Music by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus

Lyrics by Tim Rice

ACT ONE

The World Chess Championship is about to take place in Merano, a Tirolean town in north Italy. The champion (The American, in his mid-thirties) is defending his title against a new challenger (The Russian, in his early forties). The People of Merano are by and large very enthusiastic about the great event that is taking place in their small community. The American is enthusiastic about the potential financial rewards of the match and about his own skill at bringing what has hitherto been a minority interest sport to the frenzied attention of the world media. (Merano)

The American gives a press conference at his hotel at which he behaves petulantly and aggressively, denouncing his opponent, every other Soviet and the press with equal vigour. His performance is watched on television by the Russian and his KGB-employed second, Molokov, in their hotel. Molokov is inclined to dismiss the American as a nut. The Russian concedes that his opponent is eccentric but realises that each outrageous move made by the American is a calculated one. The Russian reflects upon his own rise to the top. (Where I Want To Be)

The Opening Ceremony is a hugely colorful event. Merano has pulled out all the stops. The Arbiter of the match points out with great gusto that his word is final during the series of games while the Merchandisers, Press, Politicians, Businessmen and Diplomats all struggle to get everything they can from the excitement building up to fever pitch around the contest.

The American stages and effective and insulting walkout during the Arbiter’s lengthy recap of the match regulations immediately after the Opening Ceremony. None are more insulted than his own second, Florence Vassy, who is left to defend her player’s indefensible behaviour to a sneering and pompously protesting Molokov. During this exchange she meets the Russian player for the first time. The Russian shows sympathy for her situation. The Arbiter continues to prattle on about the rules. (Quartet - A Model Of Decorum And Tranquility)

Florence confronts the American back at their hotel, telling him that she cannot tolerate his treatment of her for much longer. We learn that she was born in Hungary, left that country when only two with her mother in 1956 during the uprising, and is now a naturalised British citizen. She has never discovered what happened to her father who ‘disappeared’ when the Hungarian uprising was crushed. She is determined to find out. She has worked for the American for seven years, since meeting him during a chess tournament in England. We suspect their relationship is almost like a mother and child, although both are around the same age. Their argument reinforces that the only person she ever really rely on is herself. (The American And Florence / Nobody’s Side)

The first game of the contest begins with an atmosphere of mutual loathing hanging over the proceedings as the two players make their first moves. Tension builds offboard as both men resorting to underhand tactics to distract or enrage each other. Suddenly, high drama as the two players fling the board up in to the air. They walk out after nearly coming to blows. Consternation everywhere. (Chess)

Florence and Molokov have an unofficial meeting to discuss the collapse of the match, which no one really wants to abandon. After some spirited insult trading, Florence takes the initiative and tells Molkov where and when he is to deliver his player for a secret, off the record, meeting between the two contestants, in order that the match can resume without either party losing face. Molokov attempts to rattle Florence at one stage by implying that he knows some Hungarian history she might want to learn about.

At a private room in a restaurant halfway up a Merano Mountain, Florence and the American arrive for the secret meeting. The Russian is late and the American leaves the restaurant in mock disgust. Almost at once the Russian and a junior member of his own back up team arrive to find no opponent waiting for them, only his opponent’s Second. During the conversation that follows, the Russian and Florence are quickly attracted to each other, the almost romantic mood rudely interrupted when the American returns. (Mountain Duets)

The American and Russian argue, trade insults and jokes but thanks largely to Florence’s delicate touch, they both agree on a press statement sharing the blame for the breakdown and to resume playing.

Some days later, the American and Florence discuss the progress of the match. Things are going badly for the American who is unpleasantly agitated. The cause is all but lost. He blames Florence for his failure and as they hurl abuse at each other, she tells him that she is going to leave him after the match, even if by some miracle he won it. The American is devastated and alternates between fury and pleading with her to stay. His paranoia about the Reds surfaces - he is convinced that the Soviets have something to do with both his loss of form and Florence’s desertion. The finish of their argument is a “squalid little ending” to their relationship. Even after Florence has left, the American continues to justify his actions to himself.

