I can hear
Church bells tolling
I can hear
Saints a-singing
I can see
See hearse wheels rollin'
Somebody's leavin'
The world of toil and strife
I realize... that surely and eventually
We're gonna leave
This old world behind, yes, we are
That's why I'm makin'
Oh, yes, I am, making preparations
He-e-e-ey... to meet the Lord
To meet
He-e-e-ey
The Lord
A woman came up to me one day...
Thanks, Darrin.
You're welcome.
She said I'm not ready...
I'm not ready to give up my wicked ways...
You want to be my girlfriend?
Sorry, but I want to marry Michael Jackson.
Darrin, Lilly, get in there and sit down.
...he gives me a hard time
Yeah, yeah
I told that woman
I told that woman how could you hold out any longer
When you see that Jesus... Jesus, he loves you so?
Then I heard her say, I'm gettin' ready
Yeah, gettin' ready
I'm gettin' ready to meet the Lord
To meet
Oh, yes, I am
The Lord
Gonna holler and testify
I'm gettin' ready
Gettin' ready
Oh, yes, I am
Gettin' ready
Yes, I am
Gettin' ready
Oh, yeah, I'm gettin' ready
Gettin' ready
Every day of my life
Gettin' ready
I'm gettin' ready
Gettin' ready
Oh, yes, I am.
Gettin' ready
I'm packin' up now
Gettin' ready
I'm gettin' ready
Gettin' ready
Are you ready?
Gettin' ready
Are you ready?
Gettin' ready
Are you gettin' ready?
Gettin' ready
I'm gettin' ready
Gettin' ready
I'm gettin' ready
Gettin' ready
Oh, yes, I am
To meet the Lord
- To meet - Yeah
Yeah, yeah
The Lord
To meet the Lord.
Oh, I'm looking for that stone
That stone, that
Flew down the mountain
I'm looking for that stone that came...
Oh, alleluia
I'm looking for that stone, yes, I am
Flew down the mountain
And it's coming all the way down
- Yes, it is - Coming down
Coming down... to the demon town, yeah, girl
We're near it, the 21st Century
Oh, yeah, and the Lord could come at any time
At any time
- In a second - A second
- In a moment - A moment
In a twinkle of an eye
Eye
Going to my home up, up in the sky
Oh, I'm looking for that stone, yes, I am
Hewn off the mountain
I'm looking for that stone
Rolling down to earth
I've got to find my stone, yes, I have
Hewn off the mountain
And it's coming down
Down
All the way down
To redeem a dying world
Oh, that stone
Oh, that stone, oh, that stone
I love that stone, yes, sir
That Jesus called a stone
- That healed the stone - Rejected that stone
- That stone - That stone
I love that stone, yeah, I love that stone
- Well...* - I love that stone
I found that stone that was...
Hewn off the mountain
I found that stone, yes, I did
Rolling down the mountain
Said I love my stone
- Whoa! - Hewn off the mountain
And it's coming all the way down
- All the way down - Coming all down
- To redeem a dying world - To redeem...
Yes, it is
...a dying world
- A dying world. - World!
Bless you.
Oh, my goodness, there she goes again.
Wouldn't be a normal Sunday
if Faye didn't get slain in the spirit.
Uh-huh.
Oh, Maryann.
Pastor.
This boy is growing like a weed.
You must be feeding him fertilizer.
And his teachers say he's the smartest in his class.
There she is.
Hold her, Reverend.
The nerve.
Standing in the house of God
and all the while singing the devil's music.
Paulina, what's this all about?
I found this down at Robinson's store.
It's Maryann,
singing that R&B sex music.
Oh. Oh, uh, uh,
uh, Maryann. Maryann!
What you got to say about all this?
I finally got my chance to become a singer.
I didn't think anything was wrong.
Reverend, the church bylaws clearly state
that no member shall partake of fornication,
Amen.
Gambling.
Amen.
And drinking, which is all going on down
at that juke joint where she sings.
Just take a look at this.
"Do it to me again."
My, my, my, my, my.
Now, we all know what "it" means.
Paulina.
I'm surprised you'd even remember what "it" is.
And besides,
what were you doing down at the record store
Iooking through "the devil's music"?
I got the Lord on my side with this one.
Paulina, you need to hush.
Tell her, honey.
Because this girl
ain't doing nothing to hurt nobody.
Amen, sister Sally.
Need I remind you of the church motto?
Tell her, sister!
"Beware of brief delight and lasting shame."
That must be them kids on that organ again.
I'm-I'm gonna go.
Stop stalling, Paul.
You know the church rules.
- You're supposed to handle this. - Paulina,
I'm the pastor here. Leave it to me, please?
You do your job, boy, or I'm going to go and get Mama.
Now, you know you're supposed
to call me "reverend" around here.
I'm going to handle this my way, okay?
Now, Maryann.
It's like this.
It's like she says.
You stop singing that secular music,
or you're going to have to leave the choir.
I'm sorry.
It's your pick.
Make up your mind, child.
Think about what you're doing, sister.
Wave good-bye to Aunt Sally.
Darrin, here's that
market research you wanted,
and I know you're real busy,
but there's something you should know.
Yes... I'm going to blow them away.
I'm a player.
I'm in the zone.
Corner office, huge window.
Take care of these credit card bills for me.
All right.
Use this one to pay off this one, okay?
- Okay. - And, uh, do a balance transfer
from... oh, excuse me... from here to here
for that one, all right,
and cover this one with that one.
So, what were you trying to say earlier?
There's a private investigator over there looking for you.
Why?
Who's trying to find me?
I'm double checking... is Darrin Hill around?
What did he say? Did you tell him anything?
Does he know what I look like?
No. Chill.
I told him you're not in,
- so he's leaving a message. - Uh, tell him I'm out of town.
I did.
Good.
Time to climb the corporate ladder.
By our projections,
this plan will increase the market shares
of Lincoln & Gerald Liquors by a whopping eight percent
in as little as two years.
We were hoping to see faster growth.
We can give them double digit growth.
As I said, it is
the company position that eight percent growth should be
the goal.
- Now... - lf there's a different opinion
that'll lead to better growth, we want to hear it.
Now let me ask you
which demographic consumes the most malt liquor?
Go ahead, you can say it.
Black people.
There you go.
Very good.
However, I noticed in your company report
that you don't have a malt liquor division.
I noticed that, too.
I propose
a new ad campaign for a malt liquor division
that maximizes exposure in the African-American market.
Place positive images of your product
in areas where black people live.
By tapping into the buying power
of this consumer base,
you'll pass single-digit growth faster than a pro athlete
can get his criminal charges dropped.
That, my friends, is not thinking outside the box.
That's realizing there is no box.
Now, those are the kind of ideas we hired this company for.
Where have you been hiding this one, Fairchild?
He's one of our junior executives.
This man needs to be on the team.
I mean, he was a junior executive... before today.
Congratulations. You've just been promoted.
Thank you, sir.
Where'd you learn that kind of thinking?
- Yale. - Oh, I'm a Princeton man myself,
but I see we let one get away.
Okay, well, we better leave
and let them get started on this interesting idea.
Well, I guess I'll be giving you
a corner office with a view.
Thank you, sir.
Cigar?
Well, this is France's finest.
I first encountered it growing up in Monte Carlo.
Please, you're a New York boy if I ever saw one.
No, I lived there until I was 17.
Wow, I have never met a brother who grew up in Europe before.
Actually, I was born in South America.
Where?
Homé Vidéo.
That's in Peru, right?
Venezuela. My father was in oil.
You sound so American.
Well, I went to prep school here... at Andover.
Money was no object.
- Cool. - Mr. Hill,
I'm afraid your credit card has been declined.
R-Right, that was, uh, not activated yet.
Okay. Uh... try this one.
Darrin, Mr. Fairchild wants to see you
first thing in the morning.
Great.
Great, great, great.
As you can see, there is nothing
in my refrigerator but water,
water and wine.
This is the dining room.
We don't spend a lot of time
in here so it looks very nice and well-set.
Like this chandelier...
it's not just a normal chandelier.
It's just kind of funky and fun.
You wanted to see me, sir?
Darrin.
What I have to say is very difficult.
We have a, uh... situation.
A situation that involves deception,
a lack of candor,
and an unbridled passion
to get what one wants at any cost.
I think you know what I'm referring to.
Of course, sir, company policy.
No, no, no...
well, yes, of course it is,
but in this case it's something more personal.
Darrin, you're fired.
Fired?
But why?
A representative of Lincoln & Gerald
has an annoying habit of checking up on things.
It seems that you were thrown out of Yale
when it was discovered
you faked your high school diploma from Andover.
How long did you think it would take
before your deception caught up with you?
But, sir, I've been doing such good work.
Mr. Hill,
we cannot be represented by people who tell lies.
We're in advertising.
You obtained this job under false pretenses,
and now you've caused the firm great embarrassment
in front of important clients.
I'm sorry. I have to let you go.
You're good, you're smart,
but you broke the Eleventh Commandment...
"Thou shalt not get caught."
Now...
Sir, please, you're making a big mistake.
I'm here for you.
I'm smart, I'm ambitious...
Have your things
out of here in half an hour.
I'm disappointed in you.
I expected more from a congressman's son.
Darrin Hill?
Yes.
You've been a tough one to track down, Mr. Hill.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news,
but this is for you.
