Major Characters
William Miller.................Patrick Fugit
A sweet and very smart 15 year old kid (in 1973) who wants to
be a rocknroll critic and write for Rolling Stone magazine.
Elaine Miller..................Frances McDormand
Williams very nervous and conservative mother, a college professor,
who is always worried that her children are going to take illegal drugs.
Anita Miller....................Zoey Deschanel
Williams older sister who decides to leave home when she is still
very young because she can no longer accept living with her mother.
Russell Hammond.................Billy Crudup
The guitarist and most well known musician in the (fictional) hard rock group
Stillwater, which is trying to become a superstar group even though their
music is fairly typical and not very good.
Jeff Bebe.......................Jason Lee
The lead singer for Stillwater, who is convinced that rock music
in general, and his group in particular, is deeply important.
"Penny Lane" (Lady Goodman).....Kate Hudson
A 16 year old fan of the group who is in love with Russell, who travels
around the country when they are on tour. Girls like her are usually called
"groupies," but she prefers the term "Band-Aid."
Sapphire........................Fairuza Balk
A friend of Penny and one of the Band-Aids following Stillwater.
Lester Bangs....................Phillip Hoffman
A well-known rock critic who writes for Cream magazine, who is
convinced that great rocknroll is being killed by bad groups like
Stillwater, and record companies who only care about making money.
Ben-Fong Torres.................Terry Chen
A well known editor for Rolling Stone magazine
who hires William to write an article on Stillwater.
Dick Roswell....................Noah Taylor
Stillwaters inexperienced British manager.
Dennis Hope.....................Jimmy Fallon
A new more experienced manager that Stillwaters
record company hires to help lead the group.
Plot Summary
This film is the story of a sweet and very smart kid who loves rock music,
and whose dream is to be a rock music writer. Most of the film takes place in
1973, when William Miller is 15, and when he sets out to write an article about
an increasingly popular rock group called Stillwater. They are typical of the
hard rock groups of that period, in that they are loud and seductive, but not
nearly as good as the classic 1960s groups that came before them (such as
the Beatles and the Rolling Stones). Regardless, Stillwater is a fictional group,
although they are very similar to such real 1970s bands as Bad Company or
Grand Funk Railroad. And in fact, William himself is really Cameron Crowe in
real life, the writer and director of this film, who began writing for Rolling Stone
magazine in the early 1970s when he was just 15.
While trying to get an interview with members of Stillwater, William meets
several young female fans who travel around the country with the band. Most people
would call them "groupies" because they sleep with the band members, but they
like to think of themselves as "Band-Aids." One of these Band-Aids is Penny Lane
(a nickname taken from the Beatle song), who is in love with Russell, Stillwaters
lead guitarist. As William joins all of them on the road, he soon learns that rock
stars are not always as "cool" as they seem to be, and that if girls like Penny
are not careful, they can be easily hurt by the stars that they love.
This is an excellent look at the "rocknroll scene" of the early 1970s, and as such,
captures a time when the ideals and dreams of the 1960s had passed, and music was in
the process of becoming a very big business.
A note on Lester Bangs and Ben-Fong Torres: These two are in fact real people, and
both were well known writers who were considered among the first important rock critics.
Some Rock Names You should Recognize: The following are rock stars
from the 1960s and 70s that are referred to in the film.
Simon and Garfunkel
The Doors/Jim Morrison
Iggy Pop
The Guess Who
Lou Reed
David Bowie
The Faces
Black Sabbath
Led Zeppelin
Bob Dylan
Cream
John Coltrane
Bad Company
The Who
The Rolling Stones/Mick Jagger
The Beatles
The Stillwater Tour: William follows the group around the United States, as they visit
both small towns and big cities. In approximate order, they go the following locations:
San Diego, California
Los Angeles, California
Tempe, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Topeka, Kansas
Greenville, Tennessee
Cleveland, Ohio
Boston, Massachusetts
New York City
Some Words and Expressions that You May not Know 1969: Williams mom and sister fight the 1960s cultural wars...Atticus Finch; He stands up for the right thing.
"Atticus Finch" is the main character in the movie "To Kill A Mockingbird,"
about racism in the American South (Atticus daughter is named Boo Radley).
