND HOT IS WHERE MY OVEN’S AT,
I LOVE YOU MUCH TOO MUCH ... 
I LOVE YOU MUCH TOO MUCH ... 
I LOVE YOU MUCH TOO MUCH FOR THAT

(NEMO turns to MR. TWIST, who with barely a nod reaches under the counter, finds a guitar, and hands it over to NEMO. NEMO strums a chord and starts to sing.)

NEMO
Don’t ask the river why it starts to flow,
From distant mountain stream, how does it know?
The sea that calls the river to its death,
Draws the river like you draw your breath.

A mountain’s melted by a little stream,
So tell me why would I give up this dream?
As rivers run through rugged canyons deep,
You know my heart is always yours to keep.

(ROCKET turns away in frustration and annoyance — but she’s charmed. NEMO walks around her, trying to get her to look at him again, and responds to her annoyance by singing the bridge.)

NEMO
To you I’m fanatical, doomed to despair,
This love that I’ve given you won’t go anywhere.
Look at it my way, please listen to me,
‘Cause I’ve had a vision of what we could be.

Two lovers who live for the other’s delight,
Who want nothing more than to love ev’ry night,
Two lovers who know what the other one needs,
And get it no matter where getting it leads.

(ROCKET turns back to look at NEMO — she’s still shaking her head, but she’s impressed with his persistence.)

NEMO
The rivers wash the mountains to the sea,
My love will someday make you part of me.
Don’t ask me why, don’t ask me why, it’s only you I love.
Go ask the mountains far . . . above.

ROCKET
Oh Nemo, you are so crazy. 

(END OF SCENE)

Just Because/Don't Ask The River

This song is where we meet Lowdown. Lyrics:

Lowdown
A BODACIOUS CHICK, SHE SAID TO ME,
THIS FEELING I HAVE, WHAT CAN IT BE?
DOWN SOUTH OF MY BELT, I’M FEELING VIBRATION,
UP NORTH OF MY KNEES, A WHOLE NEW SENSATION.

I SAID TO THE CHICK, GO WITH THE FLOW,
YOUR FEELINGS ARE REAL, TRUST ME I KNOW,
NO CHICK CAN RESIST, MY OWN SAVOIR-FAIRE
I’VE GOT THE ONE THING, TO CURL A GIRL’S HAIR.

Lowdown and the Reptiles (responsively)
I AM LOWDOWN . . . . HE IS LOWDOWN
I AM LOWDOWN . . . . HE IS LOWDOWN
I’M LOWDOWN . . . . HE’S LOWDOWN
I’M LOWDOWN . . . . HE’S LOWDOWN
LOWDOWN . . . . LOWDOWN
LOWDOWN . . . . LOWDOWN

Lowdown
WHEN THE BASS PLAYS A NOTE, WAY DOWN THE SCALE,
WHEN I STRUT MY STUFF, GIRLS START TO WAIL,
HAVE MERCY THEY SAY, THEY’RE SHAKING BELOW,
I LAUGH IN THEIR FACE AND GET ON WITH THE SHOW!

Lowdown and the Band
I AM LOWDOWN . . . . HE IS LOWDOWN
I AM LOWDOWN . . . . HE IS LOWDOWN
I’M LOWDOWN . . . . HE’S LOWDOWN
I’M LOWDOWN . . . . HE’S LOWDOWN
LOWDOWN . . . . LOWDOWN
LOWDOWN . . . . LOWDOWN

Lowdown's Song

This is the song where Rocket introduces herself. Lyrics:

Kids
ROCKET, ROCKET, ROCKET,
SHE’S COOL, SHE’S NEAT, SHE’S KEEN
ROCKET, ROCKET, ROCKET,
OUR ROCK ‘N’ ROLLIN’ QUEEN!

ROCKET, ROCKET, ROCKET,
SHE’S COOL, SHE’S NEAT, SHE’S KEEN
ROCKET, ROCKET, ROCKET,
OUR ROCK AND ROLLIN’ QUEEN!

Rocket
GOOD EVENING ALL YOU FRIENDS OF MINE,
YOU PUNKS, YOU ROCKERS, HEAR ME SING!
I’M HERE TONIGHT LIKE EV’RY NIGHT
TO SEE JUST WHAT IS HAPPENING.

Kids
SHE’S HERE TONIGHT LIKE EV’RY NIGHT,
TO SEE JUST WHAT IS HAPPENING.

Rocket
I’M ROCKET AND I NEED TO SING
I ROCK AND ROLL AND ROLL AND ROCK!
I LIVE TO BE ASTONISHING,
I’M LIKE A BOMB THAT GOES TICK-TOCK!

Kids
SHE ROCKS ‘N’ ROLLS, ROLLS AND ROCKS,
SHE’S LIKE A BOMB THAT GOES TICK TOCK.

SHE’S ROCKET, SHE’S ROCKET,
SHE ROCKS IT, SHE ROCKS IT,
DON’T MOCK IT, JUST ROCK IT,
DON’T BLOCK IT, JUST ROCK IT!

Rocket
BOOM! I’M OFF TO VENUS AND MARS.
ZOOM! I WANT TO SHINE WITH THE STARS.
SOLID FUELED AND HOT TO THE TOUCH,
PRIMED TO GO, DON’T LOVE ME TOO MUCH.

Kids
SOLID FUELED AND HOT TO THE TOUCH,
PRIMED TO GO, DON’T LOVE HER TOO MUCH.