What is it? A subpoena? Summons?
Ploy to distract me while you repo my stuff?
Sure, those are fun, but no.
Oh, my Aunt Sally died.
"We request your presence at the funeral
and reading of the will."
Oh...
The funeral is tomorrow.
Maybe you should ask your boss
for some time off.
You know you just cut a brother, right?
Oh.
Hurts when you do that, man.
Sorry.
Come on, baby.
Make me happy.
Cash advance.
Be a winner. Be a winner.
Whoo-hoo!
Thank you, Bank of Piscataway.
Heaven only knows
How much I love you, baby
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, oh, oh, oh
Heaven's in your eyes...
Baby, please
Please don't take your love from me
I am yours forevermore
Till eternity
Silently
Listen to the words I say
Now I'm not talking just for play
Listen to me, please...
I told you kids ain't got
no business playing a man's game.
Funny, that's the same thing someone told me...
oh...
two hours ago.
Don't you know
Don't you know, don't you know
Love is all I need
'Cause I love you and I need you
Yes, I want you, gotta have you
Ooh, yeah, yeah.
Spent my whole life
On the way to someplace else
Thinking right around the bend
I might find myself
But the search goes on
I won't quit till I get home.
Hi.
Can I get something to eat around here?
Reed?
Coming right up.
Better make that to go.
I need a taxi.
Reed's only got two hands.
Wait until he fixes your dinner.
Right.
No signal.
Wait, wait, wait.
Oh!
You must be Darrin.
Damn, word, get low.
What's up?
Darrin, I'm Lucius, man,
I'm your welcome committee.
Oh, well, how'd you know I was here?
Man, word travels fast, and Aunt Sally
always bragged she had a successful nephew from New York.
Let me get your stuff, man.
Really?
Come on.
Oh.
Monte Carlo didn't change, man.
It used to be a one-horse town.
What, did the horse die?
No, see, see, now you'll see, you'll see, you'll see.
We got everything to offer that a big city does.
Oh.
I'm happy to have another player in town, man.
I've got tired of holding this down solo.
Hey, man, reach over there
and pull this handle from the inside.
It only open from the inside.
Okay.
- Appreciate that. - Sure.
So you came by train. That's cool.
I was trying to meet the bus.
Going to the Canaan Inn.
Okay, that-that Canaan Inn,
that's straight down this road
about five minutes.
Oh. Whoa.
Your door won't open, and mine won't stay shut.
But it opens.
Oh.
Yes, it opens.
The next hour of programming
is brought to you by Mitchell's Funeral Home,
where the caskets are so nice, you'll wish you were dead.
Now for the news.
Like to give a shout out to Darrin Hill,
in town for Sally's funeral.
Welcome home, little Darrin.
That's news?
I'll be right back with traffic.
There is no traffic.
This is easy. I could do this job.
Oh, I wonder what the temperature is.
The temperature is 85.
Thanks.
Boy, you done got up there in New York and got soft,
and this ain't nothing compared to July and August.
That's when you can take an egg and just fry it on the sidewalk.
Well, you can keep that.
After the funeral, I'm going straight back to New York City,
where we don't have eggs frying on the sidewalk.
Why? Because it's cold?
No, because it's civilization.
There's too much urine on the sidewalk.
See, boy, see, you don't know what you're missing.
Now I'm telling you, now the hotter
it get down here, the less and less
the honeys start wearing.
You know, they got to let that booty bo...
...got to let that booty breathe.
Now I'm telling you,
I know you got all your
Naomo Campbos and your Holle Berrys,
and your Teary-Eyed Banks,
all them models and junk up there,
but for the booty, you got to come down south.
We booty experts. Booty-ologists.
Booty is in the eye of the beholder.
No, booty gonna be in my hand.
Check it out now, you see,
now your Louisiana booty, it gets its renowned buoyancy
from its heavy seafood diet, while your Alabama booty,
it's characterized by its density.
You're talking about a quarter-bouncing ping.
And as for your Mississippi booty,
it's been an ongoing debate,
but consensus say that the Indian-genetic contribution
gives us its beautiful tone.
And as for your Georgia booty,
it's been known for ages that the Georgia sun
bakes and seals all the booty juices
into a slow roast.
I see I'm dealing with a connoisseur.
Oh yeah, for sure. A booty connoisseur.
Oh. Who's that?
Lilly. Please, hurry up.
That's Lilly.
Forget all of that booty stuff.
She's in a spectrum of fine as the energy
is so potent, she got a class-action suit
against her right now
for reckless endangerment, man.
Sounds like
a special kind of woman.
Well, holler at me later on tonight.
I'll hook you up with her.
This is where you're staying.
I thought they were putting me up in a hotel.
This looks like a house.
It's a boarding house.
It's the only place that has room.
The prison officer's convention is in town.
Hey, Jimmy B.
Hey, what up, Smooth L?
His grandmother owns the place.
You Darrin?
Yes.
You're late.
Yo, come on, everybody is already at the funeral.
- Um... uh... - Get in.
Mama catch me put a whuppin' to my backside
And even as a crack fiend...
Hey, man, now, come on, look.
That's inappropriate music for this occasion.
Show some respect.
This man's auntie is about to be maggot food.
At any moment, the funeral is beginning
of Sally Walker.
Let us have a moment of silence to pay our respect.
Uh, uh, sorry 'bout that.
I guess I was celebrating her life
a little late, uh, into the night.
Oh, Simon. Sarah, how are y'all doing today?
This is Aunt Sally's nephew, Darrin.
Nice to meet you.
Sorry about your aunt.
Oh, yes, we all loved Miss Sally.
Why, she was little Nicholas' godmother.
Hey, little man.
You know I'm your daddy, right?
Don't hate the player, hate the game.
I'm in the friggin' twilight zone.
Wake up.
Oh, Sally!
Why'd it have to be her?
Oh, Lord, oh, Lord.
Good Lord, Faye!
Couldn't you find someplace else to be slain in the spirit?
Grandma, get up.
She's your grandma?
- Yeah. - Oh, Lord, oh, Lord.
They've got a lot of nerve
showing their faces in the House of God.
I'm glad my dear departed husband James
isn't here to witness this abomination.
You can't keep people from a funeral, Paulina.
Besides, they all love Sally.
They're a bunch of heathens.
I don't even know why she cared.
Move down.
Brothers and sisters, we are gathered here today
to pay tribute to a great woman...
Yeah!
...Sally Walker.
And we will now be blessed with a selection from the choir
and their lead singer,
Reverend Shirley Caesar.
Oh...
I got a signal. It's a miracle.
Son, if that ain't Jesus calling, shut it off.
Sorry. Go on.
I, uh... I...
cell phone's been out of range.
Has Mr. Fairchild changed his mind?
I...
What?!
They've already started repossessing your stuff.
Not my TV!
Nothing can replace Aunt Sally!
Not my TV, not my Bose home theater system...
Yeah, let it out, son, let it out.
Mm, yeah. Mm.
Keep stalling the creditors, I'll call you back.
It's all right.
Gonna be all right, man.
The church is in mourning
Mourning
Glory to God
The church is in mourning
Mourning
Oh, yes, oh, yeah, yeah, oh
The church is in
Mourning
Good God almighty
Another soldier
A true born soldier
Has gone...
Gone home
Hallelujah!
Well, we're here today
For the home-going
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah!
And the celebration of a wonderful woman
Aunt Sally
Everybody loved Aunt Sally
She took the young people
And carried them under her wings
And she cared for the elderly
I just want to say, listen
We might not have this chance
Sleep on, Aunt Sally
And take your rest
We loved you, Aunt Sally
But God loves you best
If you see my mother there
Tell my mama I'm on my way
I'm on my way
Our hearts are in mourning
Mourning
Glory to God
Yes, to lift our hearts in mourning
Mourning
Good God almighty
Yes, to lift our hearts in mourning
Soldier
Another soldier
A true born soldier
A Holy Ghost soldier
A heaven-bound soldier
Has...
Gone
Gone, gone
Gone
Gone on home
Gone home
Hallelujah!
Yeah...
Hallelujah!
Oh, oh, yeah, yeah...
Let the church say amen.
Amen!
Let the church say amen.
Amen!
- Yes, Lord... - Amen.
Yes, Lord!
Yes, yes, yes. Well, well, well.
At this time,
we'd like to give
some of Sally's family and loved ones
an opportunity to come up here
and say how much she meant to them.
And it's only fitting to start with the person
that came the farthest way to be here.
That's her great-nephew, Darrin.
All right, Darrin, all right.
Oh, yeah, brother Darrin.
Yes, my brother.
Come on.
Oh, yeah. Amen.
Hi.
Many of you don't remember me.
The one that had the phone.
Yeah. But before that,
I was Aunt Sally's favorite nephew.
Hmm!
I thought we'd see forever,
but forever's gone away.
And it's so hard to say good-bye
to yesterday.
Boyz II Men.
I got one amen. Can I get another?
Amen.
My mom passed away a few years ago
in a hit-and-run accident
when I was still a teenager,
and it's the talks I had with her
I cherish more than anything.
I remember her telling me...
that it was Aunt Sally who took us in
when I was just a baby, after my father died in Vietnam.
I'll always love her for that.
Your mama dead, too?
He just said it.
Young man,
I'm so glad that you came for your aunt's funeral.