At an unidentified Western embassy some days later, the Russian, the newly crowned World chess champion, asks for political asylum, although he has problems winning the instant support and interest of the civil servants in the embassy. (Embassy Lament)

Eventually he gets the form and freedom he wants. Certainly he has made the right decision, he is equally certain of what he will never be able to leave. (Anthem)

ACT TWO

One year has passed. The Russian is to defend his title against a new challenger from the Soviet Union in Bangkok, Thailand. The American and some locals discuss the unusual venue for the Championship. (Bangkok / On Night In Bangkok)

Florence and the Russian who have been lovers since his defection, are in the Oriental Hotel, Bangkok. They discuss his new opponent and wonder why the American is in town, as he has played no serious chess since his defeat in Merano. They also talk about the refusal of the Soviet authorities to let his wife out of the U. S. S. R. The Russian leaves to discuss tactics with his seconds; Florence, alone, speculates about their future together. (Heaven Help My Heart)

Molokov and his team are confident that this time around they have a player who is totally trustworthy and can be relied upon to (a) win and (b) to stay in Russia. Their new champion is a rather weird introvert who only seems to be able to function at full steam when talking or playing chess.

The Russian is interviewed on Thai TV. To his amazement he discovers that his interviewer is the American who proceeds to ask him about his personal life, about Florence and about his politics - never about chess. The American finally tells him (on the air) that arrangements have been made to fly his wife into Bangkok in time for the match. Enraged, the Russian storms out.

The Russian and Florence watch as his wife (Svetlana) on television arriving in Bangkok. The event brings the tension between them to a climax. The Russian says he must leave Florence for the duration of the competition. Florence is left alone with the TV still showing Svetlana’s image. She recalls how well she knows the lover who has just left her. Svetlana recalls how well she knows her husband. (I Know Him So Well)

The American forces his way into the Russian’s quarters to offer him a deal. Despite the personal pressures already weighing down heavily on the Russian, he has begun the match in great style, winning the first two games. The American now says that if his winning streak should suddenly come to an end then Florence will not be given information he claims to have received from the Soviets about her father. The information is extremely unpleasant, revealing her father to have been a traitor to his people, not a hero, responsible for a score of deaths. The Russian does not know whether to believe him or not, but throws him out. The American then approaches Florence, suggesting that if she would only return to him, not only would they be once again the best chess team ever witnessed, he would also be able to provide her with news (he does not say whether it is good or bad) she has always wanted to know about her past. She too rejects his offer.

His frustration and rejection by Florence cause the American to explode in a fury of self-pity and anger (Pity The Child).

The deciding game in the match begins, Memories of former champions are invoked. Molokov and the American have a conversation which reveals them to have been in league against the Russian, albeit for very different reasons. Florence, watching the match, although not knowing that her lover has been put under pressure to lose, sees his obsession with victory destroying his ability to care for her.

The Russian, defying everyone, plays like a dream and annihilates his opponent. He finds himself amused and delighted by the fact that his various enemies have so misjudged his will to win. He may have failed in his efforts to sort out his private life but he has succeeded in his professional, public life and he now knows this is the only success he really wants. He rejoices in his victory, but even as the crowds acclaim him and as his wife vainly attempts to make some kind of contact with him, he almost immediately feels a sense of hollow anti-climax. He despises himself for the narrow selfish ambitions and desires that satisfy him. So does Svetlana; any chance of reconciliation between them is gone. They both acknowledge, she with bitterness, he with resignation, that henceforth their “one true obligation” is to themselves.

Whereas the Russian for the first time has been able to put his career before anything else, the change has gone the other way for the American. He hardly thinks of chess now; only that his machinations have failed to alleviate his personal loneliness - Florence will not return to him even if her relationship with the Russian has foundered. He plans his revenge on both Florence and the Russian, while Molokov, apprehensive about his own future, prepares suitable treatment for his failed protégé.