Rocket
YOU HOLD ME AND I’LL BURN YOU BAD,
I’M HOTTER THAN A LASER BEAM.
YOU LOVE ME AND I’LL DRIVE YOU MAD,
I REALLY THINK THAT LIFE’S A SCREAM.

Kids
SHE’S HOTTER THAN A LASER BEAM,
SHE REALLY THINKS THAT LIFE’S A SCREAM.

Rocket
YOU WANT ME, FOREVER.
YOU NEED ME, FOREVER.
YOU’LL LOVE ME, FOREVER.
FOREVER? AND EVER?
FOREVER? COME ON!

GET SERIOUS, I’M IMPERIOUS!
GET REAL, BOY, I DON’T FEEL, BOY!
BE NICE? I’M ICE.

YOU CAN GIVE ME A KISS.
YOU CAN GIVE ME A HUG,
BUT YOU MUST FACE THE FACT
THAT . . . 
LOVE IS JUST A . . .
TWENTY-FOUR HOUR BUG.

Kids
YOU CAN GIVE HER A KISS
YOU CAN GIVE HER A HUG,
BUT YOU MUST FACE THE FACT
THAT . . .
LOVE IS JUST A . . .
TWENTY-FOUR HOUR BUG.

Rocket
I’M ROCKET AND I LIVE MY LIFE
WITH EV’RY SINGLE SAIL UNFURLED
I’M ROCKET AND I NEED TO BE
THE HOTTEST DIVA IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!

Kids
SHE’S ROCKET, SHE’S ROCKET.
SHE ROCKS IT, SHE ROCKS IT.
DON’T MOCK IT, JUST ROCK IT.
DON’T STOP IT, JUST ROCK IT! 

Rocket
I AM ROCKET!

Rocket's Song

(ROCKET turns on the charm. She’s not subtle, as she STARTS SINGING. As she sings, she dances around LOWDOWN again, the tip of her finger lightly touching first his face, then around his back, then his chin, as ROCKET stares straight in LOWDOWN’s face. As the song progresses, ROCKET starts backing up the stairs to LOWDOWN’s sleeping loft; he follows as if mesmerized.)
ROCKET
What do you think I’m worth?
Is some silly tune worth more than me?
What do you think I’m worth?
How can his songs compare to me?
Money’s just money, honey, you need to live more sensually!
What do you think I’m worth?
What will you give to get to me?
What do you think I’m worth?
What can you give to be with me?
Money’s worth nothin’, honey, how do you value ecstasy?
(THREE BACKUP SINGERS appear magically to sing the bridge)
BACKUP SINGERS
You won’t forget it,
You’ll get your bargain’s worth.
You won’t regret it,
You’ll get your bargain’s worth.
ROCKET
What do you think I’m worth?
For once you will get the real McCoy
What do you think I’m worth?
Can you handle transcendent joy?
Forget the money, honey, it’s time you lived more soulfully.
(LOWDOWN is now eager as they reach the top of the stairs. They reach the loft. There’s an old filing cabinet outside the door to the loft.)
LOWDOWN
You got me, take anything.
You want it, it’s yours.
Take money
From my pocket
Take the rings
Off my fingers
Take the shirt
Off my back
Take the contract
Goddamn it.
(LOWDOWN opens a file drawer and starts rummaging through it.
ROCKET, sensing victory, ratchets up the intensity to seal the deal.)
ROCKET
Don’t you demand the best?
Are you ready for the height of pleasure?
I’ll make you forget the rest,
Can you take it, bliss beyond measure?
Screw the money, honey, for once you can have more, for once you can be more, have more, be more, have more, be more . . .
(LOWDOWN has found the contract for the songs. He thrusts it at Rocket.)
LOWDOWN
You got me, take anything.
You want it, it’s yours.
(LOWDOWN grabs Rocket and kisses her forcefully. ROCKET pushes him away and, always careful, looks over the contract while Lowdown continues singing – his voice goes higher as he commits.)
Take money
From my pocket
Take the rings
Off my fingers
Take the shirt
Off my back
Take the contract
Goddamn it.
(ROCKET folds the contract, stuffs it in her bag. She looks Lowdown in the eye, then grabs him and kisses him back. She breaks off and resumes singing her song, ending with a new refrain.)
ROCKET (AND BACKUP SINGERS)
You won’t forget it,
You’ll get your bargain’s worth.
You won’t forget it,
You’ll get your bargain’s worth.
You won’t regret it,
You won’t regret it
ROCKET
‘Cause let me tell you,
Let me tell you . . .
Anything you spend for love,
Anything you do for love,
Anything . . . 
Is a deal, is a steal
Only love is real.
(LOWDOWN forcefully kisses ROCKET again.)
LOWDOWN
You got me, take anything.
You want it, it’s yours.
BACKUP SINGERS
(repeatedly, as chorus)
Is a deal, is a steal,
Only love is real.
Is a deal, is a steal,
Only love is real.
(ROCKET grits her teeth and kisses back.)
ROCKET
Anything you spend for love,
Anything you do for love,
Anything . . . 
Is a deal, is a steal,
Only love is real,
Only love is real.
(ROCKET and LOWDOWN pass through the door into the loft.
Black out.)
(END OF ACT I)

What Do You Think I'm Worth?

Elixir is a new musical in development with music by Bert Draesel and words by Frank Gruber. Set among struggling musicians trying to make it big, Elixir tells a powerful love story, one that's all about sacrifice and devotion (and comedy, too).

Elixir: A New Musical

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