Yeah.
She was always telling us
how well you were doing up in New York.
With your important job.
What was it?
What was what?
Your job.
It's funny, she never mentioned what it was.
Boy, I haven't seen you
since you were knee-high to a grasshopper.
Reverend, um, have you seen this very pretty lady...
I think her name is Lilly?
She ain't no lady.
Oh, now, Mother Cooley.
All sinners are welcome in the house of the Lord.
Sinner? She's a sinner?
What kind of sinner?
Unrepentant.
Really.
Well, Darrin, I just come
to offer you my condolences and to just let you know
that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
You got to understand that she's in
a far better place, okay?
Yes, ma'am.
You know, I got to tell you,
you and that choir... boy, you're pretty good.
Pretty good? Huh.
And to my neighbor and best friend, Faye,
I leave all my favorite recipes.
Thank you, Sally.
Now, Faye, depending
on what I die from,
you might want to divide the Crisco measurements by half.
Don't change that Chicken Supreme.
And to Paulina Pritchett,
I leave my collection of church hats
that she always complimented me on.
She should really enjoy wearing them,
unless, of course, she was lying to me all those years
but criticizing my taste behind my back.
I'll wear them every Sunday.
And now, for my only surviving relative,
my great-nephew, Darrin.
To Darrin, I leave the box
containing the letters his mother sent me
after they left Monte Carlo.
I also pass on to him
the charge of returning to Monte Carlo
to continue the family tradition
of... directing the Beulah Baptist Church Choir.
- No! - No.
I-lt's her dying wish.
I was next in line
to get the choir.
I been waiting years for Sally to die.
God rest her soul.
Listen, lady, you can have it.
I'm not staying, let alone leading some small-town choir.
Good.
O-On the condition that Darrin gets the choir accepted
into the annual Gospel Explosion in Columbus,
and performs there, I also leave him
my entire stock in Georgia Telecom,
currently worth $150,000.
I was just kidding about that small-town stuff.
And the church bus.
How much that worth?
No way! Mm-mmm!
I don't care what Sally's dying wish was.
We all know she was losing it these last few years.
Besides, Paul,
it's your church, and you have final say
over who leads the choir.
It's in the bylaws.
Well, I guess that would seem kind of odd
to have someone with no musical experience
leading the choir.
No, no, I have plenty of musical experience.
Now, you all don't know this,
and I didn't tell anyone, but, um...
I'm a music producer.
Oh.
Yeah, that's what I do for a living.
Ooh, looks like Sally might have been onto something.
W-W-W-What kind of producing have you done?
Well, I've worked with, uh... P. Diddy.
Dre, Dark Child... all of them.
- Who that? - That's the gangsta stuff
that's polluting my grandson's mind.
I was the one that put an end
to that whole East Coast versus West Coast thing.
Yeah, I just sat them all down and made them watch Roots.
I think I read about that.
So, what is this Gospel Explosion?
Oh, it's the annual event
where choirs from all over the southeast
come to Columbus, Georgia,
to compete for the best gospel performance
and a $10,000 cash prize.
Yeah, a prize that could pay
for some much-needed church repairs...
...if a certain musical producer
would bring it home, yes?
Paul Lewis, have you lost your natural mind?
I wish Mama was alive
to see how you turn on family like this.
Sally was as close to family as anybody can get,
and I intend on honoring her dying wish.
Now, Darrin, the choir is yours.
You have six weeks
until the Gospel Explosion.
Whatever you need,
we're at your disposal.
But you're going to have to talk
to the church treasurer about logistics.
Let me guess.
You're the treasurer.
Yes. Everything you need is at my disposal.
Great.
Take it easy.
Oh, oh, uh, Paulina,
can I get a ride back to my room?
Oh, Darrin.
Since you're going to be here
for longer than I thought,
let me give you the extended stay rates.
Great.
There's an extra charge
of $1.50 for every bar of soap you use,
from now on, $2.00
for any clean towel you require,
and $1.00 a minute for all calls made.
You get one free 9-1-1 call.
I suggest you use it wisely.
Air conditioning?
You're charging me for air conditioning?
It gets 100 degrees at night.
What is that?
It's a Monte Cristo.
It's a cigar.
Obviously.
Cuban?
Of course.
Cool.
Hey!
That-That cost me $20.
This is a no-smoking house.
It's a no-smoking,
no drinking, no fornicating, no point of living at all house.
Why are we here?
You'll see.
A little Southern delight.
Now the honeys in here, they make them girls in Atlanta
Iook like somebody hit them in the face with a sack of nickels.
And I don't mean that in a sexy way.
There she is.
You're on your own.
I see somebody that owes me some money.
Hey man, don't run away from me.
Man, I told you I was going to get...
- Ooh, hi, sexy. - Hey, baby.
Oh...
You give me fever...
Fever... oh...
Oh...
You give me fever
Fever in the morning
Fever when it's late at night
You give me fever
Fever
Fever when you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
You give me fever
Fever
Fever when you're with me
Fever when you love...
He's so sweet
He's so good to me
He's so intelligent
He's so confident
Baby, so damn sexy
Baby, put the fever on me
Give me a fever... oh...
Never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me
I get the fever that's so hard to bear
You give me fever
Fever
When you kiss me
And fever when you hold me tight
You give me fever
Fever
In the morning
And fever all through the night
Baby's so damn sexy
But baby put the fever on me, uh-uh
Baby knows just what to do
Got me boiling past 102
Give me a fever
Ooh...
Everybody's got a fever
That is something you all know
Fever isn't such a new thing
Fever started long ago
Romeo loved Juliet
And Juliet felt the same
When he puts his arms around her
He said, "Julie, baby, you're my flame"
Give me fever
When we kisseth
Fever with a flame in you
Fever... I'm on fire
Fever, yeah, I burn and soothe
Now that you listened to my story
Here's a point that I have made
Chicks were born to give you fever
Being Fahrenheit or Centigrade
They give you fever
When you kiss them
And fever if you live and learn
Fever, until you sizzle
What a lovely way to burn
What a lovely way to burn...
What a lovely way to burn
What a lovely way to...
Burn...
Fever.
Whoo!
Tea with honey.
Here you go, Lilly.
Thank you.
You really know how to connect with your audience.
That was hot.
It's a part of my act.
I pick out the guy who's drooling the most,
and I make him sweat.
Well, it worked.
Can I buy you a real drink?
I'm Darrin.
You really don't remember me?
That Lilly?
You kept asking me to be your girlfriend.
And you kept saying no.
Yeah, I was determined to be Mrs. Michael Jackson.
And how's that going?
Ah, turns out I'm not his type.
I can't believe you remember that stuff.
I left town when you were what, five?
Four.
Man, we heard about you all the time.
Every week in choir rehearsal, Sally would tell
us poor country folk how well you
and your mama were doing in slick city.
She was very special to all of us.
Yeah.
When I talked to her on the phone,
just before she passed,
she kept saying that she wanted me to come back
and be with her friends, like you.
You spoke with Sally that day?
Oh, yeah.
She went on and on.
I suppose she hung up the phone and, uh...
And her dying wish was for us to hook up?
God love her.
Sally was in a coma two weeks before she died.
That's right.
It was...
must have been a couple of weeks ago...
Right.
Anyway, I'm back
amongst all you wonderful people
who need consoling as much as I do.
How long are you in town?
Just tonight.
Hey, how about being my girlfriend,
for old times' sake?
I've got a man.
Oh.
Dean is big and strong
and has a real big jealous streak.
Sometimes he watches from the back.
Excuse me, I got a show to do.
Uh, okay.
Hey, knock 'em dead.
Your act is terrific.
Yours needs a lot of work.
I know I missed your call, Rosa,
but this is the only place I get a signal.
More charges came in, more late fees.
You're up to 44 grand now.
Okay, listen, I just came into some money, all right?
And I'll be able to take care of everything in just a few weeks.
Just, uh, make sure they don't know where to find me.
I'll do my best.
You're a doll.
Kick ass.
Sorry.
Okay, when everyone gets here,
we'll begin rehearsals.
I was thinking we should just
stick to that number you did at the funeral.
Should be good enough to get into any gospel competition.
That was Shirley Caesar, fool.
She hasn't gone to this church for years,
but since she loved Sally,
we let her and her choir sing at the funeral.
She's gone?
She's gone.
Well, where's our choir?
You're looking at it.
This is it?
Six measly people.
Actually just five.
Um, I'm just here 'cause my wife's family's in town.
They're staying at my house.
Too late.
You're in the choir now.
Well, actually there are two or three others.
Yeah, but they never show up.
Man, this is busted.
Why do I have to be here?
Oh, Brother Darrin?
When are you going to get us our first record contract?
I want to hurry up and get a Benz.
Hey, I didn't know we were going to be famous.
You know what?
Definitely count me in now.
Um... let's do, uh... "Amazing Grace."
Amaze...
Maze...
Amaze...
Ah-amaze...
...zing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
Stop, stop, stop.
Stop, please.
Okay, okay, okay, let's not panic.
Um...
I'm open to suggestion.
Hey, when you get us that record deal,
and they do one of those VH1 Behind the Musics on us,
I think it's best if we don't talk about
me trying to leave the group.
You know?
They'll just make it look ugly.