EPILOGUE: But has that relationship foundered? Florence and the Russian reflect simultaneously but separately, upon their story that they thought was a happy one; like the game of chess the game of love can be played in an almost limitless number of variations. Perhaps this was just one of the many games that end in stalemate. “Yet we go on pretending, stories like ours have happy endings.” (You And I) As they finish, the American is seen approaching Florence. He has some news for her…

CITIZENS
Oh, light the heart
that lingers in Merano.
Merano! The spa no
connoisseur of spas would miss.
So healthy!
Highly recommended
is this sweet metropolis.
Mental and physical bliss!

The gods have smiled
and blessed is Merano.
Merano! There are no
fitter burgers to be found.
Such vigour!
Take the time to taste us.
We'll give you a welcome that's typically Tirol
for then we are sure of our ground.
Right now we're Italian; we used to be German,
the boarder keeps shifting around.

MAYOR
Speaking as one of the patriarchs
I don't mind taking your lira or marks.

CITIZENS
Oh, I get high when I saunter by the mountains of Merano,
rosy-cheeked Merano, flourishing to a fault,
the sparkling streams, the bracing air,
the therapeutic salt;
I'd have to be carried away to call a halt!

Oh, I feel great in this bouncing state,
o, hail to thee, Merano,
hearty, hale Merano.
Any objections? Nein!
Where breathing in will turn you on,
where water tastes like wine.
Get out your get up and go and get in line.
It's living your life in a show by Rodgers and Hammerstein!

Oh, sad the soul who passes by Merano.
Merano! So far no
soul has ever passed us by.
They love us!
Why not stay forever?
Oh, so many reasons why!
All, all those in favour say Aye!
Aye!

So sing a song,
let's hear it for Merano.
Merano! Soprano,
alto, tenor, bass agree.
We're wholesome!
What a happy haven!
This a place where your arteries soften,
cholesterol hasn't a chance.
From mountain to valley the natural goodness
is fighting pollutions advance.

MAYOR
So come to us and feel the force.
All major credit cards taken, of course.

CITIZENS
Oh, I get high when I saunter by the mountains of Merano,
rosy-cheeked Merano,
flourishing to a fault,
the sparkling streams, the bracing air,
the therapeutic salt;
I'd have to be carried away to call a halt!

Once in a while all the gods will smile on little old Merano,
humble, shy Merano
suddenly hits the press
and I report with all the pride
and joy that I possess.
Half of the world and his wife has our address.
Our little town will be rife with games of chess!

[WHISTLE]

Oh, I get high when I saunter by the mountains of Merano,
rosy-cheeked Merano,
flourishing to a fault,
the sparkling streams, the bracing air,
the therapeutic salt;
I'd have to be carried away to call a halt!

Oh, I feel great in this bouncing state,
o, hail to thee, Merano,
hearty, hale Merano.
Any objections? Nein!
Where breathing in will turn you on,
where water tastes like wine.
Get up your get up and go and get in line.
It's living your life in a show by
Rodgers and Hammerstein!

Now for the sell
we put the ice into paradise,
we are the salt of the earth.
Sound as a bell!
Check out the waters
and check out the hygiene
at which we excel. Check into a hotel
and schnell,
body and soul,
get well!

THE RUSSIAN
Who needs a dream?
Who need ambition?
Who'd be the fool
in my position?

Once I had dreams,
now they're obsessions.
Hopes became needs,
lovers possessions.

Then they move in,
oh, so discreetly,
slowly at first,
smiling too sweetly.

I opened doors,
they walked right through them,
called me their friend,
I hardly knew them.

Now I'm where I want to be and who I want to be and doing what I always said and yet I feel I haven't won at all.
Running for my life and never looking back in case there's someone right behind to shoot me down and say he always knew I'd fall.
When the crazy wheel slows down,
where will I be? Back where I started.

Don't get me wrong,
I'm not complaining.
Times have been good,
fast, entertaining.

But what's the point
if I'm concealing
not only love,
all other feelings.

Now I'm where I want to be and who I want to be and doing what I always said and yet I feel I haven't won at all.
Running for my life and never looking back in case there's someone right behind to shoot me down and say he always knew I'd fall.
When the crazy wheel slows down,
where will I be? Back where I started.

