Song: Everybody (wants to leave this town)

This song acts as the opening to the musical, showcasing our protagonist George, who works in the local betting shop. Like everybody else in the small village, George dreams of leaving one day. The thing that sets George apart is that, whilst everybody else knows what they want to do with their lives, George doesn't. George is intelligent but hasn't figured out how to use this intelligence for his favour yet, and feels stuck living the life of his grandfather.

Lyrics

George:

They always said that I'd do nothing with my life,

And they’re right.

I never could seem to get it right

And I can’t see a reason I should bother to start now 

I’ve always wanted to do something with my life,

And I might.

Sometimes when I can’t seem to sleep at night

I think of things I would be if I bothered to learn how 

And everybody seems to have things twisted

That I’m happy in this stagnant crappy form of existence.

My legs being held by a ghost, that I must have seriously pissed off in a past life  

And everybody seems to know what they want from life,

They never thought twice and it fucking makes me sick 

If I could get shit together we could get together and say bye to this half life

Murray: I’m putting all my money on “Turtle’s Plod.” George: He's 50-to-1!

Murray: I’ve got a feeling from God.

George: And if he wins?

Murray: When he wins, you’ll find me in a haze,

5 star hookers for days, somewhere close to where my dealer stays

Doug: Limping Lucky for a shilling.

Murray: Clumsy delight?

George: I think he died.

Stanley: I’ll take Cyclone. George: You know he’s legally blind in one eye.

Doug: I don’t mind, I’ve got a feeling.

Stanley: Me too.

Doug: That my dream is one step closer to coming true 

Tully: I’ve always wanted to open a bookstore

Butcher: What the fuck would this village need books for?

Tully: Townsfolk would rather keep muttering shite,

than read Wuthering Heights, in fear it might sink in

Mayor Claxton:

I heard in Moscow theres a brand new roulette game,

Take one loaded gun, remove a bullet, and take aim.

So one gets the prize–

Chief Bassett: The other five?

Mayor Claxton: They Die.

But to be honest mate,

right now that just sounds like a win win! 

Postman:

Last week I delivered fifty letters, none of them for my house.

Sometimes I leave the lights on,

so that when I come back it feels like someone waits for me

Father Whitmore:

I’m not sure this whole religion things for me. 

It just feels like simulation?

Villager: Hey! I told you that in last weeks confession!

And I was pissed then–

Rev: you’re the guy who likes to kiss men?!

Ensemble:

Everyone wants to leave this town,

but I always see them the fucking next day

They’ll come and ask the odds and tell me same

Tall tales as yesterday  

‘Cause everybody’s got a master plan,

but phase 1 always seems to start tomorrow  

And tomorrow I swear, you won’t ever see this face again

'Horse race commentary musical interlude '

Ensemble:

I’m sure this world has more to offer

Than what I’ve been dealt so far

I’m sure I’ll find my feet some day

My dreams are waiting,

but I’m not sure how much longer they will stay.

Tully:

When I was young I thought I would change the world, 

I don’t know how, but when there’s wills there’s ways or so the story says

But ain’t it strange that change only seems to be a good idea 

If done tomorrow.

But I’m scared tomorrow,

that when it comes tomorrow.

Tomorrow will just be another one of those days. 

George: My whole life's been confined by these twelve lines, I've tried to define the bars, right where the edge meets. I like her when she smiles with those red cheeks, some days I can't get out of my bed sheets.

Most days I'm stuck, staring at spreadsheet.

Why do we never speak in the streets, like we're deadbeats? A thing of beauty is a joy forever,

and beauty is truth–

but I've never even read Keats.

I've always wanted to do something with my life,

and I might! and I might!

(continued)

Ensemble:

I’m sure this world has more to offer

Than what I’ve been dealt so far Tully:

I'm scared tomorrow, will just be another one of those days.