Everything I do is just for you
Counting every second till we rendezvous
You want to rendezvous
Ah, ah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, baby, oh, baby
Oh, and I want to give it to you, baby
Give it to me, baby
I want to give it to you
Oh, give it to me, baby
Hey...
'Cause everything I do is just for you
All for you
Come on, give me your love.
Uh, hello, there.
I just had to see you again.
Aren't you supposed to be gone?
Yes, but, uh, I was feeling bad
about our little misunderstanding last night.
No misunderstanding,
just using Aunt Sally's memory to hit on me.
- That's low. - Come on.
Can I at least buy you a drink?
Is that Dean?
No.
Okay, you can buy me a drink.
Oh, I'm sure you heard
- about Aunt Sally's will. - No.
It seems she wants me
to take care of the choir down at Beulah.
Why did she put you in charge of it?
I'm sorry, that came out wrong.
Oh, no, no, no.
It's okay, it was a shock to me, too.
Yeah, it's a big job.
That's why I've cleared my schedule for the next six weeks,
put some business deals on hold,
so that I can focus on getting the choir
into the Gospel Explosion.
No.
I been there and done that.
Look, if it's Paulina you're worried about,
I'll take care of Paulina.
I'd love to see that one.
I'm the choir director now.
Yeah, for six weeks.
Listen, if she starts getting all Christian on you...
- Christian? - Yeah.
She is not a Christian.
My mama said hollering in the church
don't make you any more of a Christian
than standing in the garage makes you a Cadillac.
No, man, I can't let those hypocrites
Iook down their noses at me just because I...
Sing sexy songs for a living.
Exactly.
And just because I...
Dress like that.
What's wrong with the way I dress?
Oh, no, no, I'm just finishing your sentence.
I was going to say because I...
Cheat on your boyfriend
with hot choir directors from New York City?
Stop...
- Finishing your sentences? - Look.
I know your kind.
You came here last night 'cause you wanted something.
You came back again tonight 'cause you want something else,
and tomorrow you're going to want something else.
I can smell when a man is trying to use me,
and mister, you stink.
Okay, is that how you feel about it?
Fine.
This town is full of singers.
I don't need you anyway.
And remember, everybody, Handy's Funeral Home
offers limousines for all occasions.
Why not get in one while you're still living?
Well, now that we done paid the bills...
Ladies and gentlemen,
sitting directly across from me,
I have Mr. Darrin Hill all the way from New York City.
So Darrin,
tell the good people of Monte Carlo
what brings you down here with us?
I'm responsible for rebuilding the choir
down at Beulah Baptist Church.
In fact, I'm holding auditions tomorrow morning,
and anyone with any musical
ability can come by.
As long as they are, as we say at Beulah,
fully committed to God's work.
Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
Whoa!
Forgiving my sins
Baptized in the water
Freed by the Holy Ghost
Washed in the blood of the lamb
Forgiving my sins
Baptized in the water
Freed by the Holy Ghost
Washed in the blood of the lamb
God's going to move this place
God's going to turn the world upside down
Auditions for the Beulah Baptist Church Choir are still open.
Applicants need not be fully committed to God's work,
but shouldn't be against it.
I'm the hottest shit in New York since Air Force Ones
And from the borough that brought you Chris and Pun
Yeah, a lot of cats rhyme, but not like some
I make it hard, like breathing with a slug in your lung
Blow, blow, now you got to deal with me
Isn't she lovely?
Isn't she wonderful?
Isn't she precious?
Just one minute old
You got to be kidding me!
I never thought true love would bring
One that's has lovely as she
But isn't she lovely?
Made from love.
News update.
Auditions for the Beulah Baptist Church Choir,
atheists may now apply.
Oh, thanks for coming, Lucius.
No problem. Where to?
Oh, I just need to print up some more fliers.
Paulina won't let me use Jimmy B's printer anymore.
She says it's running up her light bill.
Oh, well, you know old folks in the south
believe some crazy stuff.
Tell me about it.
When it's storming,
she doesn't even use the electricity.
You don't play with God.
Right.
You don't sing, do you, Lucius?
Do I sing? Y-Yeah.
They say I sound like a black Al Jarreau.
Great, you're in the choir.
Oh, whoa, wait a minute. What'd you say?
Pump your brakes.
I'm not planning on joining the church
until I have sown my wild oats.
Then I'm going to get me a young virgin and settle down.
Say no more.
Besides...
word's out.
Paulina's bad enough, you done pissed her off.
Don't nobody want to be a part
of that mix made in hell.
Now the only way I can join is...
is if... is if you paying.
How about the prize money? 50/50?
Done deal, 50/50.
Hello, are you Joseph?
Yeah.
Can I line you up, son?
Actually I just came by to post some fliers
for my choir auditions, if that's okay.
Sure.
Seeing how you're new in these parts,
it's going to be kind of hard for you
to attract people.
Most folks around here,
they don't trust an outsider.
It was years before I told anyone
I'm not from Mississippi.
I've got a guy here
who needs his ears lowered.
Hey, Lilly.
Dean, my man.
Come on, I'll get the seat.
That's Dean?
He's big, strong and jealous,
so watch yourself.
So I see you done met
the big-time music producer from New York, huh?
Music producer?
Lilly has the best
voice in town.
I know.
You don't have to wait with me.
No one else's mom waits for them.
He'll be fine.
Okay, I'm going to be next door, all right?
Dean, don't talk to strangers.
Yo, big man.
You want us to sing you a song like we did last time?
Yes, please.
It'll cost you.
I'll give you a thousand money.
Deal.
Ooh...
When I was a little boy
When I was just a boy
And the devil would call my name
When I was just a boy
I'd say "Now who do,
Who do you think you're fooling?"
- When I was just a boy - I'm a consecrated boy
When I was just a boy
I'm a singer in a Sunday choir
Oh, my mama loves me
She loves me
She get down on her knees and hug me
Oh, she loves me like a rock
She rocks me like the rock of ages
And loves me
She love me, love me, love me, love me
When I was grown to be a man
Grown to be a man
And the devil would call my name
Grown to be a man
I'd say "Now who do,
Who do you think you're fooling?"
- Grown to be a man - I'm a consummated man
Grown to be a man
I can snatch a little purity
Oh, my mama loves me, she loves me
She get down on her knees and hug me
Like she loves me like a rock.
Lilly.
You know, at first I was afraid you'd follow me here,
but I actually feel a lot safer
knowing you're not in the same room with my son.
And to answer your next question, no...
You're not married.
Don't finish my sentences.
That's why you're a sinner.
Stay far away from me.
No, no...
No, I'm saying, that's no reason to treat you badly.
I mean, how dare they?
It's not your fault.
Well, it's 50% your fault
because it takes two people to...
Well, you know what I mean.
No.
I'm saying it's a pity
that you don't have a complete family,
but it's still no reason...
Oh, don't talk to me about family,
Mr. Didn't Call Aunt Sally For 20 Years.
Hi. Hi.
I'm sorry.
I'm starting to see how tough things are for you.
Oh, yes.
Boo-hoo for the poor, black mother
stuck in her hometown without a man.
Whatever shall I do?
I didn't mean it that way.
Excuse me, Lilly, I'm sorry,
but your card is maxed out again.
I forgot to put my paycheck in.
Thank you.
- Excuse me. - Hmm-mm.
Hey, try this one.
Sorry, Dr. Hill,
yours is declined, too.
Dr. Hill? You a doctor?
No, that's just my music name.
You know, like Dr. John, Dr. Dre.
Try this one.
Well, that's cleared.
Of course.
Sign here.
Thank you.
That was really nice.
You didn't have to do that.
That's what I'm saying, I'm a nice guy.
I don't know what the problem is.
I usually get along better with beautiful women.
Okay, I'll...
I'll give you a check tomorrow, first thing.
Oh, um, cash.
Cash.
Reverend.
Oh... Darrin.
Thanks for meeting me here.
Uh, how's it going with the choir?
Well, I'm still having trouble recruiting the members.
Son, it's at times like these
I suggest listening to God's voice.
Sorry, Rev, I'm not into the spooky stuff.
Oh, just open it up.
And these people can sing?
Oh, yes.
Please don't tell my sister.
Hello, everyone.
I'd like you to welcome
the new members of our choir.
So when is this competition?
In a few weeks.
And our new organist.
You touch my keyboard
and I kick your drunk 'bama ass.
Oh, oh, wait, Homer.
Now, if we stand any chance
of getting into the Gospel Explosion,
we could use all the help we can get.
Shoot.
Bringing all these drunks
up into the church with hats on
and drunks and everything.
Okay, everyone, please.
Okay, good.
Good. Uh... I'd like to...
I'd like to try a new song.
Um... uh...
Tasha?
Can you, uh, get rid of the gum, please?
Sure.
Okay.
That was nasty.
Uh..."Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."
Oh, ah, uh, Homer, please.
Scooter.
Swing low
Sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home...
Wait-wait-wait, wait, wait, stop, stop.
Stop, wait, um... this is not working.
Um...
You need to pick a lead singer.
You'd know that if you knew what you were doing.
Oh, oh, could-could I maybe try?
Bessie...
would you, uh, like to try?
No.
My dear departed husband James said
that when I sing, it made him think of heaven.
Probably meant he wanted to blow his brains out.
Paulina,
you've sung lead
- before? - I have,
and it gave me great joy.