MOLOKOV
We wish, no must,
make our disgust
at this abuse perfectly clear.
We're here for chess--
are the U. S.?
If so, why foul the atmosphere?

FLORENCE
I must protest--
our delegation has a host of valid points to raise,
our player's sporting attitude is beyond all praise
as any neutral would attest.

But we concede
the fact his masters bend the rules is not player's fault--
we'll overlook their crude political assault
and under protest will proceed.

MOLOKOV
We wish, no must,
make our disgust
at this abuse perfectly clear.
We're here for chess--
are the U. S.?
How can you make such a claim?

ARBITER
Point seventeen,
no one-way screen
will be allowed in the hall.

MOLOKOV
If you're man's so sweet
then why his fighting talk?
If he's not a cheat,
then why on earth did he go take a walk?

FLORENCE
I am not surprised
he wanted fresher air.
Once he realised
there was no hope of your lot playing fair.

MOLOKOV
It's very sad to see
the ancient and distinguished game which used to be

FLORENCE
How sad to see
what used to be

MOLOKOV & FLORENCE
a model of decorum and tranquility
become like any other sport, a battleground for rival ideologies
to slug it out with glee.

THE RUSSIAN
Through the elegant yelling
of this compelling
dispute
comes the ghastly suspicion
my opposition’s
a fruit.

MOLOKOV
We wish, no must,
make our disgust
at this abuse perfectly clear.
We're here for chess--
are the U. S.?
If so, why foul the atmosphere?

FLORENCE
I don't suppose
you understand the strain and pressure getting where he's got,
for then you'd simply call him highly strung and not
imply he was one of those.

ARBITER
Point twenty-three,
the board will be
made in
Sweden,
non-aligned wood.

THE RUSSIAN
But how can you
work for one who
treats you
like dirt?
Pay must be good.

MOLOKOV
It seems to us
there's little point in waiting here all night for his return
and since a peaceful match is our sole concern
we won't make an official fuss.

FLORENCE
I'm not getting rich,
my only interest is
in something which
gives me the chance of working with the best.

MOLOKOV
In short we rise
above your guy's
tantrums, dramas,
dirty tricks.

ARBITER
Point thirty-one,
no game begun.
by noon goes on
after six.

THE RUSSIAN
I can only say
I hope your dream comes true.
Till that far-off day
I hope you cope
with helping number two.

ARBITER & MOLOKOV
It's very sad to see
the ancient and distinguished game which used to be

FLORENCE & THE RUSSIAN
How sad to see

ALL FOUR
a model of decorum and tranquility
become like any other sport, a battleground for rival ideologies
to slug it out with glee.

FLORENCE
You want to lose your only friend?
Well keep it up, you're doing fine.
Why this humiliation?
Why treat me like a fool?
I've taken shit for seven years
and I won't take it anymore.

THE AMERICAN
I'm only teasing Soviets
with gentle bonhomie
and you've a better reason
to be anti-them than me.

FLORENCE
There's a time and there's a place.

THE AMERICAN
Is this the girl who always said
she wants to know the truth?

FLORENCE
There's a time and there's a place.

CHOIR
Nineteen-fifty-six, Budapest is rising,
nineteen-fifty-six, Budapest is rising,

THE AMERICAN
I'd have thought you'd support
any attack on these people,

CHOIR
nineteen-fifty-six, Budapest is rising,

THE AMERICAN
on the people who ran
mindlessly over your childhood.
Don't let them fool you,
for thirty years on they're the same.

CHOIR
nineteen-fifty-six, Budapest is fighting,
nineteen-fifty-six, Budapest is falling,

THE AMERICAN
They see chess as a war
playing with pawns just like Poland.

CHOIR
nineteen-fifty-six, Budapest is dying.

THE AMERICAN
If you walk out on me
they would have won the first battle.
Wouldn't your father have begged you
to stay in the game?

FLORENCE
He would--
but he didn't know you.
He'd loathe your behaviour
and so do I--
why'd you have to do this to me?

