The Perfect Year

[NORMA]
Ring out the old
Ring in the new
A midnight wish
To share with you
Your lips are warm
My head is light
Were we alive before tonight?

I don't need a crowded ballroom
Everything I want is here
If you're with me
Next year will be
The perfect year

[JOE]
Before we play
Some dangerous game
Before we fan
Some harmless flame
We have to ask if this is wise
And if the game is worth the prize

With this wine and with this music
How can anything be clear?
Let's wait and see
It may just be
The perfect year

[NORMA]
It's New Year's Eve
And hopes are high
Dance one year in
Kiss one goodbye
Another chance, another start
So many dreams to tease the heart

We don't need a crowded ballroom
Everything we want is here
And face to face
We will embrace
The perfect year

We don't need a crowded ballroom
Everything we want is here
And face to face
We will embrace
The perfect year

[JOE, spoken]
So, what time are they supposed to get here?

[NORMA, spoken]
Who?

[JOE, spoken]
The other guests

[NORMA, spoken]
There are no other guests. Just you and me. I'm in love with you. Surely you know that

[JOE, spoken]
Norma, I -

[NORMA, spoken]
We'll have a wonderful time next year. I'll have the pool filled up for you. I'll open up my house in Malibu, and you can have the whole ocean. I have enough money to buy us anything we want

[JOE, spoken]
Cut out that "us" business

[NORMA, spoken]
What's the matter with you?

[JOE, spoken]
What right do you have to take me for granted?

[NORMA, spoken]
What right? Do you want me to tell you?

[JOE, spoken]
Norma, what I am trying to say is that I am the wrong guy for you. You need a big shot, someone with polo ponies, a Valentino -

[NORMA, spoken]
What you're trying to say is, you don't want me to love you. Say it! Say it!

(NORMA slaps JOE)

[JOE, spoken]
Max. Get me a taxi

[JOE]
I had to get out
I needed to be with people my own age
To hear the sound of laughter
And mix with hungry actors
Underemployed composers
Nicotine-poisoned writers
Real people
Real problems
Having a really good time