Oh, good. Then it'll hurt that much more
when I find someone else.
Be careful, Dean, baby, don't hurt yourself.
Oh, let the boy be.
He's already wearing more protection
then they gave me when I fought in the war.
Oh!
- Hey. - Hey.
You're the pain in the butt from the barbershop.
He must have heard that somewhere.
Hi, there, young man.
I'm Lilly's grandfather.
Hello, sir.
I've been waiting for a nice, strong young man
to come and whisk Lilly away.
Somebody did that already, remember?
She shouldn't be wasting the next 25 years of her life
taking care of no old man.
No, she should go off
and have a life of her own.
Cool!
Sammy Sosa.
What do you say?
He said cool.
Dean?
Thank you.
Look, Granddaddy.
- I got Sammy Sosa. - Oh, okay.
So have you changed your mind about the choir?
Why should I, 'cause you gave Dean a toy?
No. Yes?
Why is this so important to you?
Because it's what my Aunt Sally wanted me to do.
Every time I pack my bags to leave,
I get that image of her helping my Mom out
when I was little...
and because it was her last wish
to get into the Explosion,
and because...
And because you're getting $150,000.
I thought I'd finish your sentence for you.
That is the truth, right?
Yeah. Yes.
Thanks for being honest,
but I can't.
What?
You mean, I just told the truth for nothing?
Thank you for the loan yesterday.
I know you want cash.
You know, this truth stuff is highly overrated.
I don't care who started it.
You both should be ashamed.
Okay, let's try it once more from the top.
Hey. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I'm not doing this for you.
The truth is I'm doing this for Sally.
Well, thank you anyway.
Choir, I'd like you to meet our new soloist, Lilly.
- What's your last name? - Tramp.
I knew this would happen.
No-no-no, wait, wait, wait, please, please.
Let me handle this. Please.
Have you forgotten that Jesus loved Mary Magdalene?
She was a ho.
"Let him who is without sin
cast the first stone."
Thank you for handling it.
No, no, no, no, no, I-I don't mean it.
I'm just saying it for effect. Please.
It is your duty
to help fallen women.
I'm willing to help.
- Hi. - I agree. It's about time
we get some young Baptist booty up in this choir.
Ask her how come she has to keep so many husbands
away from their homes down
at that old sin hole she be working at.
Would Aunt Sally have been this harsh?
No.
No, Sally would've wanted Lilly to stay in the choir...
- Amen. - Unlike some people.
- Amen again. - That's right.
If she was a respectable woman,
she would have a respectable job.
The last thing we need is another loose woman
up in the choir stand.
Now she should just go on home, take care
of that little bastard baby...
Leave my son out of this.
Talk to her. Tell her.
Dean is a gift from God.
So is snow and rain,
but we still have to wear our rubbers.
You know what Sally told me once?
She said,
"When life makes you have to put up
"with mean and hateful people,
"just think of them as sandpaper.
"They may scratch you, rub you the wrong way,
"but eventually... you end up smooth and polished,
"and the sandpaper...
it's just going to be worn out and ugly."
Lilly, you don't need my help.
Now if I could get you all to sing as well as you fight,
you'd be the baddest choir in all of Georgia.
Now, Lilly is a member
of this choir like everyone else.
If you don't like it, well...
you can just leave.
Oh, well that's my cue.
Y'all coming?
Uh, Paulina, I thought you were leaving.
The choir, yes, but I'll stay in this church
as long as I want.
I'm the treasurer.
Fine. Fine. Then we'll rehearse with Lilly as our lead.
- Watch it, bro. - Hey!
- Get down. - That's mine. Right there.
Aw, man!
The Lord is good.
The Lord bless you.
Mr. Clean!
You know, I always
liked church.
There's a hell of a lot more action
than in the barbershop.
Okay.
Ready?
Hold it.
Do I come in on the upbeat or the downbeat?
Suit yourself. You're the pro.
Try the downbeat, honey.
I usually let the Neptunes program on my upbeat, so...
Let's try it again
from the top.
Wait.
Aren't you going to arrange us
for the performance?
Right, right. Lilly, Lilly, please, up.
Ladies, all three, up.
Okay, Tasha,
Tasha, please, down...
and, uh... oh, please, yes, Bessie,
Alma and Miss Stringer.
Yeah, cute. Yes, yes, there you go.
Okay. Young and foxy in the front
and weird and funky in the back...
but we love you.
All right. Ready?
From the top.
I'm... going...
Home!
Great! Yee-haw!
With a little more work,
I think we've got a real shot at the Explosion.
And after that, maybe even a record deal.
Then we'll tour on our own bus with a clean bathroom.
A tour? Girl, like I'm going to leave my granddaddy behind
by himself? Uh-uh.
Well, thankfully all my family's dead.
That wasn't half bad.
It saddens me that the deadline
for entering the Gospel Explosion has passed.
What?
"All audition tapes are to be submitted
to audition judge Luther Washington by...
yesterday afternoon.
She had something to do with this.
I mean, you know, she...
Why didn't you say something?
You're the director now; deadlines are your problem.
It's been posted for weeks.
Where?
On the back
of the ladies' room door.
I sure as heck never saw it,
and I use that door every day.
You need to check the girl's bathroom more often.
You mean we did all this work
- for nothing? - Yeah.
And my best friend Keno taught me how to do
the African Boot Dance.
Heck, I even stopped drinking.
Uh, I know that's a good thing,
- I-I'm just saying... - Wait, wait, wait, listen, hey,
listen, everybody.
Just go home and don't worry.
Taking care of problems is my specialty.
I'll be back in a couple of weeks,
and if I don't get a job, I'm a dead man.
Yeah, I used my credit card down here to fix a bus. Why?
They traced it. It was reported to a credit bureau in Atlanta.
Well, what does that mean?
Felony, interstate fraud.
Just lay low, and stay away from law enforcement.
Mr. Washington will see you now.
Mr. Hill.
Lucius.
As a Christian man, I do believe in mercy,
but as a prison warden,
I'm a stickler for the rules.
See, without rules,
society breaks down.
Sorry.
Listen...
Let me handle this.
Did I say you can talk?
- Look... - Did I open my mouth
and say you could talk?
But I-I-I... I took assertive tenderness.
I took assertiveness training.
Look, Washington,
we're giving you an opportunity
to be a part of the Belie Baptist...
Beulah.
The Beulah Baptist Gospel Choir business.
Me, an opportunity?
Now, you need BBGC more
than BBGC needs you.
We're selling, not buying.
We're not selling.
We're... we are...
We're buying, not selling.
Now, you got 30 seconds to m-make an offer,
or it's, you know?
We-we...
Let me think about it. No.
Oh, come on. Please, man.
- We'll pay you. - Listen, listen.
Sir, you don't understand
the challenges my choir and I have faced.
Please, just hear us sing.
We can be ready in a half hour.
No.
And I'm putting my foot down.
It's a big "N" and a little "o."
Sir, the entertainment for today canceled.
And you know what happened last time.
You said a half an hour?
Will you let us into the Explosion?
Only if you guys can pass the mustard with my prisoners.
Mustard's passed.
We'll blow them away.
Look, we got to do it,
or we won't get into the Explosion.
Darrin, Darrin.
- Darrin, Darrin. - Just relax.
They all look so scary.
Look, we're here now, so I'm going to sing it.
What? Huh?
- What? - Huh?
Swing low...
Join in, join in, join in, join in!
- Sweet chariot - Shut up, old man!
Go home!
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home...
Swing low...
Sweet chariot
That's better.
- Hey, now. - Coming for
To carry me home
Swing low
Sweet, sweet, sweet chariot, chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Yeah, yeah
Swing down chariots, won't you let me ride?
- Oh, swing - Swing down chariots
Stop and let me ride
Oh, rock me, Lord, rock me, Lord
Calm and easy
I got a home
on the other side
Dance, everybody, dance.
Six white horses standin' side by side
- Oh, sing - Six white horses prancing
- Sing - Side by side
Oh, rock me, Lord, rock me, Lord
Rock me, rock me
Calm and easy
I got a home...
I got home on the other side
Swing low, swing low
Swing low, swing low, and let me ride
Why don't you let me ride?
Ride, ride, ride, ride
Oh why don't you let me ride?
- Let me ride - Why don't you let me ride?
Let me ride
Ride, ride, ride, ride
Swing down chariots, won't you let me ride?
- Oh, swing - Swing down chariots
Stop and let me ride
Oh, rock me, rock me, Lord
Calm and easy
I got a home on the other side
- I got a home - I got a home
You got a home
I got a home
We got a home
I got a home
- I got a home - I got a home
I got a home
You got a home
I got a home
We goin' home
I got a home
- Goin' home - I got a home
- Yes, Lord - I got a home
Sweet Lord
I got a home
Take me home
I got a home
Take me home, Lord
I'm going home.
So look here, I guess that, uh,
your choir's in the Gospel Explosion.
Don't let anyone know I gave you any slack.
I have a reputation
as a hard ass in the choir community.
Do you think we have a shot at winning?
Hell, no.
You made it through the audition, but...
I got prisoners that can sing better than your choir.
Really?
Single file now.
Stay in line.
Guns in church.
The abomination that causes desolation.
Guns ain't allowed?
Somebody should have told me.
Hey, big guy,
what's your name?
Oh.