What's going on around me
is barely making sense,
I need some explanations fast.
I see my present partner
in the imperfect tense
and I don't see how we can last.
I feel I need a change of cast,
maybe I'm on nobody's side.

And when he gives me reasons
to justify each move
they're getting harder to believe.
I know this can't continue,
I've still a lot to prove,
there must be more I could achieve,
but I don't have the nerve to leave.

Ev'rybody's playing the game,
but nobody's rules are the same.
Nobody's on nobody's side,
better learn to go it alone.
Recognize you're out on your own,
nobody's on nobody's side.

The one I should not think of
keeps rolling through my mind
and I don't want to let that go.
No lover's ever faithful,
no contract truly signed,
there's nothing certain left to know,
and how the cracks begin to show!

Never make a promise or plan,
take a little love where you can,
nobody's on nobody's side.
Never stay too long in your bed,
never lose your heart, use your head,
nobody's on nobody's side.

Never take a stranger's advice,
never let a friend fool you twice,
nobody's on nobody's side.
Ev'rybody's playing the game,
but nobody's rules are the same,
nobody's on nobody's side.

Never leave a moment too soon,
never waste a hot afternoon,
nobody's on nobody's side,
never stay a minute too long,
don't forget the best will go wrong,
nobody's on nobody's side,

never be the first to believe,
never be the last to deceive,
nobody's on nobody's side,
Never make a promise or plan,
take a little love where you can,
nobody's on nobody's side... [REPEAT & FADE]

FLORENCE
This is the one situation
I wanted most to avoid.
Nothing I say will convince him
it isn't a trick.

THE RUSSIAN
A drink on a clear moonlit night--
I relax, she smiles.
There's something unpleasant going on.

FLORENCE
So with immaculate timing
I'm left to carry the can.
Embarrassed, outnumbered,
marooned.

THE RUSSIAN
Now she can't be working for them--
I mean us--
she seems so very straightforward,
but where is he?

FLORENCE
He has to come back--
he wanted this meeting,
well, didn't he?

THE RUSSIAN
Maybe he's scared,
just as scared as he was in the game.

FLORENCE
Oh, I just couldn't care less.
He can go right ahead,
go and wreck his career,
I know I've done my best.

THE RUSSIAN
Well, at least she's a good-looking spy.

FLORENCE
What if my Russian friend thinks that my plans
are more of an intimate kind.
If I don't say something else soon
he'll go-- nobody's on nobody's side!

THE RUSSIAN
Listen, I hate to break up the mood.
Get to the point, begin the beguine.
Haven't you noticed we're a protagonist short
in this idyllic well-produced scene?

FLORENCE
All I can say is moments ago
He was right here ready and waiting.

THE RUSSIAN
Never mind him, I haven't missed him so far.

BOTH
Maybe it won't do any harm
to struggle on without his charm.
Funny how all at once I feel
that he can go jump off the mountain;
I won't care.

FLORENCE
This is the one situation
I wanted most to avoid.

THE RUSSIAN
My dear opponent,
I really can't imagine why.

FLORENCE
So I am not dangerous then?
What a shame!

THE RUSSIAN
Oh, you're not dangerous,
who could think that of you?

FLORENCE
You,

BOTH
you are so strange.
Why can't you be what you ought to be?
You should be scheming, intriguing,
too clever by half.

THE RUSSIAN
I have to hand it to you
for you managed to make me forget
why I ever agreed to this farce.

BOTH
I don't know why I can't think of anything
I would rather do
than be wasting my time
on mountains with you.

CIVIL SERVANTS
Oh, my dear, how boring,
he's defecting,
just like all the others
he's expecting

us to be impressed with
what he's done here
but he hasn't stopped to think about
the paperwork his gesture causes--
we've an embassy to run here.

If these people can't strike
blows for freedom
with a valid visa
we don't need 'em.

If we seem offhand then, please, remember
this is nothing very special,
he's the fourth we've had since last November.
Who do these foreign chappies think they are?

And when he's safely in the West
he'll be the hero to discuss.
The media will lionize him,
fame and fortune plus,
no one will recall
it's thanks to us!