"To stand up for" something is to support it in words and actions, even if
it is unpopular or difficult to do.
She killed everybody else so that her son Tiberous could
inherit the throne---just like Nixon. Its awfully common.
"To inherit the throne" is to become King or Queen, after the current one has died.
"To inherit" something is to get legal rights to it after the previous owner dies.
A "throne" is the legal word for the power associated with being a King or Queen.
"Awfully" is a widely used adverb which means very.
Soy cutlets?
"Soy" is a healthy vegetable substance, but it is almost never served as a
"cutlet," which usually refers to a big cut of meat, such as pork chops.
Youve been kissing.....I can tell.
Note that the verb "to tell" is often used to mean know or sense.
It is about drugs and promiscuous sex. :: Simon and Garfunkel is poetry.
A reference to sexual activity outside of ones principal sexual partner.
A person who is promiscuous usually sleeps with many people.
Honey, theyre on pot.
A common way to refer to the drug marijuana.
Bologna.
A type of cheap sliced lunch meat, popular with school children.
Celebrating Christmas on a day in September because its
too commercialized? What else are you going to ban?
If a holiday is "commercialized," it has become an excuse for buying lots
of gifts, instead of celebrating the original meaning. "To ban" something
is to prevent it or make it illegal. A key verb in politics.
You want to rebel against knowledge; Im trying to give
you the Cliffs Notes on how to live life in this world.
"To rebel" against something is to fight or rise up against it
(often people rebel against a government). "Cliffs Notes" are well
known study guides that summarize books and other materials for students.
You use knowledge to keep us down. Im a yes person
and youre trying to raise us in a no environment.
"To keep a person down" is to limit their freedom or oppress them.
The second sentence is Anitas way of telling her mom that she is a
person who needs more freedom than her mom is willing to give her.
Sweetheart, dont be a drama queen. :: Feck you!
"Sweetheart" is a very common term of affection. A "drama queen" is
a person who acts with great emotion, or too dramatically. Note that Anita
is too scared to say "fuck you" to her mom, but does say "feck you,"
which doesnt exist.
Mom, pull over. Tell him the truth.
"Pull over" is the phrasal verb you use to describe the act
of slowing down and stopping a car on the side of the road.
They call him "the narc" behind his back.
A slang term for a narcotics officer, who is a much hated secret
police officer who tries to catch students using illegal drugs.
To do something "behind a persons back" is to do it when they
cannot hear or see it being done.
Come on, you guys. Its no big deal.
"Come on" is the most varied phrasal verb in English, meaning everything from
hurry up to, here, calm down. "Its no big deal" is a widely used and colloquial
way of saying that its not important.
So you skipped 5th grade. Theres too much padding in the grades.
"To skip" 5th grade is to go directly from 4th to 6th, which may happen if the
student is considered very smart. In this case, if the grades are "padded,"
they are filled with too much that is silly or unimportant.
Youve robbed him of an adolescence. :: Adolescence is a marketing tool!
"To rob" a person is to steal from them. "Adolescence" refers to the approximate
period of time between ages 13 and 16. A "marketing tool" is any thing, word or
concept that helps to sell a product.
I know you were expecting puberty, but youre
just going to have to shine it on a little while.
"Puberty" is a medical term for adolescence, or the young teenage years when
kids acquire the ability to reproduce ("To shine it on" means to wait longer
than expected, but this is no longer used).
Who put such a high premium on being typical? Who needs a crowd?
"To put a high premium on" something is to value it very highly,
or consider it very important. In this case, a "crowd" refers to a
group of school friends.
Youre unique.
If someone is "unique," there is no one else just like them.
Highly unusual, usually in a very positive sense.
Your dad knew that you were a predominantlyaccelerated child.
"Predominantly" is another way of saying primarily, or principally.
If a child is "accelerated," they are considered very smart in comparison
to children their age (To accelerate is to move faster).
You are rebellious and ungrateful of my love.
If a person is "rebellious," they are always fighting against something
(in this case, their parents and teachers). If a person is "ungrateful,"
they do not appreciate what they have been given.
This song explains why I am leaving home to become a stewardess.
A female who works on an airplane serving food and drinks.