My name is Johnson.
What are you in for?
Beating down somebody
for making fun of my high voice.
Okay, so let's take, uh...
Let's take it from the top, shall we?
Uh, our felons first.
Up. Up, please.
Up.
Okay.
Um...
Gonna lay down my burdens...
Um, Mr. Briggs,
is there a problem?
It's one thing for the state to force us
to make license plates, or work in chain gangs,
but to make us sing in a choir?
That's cruel and unusual punishment.
Mr. Johnson?
I used to be in a group,
and when we used to sing, uh, "Down By the Riverside"...
there's a part of the song where I used to
Wail.
You know, right at the end
with the sword and shield part.
People really liked that.
Would you like me to do that for you?
All right.
What group did you sing with?
It doesn't matter.
They're dead now.
Right.
Okay, um...
Great.
And now, news time.
The Beulah Baptist Church Choir
now includes some talented inmates
from our state prison system.
This could turn out
to be the breakout choir of the year.
Ooh, ooh-ooh
I'm gonna lay down my burdens, child
Down by the riverside
Yeah, down
Down by the riverside
Down
Down by the riverside
- Say, I'm... - Ee-oop
I'm gonna lay down my burdens
Down by...
Down by the riverside
Say, I ain't
Study war
- No, no, no, no - No more
Study war no more...
No more
Say, I'm going down to the river
Gonna put my foot in
Gonna let it go up to my knees
Gonna let it go down to my thigh
And I ain't gonna study war no more
No
Study war no more
- No - Study war no more
I, I, I, I, I
Study war no more...
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
All that street-corner barbershop harmony
That's cool, right?
We got some new hip-hop in Monte Carlo, Georgia,
for y'all tonight... yo, Briggs
I'm sick of packin' all these nines
Slingin' dimes and smokin' all the marijuana
Chillin' with pretty mamas from Havana in the Bahamas
Most demons tryin' to see me hot, like I'm in the sauna
And I'm just tryin' to get you loose, kinda like Madonna
Call up everybody I know, tell 'em it's time to go
Me and Bee-Z in the 6-4 sittin' real low
Got the roll to the riverside, put that liquor to the side
Ain't no need for getting high, stay alive, in touch
Helps you die, that cocaine, get me trippin', y'all
Never been lickin' that, none of my burdens
Because I don't wanna be left and burnin'
Flirtin' with death
And they promise my last breath
Dressed in prison blues
Holy Spirit got me under arrest
I used to be a thug, sold drugs
Might have stalked you
Stepped up in the church, got converted at the altar
And I fought 'ya
Fell back and he caught you
Out tryin' to floss, better live what he taught you
Goin' down
We goin' down to the river
Take it to the river
Goin' down, baby
Yo, yo
Down to the river
Take it to the river
And lay down
Haulin' my glocks and automatics
I'm charismatic, like crack addicts
You wreak havoc like road ragers in bad traffic
It gets drastic, but He's fantastic
In attracting no one packing, now we're fasting
Has the passion, how can I get this life everlasting?
Sick of blastin' and dashin', flashin' like Charles Manson
Give me the ransom, now we're glory, holla, dancin'
I'm flippin' and rippin' to come up with lyrical styles
Y'all never heard
Tryin' to reach you climb the stair
Beyond all of this trippin' birds
Forget the English but rhymes, but I'm the jefe
They bust the rich, bringin' beats like Tito Puente
Salsa, merengue, repos calientes
Azucar sabroso para ti and para mi
Goin' down
Oh, as long as they praising God's name,
it's all right with me.
The congregation is going to be in for a surprise come Sunday.
Yeah, let me know how it goes.
I expect you to be there, too.
Oh-oh oh, oh-oh oh
I'm goin' down, baby
We goin' down to the river
We
So
Hot
We
Don't
Stop
We take it to the river
You know, we go down, down
We goin' down to the river
Take it to the river
Goin' down...
Glad you're here, Reverend.
I suppose you've noticed how the choir has grown.
I-I was just seeing how good they are.
I also suppose you plan on enforcing the rules
and the bylaws that says all members
of the choir
must be baptized and take Bible-study classes.
Oh, now, Paulina.
You can't change that.
It'll change everything.
She has a point, Darrin.
What point is that?
If you change things, then they'll be different?
Well, yeah.
Yeah.
Oh, I'm sorry, Darrin.
But if they're going to stay,
they're going to have to abide by the church rules.
I can't swim.
Uh, don't worry, Mr. Johnson.
It's just a...
just a little sprinkle.
I won't do it.
We're broadcasting live from down by the riverside
where three lost souls are trying to find Jesus.
Although personally,
I don't think this is where he fell in.
I baptize you in the name of the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Burns.
It burns.
Oh, brother, it's just the waste
from the refinery upstream, you see?
Well, guess that about does it.
Oh, funny thing, Darrin.
I don't remember you being baptized.
Do you, Paul?
Oh, uh... uh... uh...
Well, you know I...
- Paul?! - No, I don't.
I am not getting in that water.
Uh-huh.
I am not getting in there.
- Uh-huh. - Shit.
Must be crazy.
Praise the Lord.
Yeah, yeah, come on, come on, y'all
We about to get our praise on in this piece right now
Y'all know how we do it
Oh, oh, oh, oh yeah
Get your hands up
Lift your voice
All right, check it out, we're going to do this thing
There's a storm within and I don't want to let it in
I give You control, let Your love rain down on me
In my heart and mind
Is Your love nearby?
Uh-huh
I'm going to let it flow
Let Your love rain down on me
Gonna raise my hands Gonna raise my hands
Gonna give you all I can
Every time I call His name, His love rains down on me
Rain down
Gonna lift my voice and sing
About the love and joy He brings
Every time I praise His name, His love rains down on me
I was in distress
I needed happiness Come on
So I got down on my knees and asked You to come to me
I know that thunder brings the rain
So I called Your holy name
And You washed away my sins, gave me new power, yeah
Gonna raise my hands and dance
Want to give Him all I can
Every time I call His name
His love rains down on me
Want to lift my voice and sing
About the love and joy He brings
Every time I praise His name
His love rains down on me
Love is raining down on me, joy is deep inside of me
Praise, I lift my hands to Thee
'Cause Your love, Your love
Your love
Love is raining down on me, joy is deep inside of me
Praise
Want to raise my hands in praise
Ah
- Whoo - Want to give Him all I can
Every time I call His name
His love rains down on me
Want to lift my voice and sing
About the love and joy He brings
Every time I praise His name
His love rains down on me
Want to raise my hands and dance
Want to give Him all I can
Every time I call His name
His love rains down on me
Want to lift my voice and sing
About the love and joy He brings
Every time I praise His name
His love rains down on me
Want to raise my hands and dance
Want to give Him all I can
Every time I call His name
His love rains down on me
Want to lift my voice and sing
About the love and joy He brings
Every time I praise His name
His love rains down on me
Want to raise my hands and dance
Want to give Him all I can every time I call His name
His love rains down on me
Want to lift my voice and sing
About the love and joy He brings
Every time I praise His name
His love rains down on me
Want to raise my hands and dance
Want to give Him all I can, every time I call His name
His love rains down on me
Want to lift my voice and sing
About the love and joy He brings
Every time I praise His name
His love rains down on me
It rains down on me.
Thanks for coming with me.
Alma gave me the key,
but I felt kind of creepy coming here by myself.
Just got to get this box of letters
before everything is packed away.
They said it was in a trunk.
I didn't even know Mama was writing these.
I always thought she lost contact with everyone here.
1985.
"Dear Sally, I think this will be my big year.
"We're settled into our apartment
and the rent is covered."
She has "Thanks" in parentheses.
Sally.
"Here's a picture of Darrin.
Doesn't he look like a future doctor or lawyer?"
Eww.
This one was actually addressed to you
from Aunt Sally.
It says "Return to Sender."
It's because I moved around a lot.
Oh, my God.
Not that funny.
Dear Darrin, I'm worried about you.
All the different addresses and phone numbers.
The people calling here looking for you.
You seem to be lying about who you are.
Why can't you accept who you are?
God accepts you.
New York is so dangerous,
criminals, crazy people, and me
if I have to come up there and whip your ass.
Up there acting like you ain't got no home training.
It's my fault.
I never should have let Paulina run your mom out.
I love you, Darrin.
I'm the only family you have,
and you're the only family I have.
What does the letter say?
Something in my eye.
What does the letter say?
Oh, just stuff, stuff I probably should have known.
Let me see your eye.
- Huh? Oh. - Let me see your eye.
She looks kind of disapproving.
I can turn the picture down.
No.
It's getting kind of late.
I should go home and check on my Dean.
Okay.
- I should go home. - Yeah, let me walk you home.
I love being back in the choir.
It's amazing how, over the years,
the music has moved people,
makes people feel better about themselves, you know?
Sure.
Gospel music moves people...
people looking to be moved and haven't figured out
they're just a bunch of old songs, anyway.
You're so cynical.
It gives people comfort.
That's why my granddaddy is not scared of dying.
Simple, effective, comforting. It must be nice.
Simple isn't always wrong.
Experience has taught me
that fighting temptation makes you strong.
Yes, but the trouble with fighting temptation
is you might not get another chance.
Oh, ye of little faith.
What advertising agency?
Oh.
I'm afraid he's out.
But I'm family.