Have you an appointment with the consul?
If you don't we know what his response'll

be, he will not see you,
with respect it buggers up his very taxing schedule
pushing peace and understanding.
Let us hope this won't affect it!

Far too many jokers cross the boarder,
not a single document in order.

Russia must be empty though we're all for
basic human rights, it makes you wonder,
what they built the Berlin wall for.
Who do these foreign chappies think they are?

And when you've filled in all the forms
and been passed clear of all disease,
debriefed, debugged, dedrugged, disarmed
and disinfected, please,
don't forget the guys
who cut your keys!

THE RUSSIAN
No man, no madness,
though their sad power may prevail,
can possess, conquer my country's heart,
they rise to fail.

She is eternal
long before nation's lines were drawn.
When no flags flew, when no armies stood,
my land was born.

And you ask me why I love her
through wars, death and despair.
She is the constant,
we who don't care.

And you wonder will I leave her--
but how?
I cross over boarders but
I'm still there now.

How can I leave her?
Where would I start?
Let man's petty nations
tear themselves apart.
My land's only boarders lie
around my heart.

THE AMERICAN
Bangkok! Oriental setting
and the city don't know what the city is getting,
the crème de la crème of the chess world with a
show with everything but Yul Brynner.

Time flies-- doesn't seem a minute
since the Tirolean spa had the chess boys in it.
All change-- don't you know that when you
play at this level there's no ordinary venue.

It's Iceland--
or the Philippines--
or Hastings-- or
or this place!

CHOIR
One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster,
the bars are temples but the pearls ain't free.
You'll find a god in every golden cloister
and if you're lucky then the god's a she.
I can feel an angel sliding up to me.

THE AMERICAN
One town's very like another
when your head's down over your pieces, brother.

CHOIR
It's a drag, it's a bore, it's really such a pity
to be looking at the board, not looking at the city.

THE AMERICAN
Wha' d' ya mean?
You've seen one crowded, polluted, stinking town--

CHOIR
Tea, girls-- warm and sweet-- (warm, sweet)
Some are set up at the Somerset Maugham suite.

THE AMERICAN
Get Thai'd! You're talking to a tourist
whose ev'ry move's among the purest.
I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine!

CHOIR
One night in Bangkok makes the hard man humble,
not much between despair and ecstasy.
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble,
can't be too careful with your company.
I can feel the devil walking next to me.

THE AMERICAN
Siam's gonna be the witness
of the ultimate test of cerebral fitness.
This grips me more than would a
muddy river or reclining Buddha.

And thank God I'm only watching the game-- controlling it.

I don't see you guys rating
the kind of mate I'm contemplating.
I'd let you watch. I would invite you
but the queens we use would not excite you.

So you better go back to your bars, your temples, your massage parlours--

CHOIR
One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster,
the bars are temples but the pearls ain't free.
You'll find a god in every golden cloister,
a little flesh, a little history
I can feel an angel sliding up to me.

One night in Bangkok makes the hard man humble,
not much between despair and ecstasy.
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble,
can't be too careful with your company.
I can feel the devil walking next to me.

FLORENCE
If it were love I would give that love every second I had,
and I do.
Did I know where he'd lead me to?
Did I plan
doing all of this for the love of a man?
Well, I let it happen anyhow
and what I'm feeling now
has no easy explanation.
Reason plays no part,
heaven, help my heart.
I love him too much.
What if he saw my whole existence
turning around a word, a smile, a touch?

One of these days, and it won't be long, he'll know more about me
than he should.
All my dreams will be understood,
no surprise,
nothing more to learn from the look in my eyes.
Don't you know that time is not my friend,
I'll fight it to the end,
hoping to keep that best of moments
when the passions start.
Heaven, help my heart
the day that I find
suddenly I've run out of secrets,
suddenly I'm not always on his mind.

Maybe it's best to love a stranger,
well, that's what I've done--
heaven, help my heart.
Heaven, help my heart.