One day, youll be cool. Look under your bed...it will set you free.
"Cool" is a critical word in this movie, and a very common colloquial
word for excellent, first-rate or superior. Rock stars are considered
very cool by their fans. "To set a person free" is to give them freedom.
1973: William meets Lester Bangs, the guys from Stillwater and Penny Lane.
Heres a theory for you to disregard completely...true music lives
within you...with the vastscenic bridges and chorus in your brain.
A "theory" is an educated guess. "To disregard" something is to ignore
or reject it. "Vast" means extremely big or huge, and if a view is "scenic,"
it is pretty or pleasing to the eye. A "chorus" is a group of singers,
often in a church.
Its a place apart from the vast benign lap of America.
If something is "benign," it is harmless.
The worlds greatest rocknroll critic.
A "rocknroll critic" is a writer who reviews rock music, but since many people
dont take any rock music seriously, some people think this term is a bit ridiculous.
Jim Morrison?! Hes a drunken buffoonposing as a poet.
A "buffoon" is a ridiculously uneducated, stupid or moronic person.
"To pose" as a poet is to pretend that you are one, when in fact you have
none of the real talent or ability that is needed (Jim Morrison was the
lead singer of the group The Doors).
Iggy Pop! Put this on! This isnt on your playlist, is it?
A "playlist" is the list of songs that a
disc jockey will play on their radio station.
Ive been doing some stuff for a local underground paper.
Note that "stuff" is a very general word for things, and this case refers
to pieces of writing. Here, an "underground" paper is a slangy way of referring
to a paper that has very few readers, and not one that is necessarily hiding
from the government!
Youll meet them all again...on their long journey to the middle.
This is Lesters way of saying that most rock stars (and critics) move to the
middle of the road artistically, in order to try to get as popular as possible.
Your writing is damn good.
A common and colloquial way of saying very.
Rocknroll? Its over. You got here just in time
for the death rattle. Last grasp. Last grope.
Lesters way of saying that rock music has been so commercialized by big
business that its now dying. The "death rattle" is the sound that a
rattle snake or other animal makes just before it dies. A "grasp" is a
desperate attempt to reach (as in "a last grasp for air"), and a "grope"
is to reach out blindly, or with no specific goal.
I used to do speed. Id stay up all night
writing and writing, like 25 pages of dribble.
"Speed" is an illegal drug that gives people lots of energy, but can make them
a little crazy. "Dribble" is the spit or saliva that comes out of a persons
mouth when theyre sleeping, but it also refers to bad writing.
Theyre gonna be fake friends. Theyre gonna try to corrupt you.
"Fake" is not real, and thus a "fake" friend is a person who is pretending
to be your friend, but who really is just using you. "To corrupt" a person is
to try and lead them away from their own principles or values, often turning
them into criminals.
Fucking nothing about you that is controversial, man.
Note the use of "fucking" as a totally empty filler word. Vulgar, but common
among young people. If something is "controversial," it causes much emotion,
argument or disagreement. The word "man" is often used as a filler word to
express general emotion. Widely used among teenagers, but basically meaningless.
There are people who want you to write sanctimonious stories about the genius of rock stars...
A good word to describe something that is too
serious or even religious or righteous in attitude.
...and theyll ruin rocknroll and strangle everything we love about it, right?
To "ruin" something is to kill or destroy it. "To strangle"
something is to choke it, or kill it by cutting off its air.
And then it just becomes an industry of cool.
This is Lesters way of saying the rock music is being destroyed by record
companies that are just trying to promote rock stars that look cool to young
people, rather than those producing good music.
Youre coming along at a very dangerous time for rocknroll.
In this case, to "come along" means to arrive.
I can give you $35. Give me 1,000 words on Black Sabbath. :: An assignment?!
An "assignment" is a specific job, in this case to write an article.
You have to make your reputation on being honest and unmerciful.
A Persons reputation is the general opinion that other people have of them.
If a person is "unmerciful," they refuse to show mercy or kindness.
If you get into a jam, you can call me.
"To get into a jam" is to get into a difficult
situation that is hard to get out of.
An entire generation of Cinderellas, and there is no slipper coming.