Uh-huh, you can tell me everything
and I'll give him the message.
Uh-huh.
Really?
Oh.
I'm on location down here live
at the Beulah Baptist Church barbecue, mm-hmm.
Folks down at Polk's Funeral Home
send their best wishes to the choir
and best of luck at the Gospel Explosion next weekend.
Polk's Funeral Home, make you look good when you're dead.
So good, they guarantee you an open-casket funeral
or the next one is going to be free.
See Darrin?
Dean!
Hey!
Hey, what's up Dean?
Hi, Lilly.
I knew I could do it. I want that one.
Congratulations to Willy Johnson's
little boy, Bobby Johnson.
He won the rock-throwing contest.
You want chicken? You want chicken?
Ribs.
Oh, ribs, please.
I don't know where that boy
learned how to throw a rock like that at.
Probably the one that
broke the window down at the radio station.
I ain't trying to put that out there or nothing
but somebody broke the window.
I ain't saying he did it,
but he sure can throw a rock, that's all I've got to say.
Choir, choir!
Yoo-hoo!
Choir, gather around,
I have great news.
You'll be happy to know
that someone from New York named Rosa
called last night with great news about your job.
She did?
Oh, we got our record deal already?
No, no, no, he's not a record producer.
He's a junior level executive at an advertising agency.
But Rosa said they are sorry that they fired you
and they want you to come back.
They're even willing to overlook the fact
that you faked your high school diploma
and your Yale degree.
They're even willing
to take care of your credit card trouble,
so there's no evidence of fraud.
Isn't that great news?
What is she talking about, Darrin?
Well...
You know why they want you back?
The liquor company
can't find any other firm with ideas
as good as yours.
That's a good thing.
They said they're willing to sign on
as clients, but only if
you are in charge of their account.
So I say, congratulations are in order.
Oh. Rosa said they need
your answer as soon as possible,
so you better call them now.
I brought your phone.
Is it true, son?
Well, these things she's saying,
I mean, it's not as bad as it sounds.
You're not leaving are you?
Boy, don't you know
once you go gospel, you can't go back.
God don't like ugly.
Look at Sam Cooke.
Left the church, few years later...
Shot dead in a motel.
And Otis Redding
left the church,
plane crash.
What about Whitney Houston, and, uh, Aretha, Snoop?
They started in the church.
Boy, you just killed three people.
What about the Explosion?
What about that money exploding in my pocket, that prize money
you said you were going
to split with me 50/50?
You promised him my half?
Your half?
I have a half in there somewhere.
You're talking about my half.
And I'm in the same church
with these people?
And I thought they was holy and sanctified.
They're waiting for your answer.
I don't care what you do.
I was just using you to get a record deal,
just like you were using me.
Is that true?
Rosa?
Yeah, I got your message.
Tell them I accept.
Tomorrow? I'll be there.
So it's all about the money?
Hell, yes.
That's the reason why half of you joined the choir.
And why shouldn't I go back?
What loyalty should I have to this place?
Sure, I've been lying,
but that's nothing compared to what this church
did to me and my mom.
If you leave,
you'll be forfeiting your inheritance money.
I don't need it now.
Look, just because he's quitting,
you don't have to give up on all your hard work.
We're still going to the Explosion.
Shut up, Grandma.
Don't you dare
talk to me like that!
Are you out of your mind?
Control yourself, Grandma.
Come back here. Don't you run from me!
I cannot believe that I was going to sleep with you.
There you go.
Home, sweet home.
How about a cigar?
How about a corner office?
- I'm serious.
Of course, of course.
W-Why can't they do it deep fried like they do in the South?
Okay, okay, fine, fine, I'll take
the boneless, skinless baked chicken.
Yes, that's fine.
Oh, oh, can I get the collard greens
without the goat cheese?
Darrin? Darrin?
Darrin, we can't wait
to hear your ideas.
I'm the one who got him back.
Ladies and gentlemen, since we last spoke,
I've developed a mega-campaign
that will triple our revenue within one year.
This represents the current markets
targeted by your competitors.
From it, you see
that the metropolitan areas are saturated.
We're selling an urban product.
Wrong... you're selling an urban image.
Thus the primary focus of my plan
is to change brand identity.
No more thugs and bums drinking 40s.
Instead,
only young, successful urbanites.
That means appealing to the little man
who dreams of making it in the fast lane.
We capitalize on people who dream
of a more glamorous life
than the one that they currently have.
People who are easily influenced.
People here,
and here, and he...
And here.
The small-town barber.
The clerk at the local dry cleaners.
The people that think that urban life
is where their dreams are.
Those are the people that need your product.
They need your lies,
your false images of success and glamour.
The poison that causes them to look
for fulfillment
in material things rather than in people.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen,
if making money is our number-one goal,
then it's the little people in the little towns
that we should exploit.
After all, what do they know?
They're just a bunch of country bumpkins anyway, right?
Way to go, Darrin.
Yes!
That's the way we're all going to make money.
Well done, Darrin.
Lilly, open up, it's me, Darrin.
Darrin?
I knew you'd be here.
How?
It was on the radio in the back.
Where is everybody?
They're on the way to Columbus for the Gospel Explosion.
I didn't think they'd have left yet.
Why aren't you with them?
Paulina found out I gave you the names of them singers.
We had a fight, and I asserted myself.
What happened?
They went without me.
Oh.
I'm afraid Lilly's not with them, either.
Nobody has seen her since you left.
Uh, but I've been fine since you left.
Thanks for asking.
What are you doing here?
I came back.
I should have never left in the first place.
Go away.
I don't want to see you.
Is it because I lied about being a music producer?
I'm sorry about that, too.
I'm not a fool.
I knew you weren't a producer.
You didn't even know what a downbeat was.
You didn't know the difference
in keys and notes.
- You didn't know... - Right, I get your point.
If you knew all that, why'd you get so mad?
I was angry with myself.
It's my own fault.
I don't know why I expected
anything different from someone like you.
Yeah. I blamed you, too, at first.
Well, I had to blame someone.
But when I got back to New York, something was different.
For some reason, I felt like
I didn't have to lie anymore.
The truth felt better.
Why should I believe you now?
Because I came back
so that the commitment I made to the choir
wouldn't be a lie.
Lilly,
hate me, despise me... I deserve it.
But don't let the choir down.
Please.
Come with me to the Explosion.
I can't.
Paulina kicked me out as soon as you left.
You got to come with me.
Without you, that choir
is a bunch of drunks, babies' daddies and convicts.
They might as well be an NFL team.
Let me go through the shadow of the valley of death.
I shall fear no evil.
We really appreciate you doing this, Lucius.
I'm just happy you were home when we came by.
Oh, no, you know
I wasn't going to go down to the Explosion
without Darrin being involved, now, Lilly.
Well, I'm glad our friendship is what's most important to you.
That's all that matters.
What?!
Now, wait a minute, man.
You stupid jerk!
Get me right if I'm wrong.
It sounds like you're trying
to skip out on paying me.
Lucius.
Oh, okay, I forgot.
We doing this for the Lord.
I forgot about that.
Amen.
But in the Bible, it says get your money, man.
That's what it say in one of them scriptures.
Come back and take me home
I've been wait
Been waiting for you
Pray
Praying to you
Wait
Laboring for you
I've been wait
Living for you
- Wait - Giving for you
- Wait - Driven by you
I've been wait
Oh, so patiently, for your face to see
Waiting for you
For you to come back...
Broadcasting live from down at the Gospel Explosion.
Coming up soon, going to be
the Five Blind Boys from Alabama.
Uh, used to be six of them, but one of them got healed.
He's the driver now, and they need him,
'cause, well, they kept hitchhiking the wrong way.
Excuse me.
Which choir are you with?
The Beulah Baptist Gospel Choir, Monte Carlo, Georgia.
Got you.
You'll be coming on soon.
Paulina, some of these choirs are pretty big.
All right, boys, let's go.
Get down.
We don't need those felons.
God is on our side.
This is a gospel competition.
He's on everybody's side.
And now...
...we present to you...
the Blind Boys of Alabama.
Beulah Choir, Beulah Choir.
Before we go on, we need to make sure
that we're spiritually clean,
so, I've made a list of sins
that you all need to be forgiven for.
Starting with you. Yesterday...
I'm a soldier
...ln the army of the Lord
Good old soldiers
In the army
Well, when I get to heaven, gonna sing and shout
Be nobody up there to turn me out
Talk with the Father, chat with the Son
Yeah
Tell 'em 'bout the world I just came from
I'm a soldier
In the army of the Lord
A mighty good soldier
In the army...
Great, we made it!
I'm sorry I left in the first place,
and if you let me, I'll make it up to you.
Starting with keeping my commitment
and leading you in the Explosion.
- Hey, man, yeah! - Not so
fast.
He isn't leadin' this choir,
and she sure as h-h-heck isn't singing in it.
Uh, excuse me, technically, it's still my choir.
Oh, is it?
Well, technically, you violated the Explosion rules
when you recruited choir members by offering to pay them,
so if you don't mind, my choir is about to perform.
Reverend, can she do this?
- Uh... - Back me up,
Paul... you know I'm right.
W-W-Well, technically...
Technically, that also
gives me the right to kick out who I want,
right, Paul?
Oh, now...
Now you and Miss Round-the-Way here
can just leave.