FLORENCE
Nothing is so good it lasts eternally,
perfect situations must go wrong.
But this has never yet prevented me
wanting far too much for far too long.

Looking back I could have played it differently,
won a few more moments, who can tell?
But it took time to understand the man.
Now at least I know I know him well.

Wasn't it good?

SVETLANA
Oh, so good!

FLORENCE
Wasn't he fine?

SVETLANA
Oh, so fine!

FLORENCE
Isn't it madness

BOTH
He can't be mine.

FLORENCE
But in the end he needs a little bit more than me,
more security.

SVETLANA
He needs his fantasy and freedom.

FLORENCE
I know him so well.

SVETLANA (in counterpoint with FLORENCE below)
No one in your life is with you constantly,
no one is completely on your side.
And though I move my world to be with him,
still the gap between us is too wide.

Looking back I could have played it differently
learned about the man before I fell.
But I was ever so much younger then,
now at least I know I know him well.

FLORENCE
Looking back I could've played things some other way.
I was just a little careless,
maybe, I was so much younger then,
I know I know him well.

SVETLANA
Wasn't it good?

FLORENCE
Oh, so good!

SVETLANA
Wasn't he fine?

FLORENCE
Oh, so fine!

SVETLANA
Isn't it madness

BOTH
He won't be mine?

Didn't I know
how it would go
if I knew from the start
why am I falling apart?

SVETLANA
Wasn't it good?
Wasn't he fine?

FLORENCE
Isn't it madness

BOTH
He won't be mine?

FLORENCE
But in the end he needs a little bit more than me,
more security.

SVETLANA
He needs his fantasy and freedom.

FLORENCE
I know him so well.

SVETLANA
It took time to understand him.

BOTH
I know him so well.

THE AMERICAN
When I was nine I learned survival,
taught myself not to care,
I was my single good companion,
taking my comfort there.

Up in my room I planned my conquests,
on my own,
never asked for a helping hand.
No one would understand.

I never asked the pair who fought below.
Just in case they said no.

Pity the child who has ambition,
knows what he wants to do,
knows that he'll never fit the system
others expect him to.

Pity the child who knew his parents,
saw their faults,
saw their love die before his eyes.
Pity the child that wise.

He never asked: Did I cause your distress?
Just in case they said yes.

When I was twelve my father moved out,
left with a whimper,
not with a shout.

I didn't miss him--
he made it perfectly clear
I was a fool and probably queer.

Fool that I was I thought this would bring
those he had left closer together.
She made her move the moment he crawled away;

I was the last the woman told,
she never let her bed get cold,

someone moved in--
I shut my door,
someone to treat her just the same way as before.

I took the road of least resistance,
I had my game to play.
I had the skill, and more-- the hunger,
easy to get away.

Pity the child with no such weapons,
no defence,
no escape from the ties that bind,
always a step behind.

I never called to tell her all I'd done--
I was only her son!

Pity the child but not forever,
not if he stays that way.
He can get all he ever wanted,
if he's prepared to pay.

Pity instead the careless mother,
what she missed,
what she lost when she let me go--
and I wonder, does she know?

I wouldn't call-- a crazy thing to do.
Just in case she said: Who?

THE RUSSIAN
Knowing I want you,
knowing I love you
I can't explain
why I remain
careless about you.

FLORENCE
I've been a fool to allow
dreams to become great expectations.

THE RUSSIAN
How can I love you so much yet make no move?

BOTH
I pray the days and nights
in their endless weary procession
soon overwhelm my sad obsession.

You and I
we've seen it all
chasing our hearts' desire,

but we go on pretending
stories like ours
have happy endings.

THE RUSSIAN
You could not give me
more than you gave me.
Why should there be
something in me
still discontented?

FLORENCE
I won't look back anymore,
and if I do-- just for a moment.

THE RUSSIAN
I'll soon be happy to say I knew her when.

BOTH
But if you hear today
I'm no longer quite so devoted
to this affair,
I've been misquoted.

You and I
we've seen it all
chasing our hearts' desire,

but we go on pretending
stories like ours
have happy endings.