"Cinderella" is a character in the famous childrens tale who wears
magical "slippers," which is a type of shoe that is easy to put on.
You want to get high?
To "get high" is to experience great or unusual physical, emotional or
intellectual sensations, usually from taking drugs such as marijuana.
As long as I know this is a hobby...Ill pick you up at 11:00 sharp.
A "hobby" is an activity that a person enjoys doing in their free time,
such as playing cards or collecting records. If something is supposed to
happen at "11:00 sharp," this means exactly at 11:00.
Im here from Cream magazine to interview Black Sabbath.
A rock magazine edited by Lester Bangs that was popular in the 1970s,
but which never had the success of Rolling Stone magazine.
Go to the top of the ramp with the other girls.
A roadway that connects two levels, or leads on or off a highway.
Im not a groupie.
A somewhat negative word for a girl who follows rock stars around,
often hoping to sleep with them while they are on a concert tour.
Groupies sleep with rock starts because they want to be near someone
famous. Were here because of the music. Were Band-Aids.
Depending on the context, to "sleep with" a person often means to have
sex with them. A "Band Aid" is Pennys term for girls like her who follow
rock stars, since she doesnt like the word groupie. Note the play on words---
they "aid" rock bands, and a band-aid is a small bandage that is used to cover
a cut or other minor injury.
We dont have intercourse with them.
A clinical way of referring to sex, or sexual intercourse.
We inspire the music. Were here because of the music.
"To inspire" is to encourage or stimulate great work in other people.
She was the one who said no more exploiting our bodies and our hearts.
"To exploit" a person is to use or take advantage of them.
Right; Just blow jobs, and thats it.
A funny line. A "blow job" is a slang term for the act of performing oral sex on a man.
Who brought Opie?
"Opie" was the name of a very young and innocent character in
"The Andy Griffith Show," which was a popular TV show in the 1960s.
Sapphire is probably calling William this because he looks so innocent.
This is outrageous. Were an hour and half late.
A powerful adjective meaning extremely offensive or bad.
Look, Im sorry. But could you please fuck off?
An alternative to the more common "fuck you." Of course, just as vulgar,
but with the advantage that you can tell a 3rd person to pass on the message
(i.e..."tell him to fuck off ")
You guys producing it yourself, instead of
Glyn Johns, that was the right thing to do.
"To produce" a record is to handle of all the recording
equipment in order to make the best possible song.
Russell, the guitar sound is incendiary...way to go!
"Incendiary" is an educated word for something that causes a fire, or in this
case, that causes great emotion or passion. "Way to go" is a common and colloquial
way of congratulating a person who just accomplished something very good or difficult.
Hes with us. Come in this way, Bro.
A short slangy way of saying brother, or more loosely, friend.
Rock n roll is a lifestyle and a way of thinking, and its not about money and popularity.
An interesting and politically sensitive word that refers to the way
of living, style or values of an individual or culture (There can be
a hippie lifestyle, gay lifestyle, etc).
Its a voice that says "Here I am, and fuck you if you cant understand me."
A silly rock stars typical way of trying to explain rock music.
Rock n roll can save the world...and the chicks are great.
A very slangy and somewhat silly word for a girl or young woman.
But what it all comes down to is that thing...the indefinable
thing when people catch something from your music.
If a situation "all comes down to" something, that something is the most
critical or important part ("The health of a company all comes down to its
employees"). If something is "indefinable," it cant be defined or explained.
In this case, "to catch" something from the music is to be emotionally touched by it.
What am I talking about? The buzz. The chicks, the whatever, is an offshoot of the buzz.
"Buzz" is a slang word for the excited talk among the public about a movie, show,
or in this case, rock group. "Whatever" is an over used word to refer to anything
in general, when you cant think of a more precise word. An "offshoot" of
something is the direct result of it.
I found you a pass.
In this context, a ticket that allows a person to get into a concert free,
or even allows them to go backstage after the show to meet the band.
Can we bring the lights down?
"To bring down the lights" is to turn them off, often slowly, at a concert.
You want to come to LA? Well be at the
Riot House...the Continental Hyatt House.