Tell 'em, Paul.
Let's not go...
Let's not forget that when you went to New York,
you forfeited your rights to the inheritance.
Isn't that what the will says,
Paul?
Paul!
Oh, now, don't worry, he agrees with me.
The will doesn't say anything about a cackling, overbearing,
hypocritical, old bitty who's about to drive me crazy
just like she did her husband!
I didn't drive James crazy, Paul... God rest his soul.
And that's another thing.
I'm tired of telling this lie
to everybody about you being a widow.
What?
James lives in Patterson County, y'all.
Yeah, with a big,
fine, new young wife... know how to make a man say,
"Amen" when he at home,
as well as in the church.
You can nitpick about the church bylaws
and the technicalities of Aunt Sally's will all you want,
but what really matters is the spirit of her wishes,
and Aunt Sally's dying wish was for Darrin to lead this choir.
End of story.
You think you can challenge me, boy?
- Reverend Lewis... - Hmm?
Do the bylaws say anything
about voting someone out of the choir?
Yes, they do...
as long as it's by a majority
of baptized choir members.
Paulina, thank you for making sure
all of us are baptized.
All in favor of kicking Paulina out of the choir...
Listening to that voice deep inside saying
- You know - I'll be here
Always
Forever
Don't matter what happens
I'm gonna stay the same
Hey...
you guys ready?
- Fo shizzle. - Yeah.
Let's knock 'em dead.
- Darrin. - Oh.
I suppose you'll be leaving us soon.
Now, is it okay if the lawyers
- mail your inheritance check? - Keep it.
Make it out to the Beulah Baptist Church.
Don't you want to know how much it is?
I want to give the church a Sally Walker Day Care Center
and a new roof.
It was only worth $357.
I-I thought you said the portfolio
was worth $150,000.
Didn't you read about it?
Georgia Telecom went belly-up
when you were up in New York.
I guess we better go win this church some money.
Give 'em hell.
I mean that in the most Christian way.
Sure.
Ready? Let's go.
Wait.
I want you to hear how they announce us.
Why?
You inspired it.
- I did? - Yes.
Right now, from the Beulah Baptist Church
in Monte Carlo, Georgia...
Here are the Fighting Temptations!
Okay. Is everyone ready?
Yo, why do we have to wear these robes?
I don't wear this stuff.
Yes, everyone has to wear the same thing.
Why?
My suit is tight, and ladies don't like
to see Lucius in no robe.
Okay, everyone takes their robe off.
No.
What?
Well, apparently the Fighting Temptations aren't quite ready.
All right, okay, all right,
listen, listen, listen.
We hope to hear from the Fighting Temptations
Yes.
Before Judgment Day.
All right...
all right.
Oh, no, he might start singing.
Get out there. Get out there.
Three, four...
Duh, duh, duh
Duh, nuh, nuh, nuh
Duh, duh, duh
Duh-nuh, duh-nuh
- Dum, duh, duh, dum, dum - Dum, dum, dum
- Ooh... - Duh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh
- Ho, ooh, whoa - Dum, dum, dum
Duh-nuh, du-nuh
Took me a while, but I'm finally here
So I just want to testify
Make it crystal clear
- Take your time - See, I been picked out
- To be picked on - Oh, no
Talked about out my friend's mouth
- I been beat down - Yeah, yeah
Till He turned my life around
Turned my life around
Seemed like I always fall short of being worthy
'Cause I ain't good enough, but He still loves me
- Yeah, yeah - I ain't no superstar
The spotlight ain't shining on me
No, no, no, no, no
'Cause I ain't good enough
- No... - But He still loves me, love me
I used to wake up some days and wish I'd stayed asleep
Why can't you, girl?
'Cause I went to bed on top of the world
Today the world's on top of me
- Now, everybody's got opinions - They share
- They've been in my position - They don't care
That it breaks my heart when I hear
What they have to say about me
- What'd they say about you? - Yeah, yeah, yeah
Seems like I always fall short of being worthy
Fall short
Lord, I ain't worthy, no
'Cause I ain't good enough
- But He still loves me - Still loves me, yeah
I ain't no superstar
Ain't no superstar
The spotlight ain't shining on me
I want to be for you
'Cause I ain't good enough, but He still loves me
I'm not perfect
Yes, I do wrong
I'm trying my best
- Trying my best - I ain't good enough
Just ain't good enough, no, no
Sure, I done wrong
- The sun rises anyway - lf I don't succeed
- 'Cause I ain't good enough
- I ain't good enough - Just ain't good enough
But you love me
If you ain't worthy, just raise your hands
And let me know that you understand
That we are all so blessed to be loved
Loved
Stand for him and fall for anything
'Cause through his eyes we all look the same
What would we do without blame?
Seemed like we always fall short of being worthy
We are not worthy
- 'Cause I ain't good enough - I'm...
- I ain't good enough - But He still loves me
I ain't good enough
I ain't no superstar
- I ain't no superstar - But He still loves me
But I want to be for you, Lord
- 'Cause I ain't good enough - Whoa, whoa
- But He still loves me - But He still loves me, me, me
- I'm not worthy - I'm not worthy
- No, no, no, no - Yes, I do know
Yes, I do know, know, know, know
Trying my best
It ain't good enough
- I ain't good enough - Shunned by the world
Shunned by the world
- lf I don't succeed - I don't succeed
- I'm not good enough - I ain't good enough
- But He still loves me - Ooh, He loves me
- Would you all sing with me? - Hold up your hands
If you understand, just sing
I'm trying my best, but I...
It ain't good enough
Oh, the Lord's been so good to me
- Shunned by the world - I've been shunned by the world
- When I don't succeed - I've been shunned by the world
- I ain't good enough - He still loves me
The Lord still loves me
Lord, I ain't good enough
No, no, no...
Raise your hands if you understand
How He blesses you, 'cause He blessed me, too
- He still loves me - Even though I ain't worthy
You ain't worthy... He's there for you.
No, I ain't good enough
- But He still loves me - I don't know what I'd do
- Though I ain't good enough - I ain't good enough
- But He still loves me - But the Lord still loves me.
And the winner is...
The Fighting Temptations!
Wow, uh... on-on behalf of the choir,
I just want to say thank you.
I'm really proud of my hometown, Monte Carlo.
Uh, and just one more thing.
My mom once told me not to settle
for anything less than the best...
...and if Lilly will have me,
I can finally say that I kept my promise.
Monte Carlo!
And since God keeps blessing us with new souls every week,
we're soon going to be starting our building expansion project.
Yes... yeah. Yes.
And now, let's be blessed by our wonderful choir.
Come on, clap your hands, stomp your feet
Clap your hands and stomp your feet, come on
Clap your hands, stomp your feet, yeah
Clap your hands, stomp your feet, y'all
Hand of power, son, has finally returned
Yeah
And now He's home
- And He want to get it on - Whoa, ho, ho
- Want to get close? - I feel sanctified
- Come on, Lord! - Whoo, come on!
Come-a, come-a, come on
- Come on - Come on, come on
Come...
- All God's children - All God's children
- Oh, yeah - Come back home
All God's children
- Feels good, Lord - Come back home
Said I feel good, feel, feel, feel, feel good
- Come back home - 'Cause I feel good
- All God's children - Feel, feel, feel, feel good
Come back home
Say it loud
Say it loud!
- Say it loud - I...
- I'm coming home - Coming home
- Coming home
- Say good God of mine - Yeah
- Feel, feel soul - Yeah
- Good God of mine - Lord
Want the world to know that I am coming
I am coming
- I'm coming - I'm coming
- Yeah, yeah
My brothers and sisters
All God's children
- Yeah! ...Yourself
- Coming home... - Coming home
- Coming home
I got the feeling
- Yeah! - Going home now
- Ooh, ooh, ooh ...To the Lord...
- We going to get on down - Coming home
- Going home... - Coming home
- Going home - Coming home
Say I'm feeling, feeling the fire
- Yeah - I feel it in my soul.
God, I'm a slave
To get to heaven, Reverend says I got to be saved
And behave, though I'm too stuck in my ways
Give him praise
Words can't express what I feel inside of my flesh
Every breath is giving him glory until my death
I feel blessed
'Cause every day I see him in the world
- I feel blessed I don't want to do no more dirt
I feel blessed
'Cause that path I was on was wrong
- I feel blessed - It's time to come home
It doesn't matter where you been
Or what you did wrong
It doesn't matter who you are
You're always welcome
It only matters that your heart believes
And you confess
If you committed any sin, you'll be forgiven
Callin' on all of God's children
Time to come home
If you want to be delivered
Time to come home...
I've been rescued by the savior
Time to come home...
- lf you want to be - You need to be
- Time to come home... - Want to be
Ooh, don't bear the burden all by yourself
By yourself
The redeemer's here... He's going to give you help
Give you a hand
Hold on to Him, and He will give you rest
For any heart that's heavy lay soul salvation
Ooh... whoa...
Completely up, down... He knows
- Time to come home - Time to come home
- Believe in me - Time to come home
I've been rescued by the savior
Time to come home
Don't you want to be in His favor?
Time to come home
Oh... my home
Come home
- You're home - You're home
The everlasting home
Time to come home.
You know I'm your daddy, right?
Oh, just relax, yo, I'm just kidding.
Eng subs ripped by -=McLane=-