"LA" is the most common way to refer to Los Angeles, Americas most
wonderful city. A "riot" is an outbreak of violence by a crowd, though
here its a nickname for an expensive hotel (the Continental Hyatt House),
because rock stars and their fans often cause trouble there.
Tell her to call me. Im under "Henry Houdini."
Note that to be "under" a name at a hotel is to be registered with that
name (Henry Houdini was a famous magician who died in the 1920s).
Come on, lets blow this burg.
In this case, "to blow" a place is a slangy and somewhat dated way of saying
to leave it quickly. A "burg" is a short and rare word for suburb.
The enemy! Come up to LA and well talk some time.
The members of the band refer to William as the enemy because he writes for
Rolling Stone magazine, which was very critical of hard rock groups like Stillwater.
In short, they dont trust him or the magazine.
Hey man, be cool.
This is a very slangy way of telling a person to be respectful or nice.
No, he said it aint California without you. :: I get the gist.
"Aint" is common slang for isnt (or other conjugations of to be),
but it a word that you should generally avoid using. The "gist" is an
excellent word for the main point of a speech, argument, story, etc.
I live in a different world. :: Speaking of the world...
"Speaking of" is an excellent way to begin talking about
something that has just been mentioned in a conversation.
Im going to live in Morocco for one year.
A country in North Africa, that was popular with hippies in the 1960s.
I need a new crowd.
In this case, Penny is using "crowd" to mean a new group of friends.
William joins the Stillwater tour, and soon finds himself as a reporter for Rolling Stone.
Keep the small bills on the outside and call me if anyone gets drunk.
A short way of referring to dollar bills (Elaine thinks William should carry the bigger
$10 and $20 bills hidden inside the $1 bills, so he will be less likely to be robbed).
Its all happening! Im about to use you as protection.
A very dated and slangy expression used a lot in this movie,
which probably means many that very exciting things are happening.
Please dont smear it. Five minutes ago he touched this pen.
"To smear" ink or paint is to cause it to spread or stain in a messy fashion,
often after water or another liquid is accidentally dripped on it.
Vic is a Zeppelin fan. :: I picked that up.
In this case, to "pick up" something is to realize or understand it, often
after observing it (i.e. William could see from Vics behavior that he loved
the group Led Zeppelin).
Ladies and gentlemen, at this time please extinguish all smoking
materials, for the captain has turned on the no smoking sign.
"To extinguish" a fire is to put it out or eliminate it. These are words
which Penny knows well, said by a stewardess before a plane takes off.
Your seats and tray tables should be locked in their full upright position.
"Tray tables" are the tiny tables that passengers use to eat on in an airplane,
attached to the seat in front of them. Again, more words that Penny knows well,
and that a stewardess says before a plane takes off.
Oh...the hell with it!
A common and slangy way of expressing great frustration, especially
after you have been unable to do something that you wanted to.
Act one, in which she pretends she doesnt care about him.
An "act" in a play is a major part or division.
Act three, in which it all plays out the way she planned it.
"To play out" is to happen over a period of time.
"Voice of God, howling dogs, the spirit of rock n roll."
"To howl" is to cry out, like a dog or a wolf.
"Hard-working band makes good." Lets do 3,000 words well join the band on the road.
This is Ben-Fongs way of telling William he wants him to write an
article about the band, as it tours the country giving many concerts.
We can only pay $700. All right, a grand.
A common and colloquial way of saying $1,000 dollars.
Whats your background? Are you a journalismmajor?
"Journalism" is the profession of writing, especially news articles.
A "major" is a specialization in school (History, English, Math, etc )
Honey, I need you to do that thing that fixes the garbage disposal.
A machine in the kitchen sink that chews up food into
small pieces so that it can be washed down the pipes.
Well, I certainly know how my lady gets when you dont snap to it.
"My lady" is a totally ridiculous way of referring to ones girlfriend
or wife. "To snap to it" means to do something quickly and efficiently.
Beware of Rolling Stone magazine, because
they will change your story, turn it into swill.
"Beware of" something is a way of telling a person to be careful, because it could
be dangerous. "Swill" is liquid food waste or food for pigs, or more colloquially here,
very bad writing.
Besides that, what would be wrong with it? :: You got starry eyes, my friend.
A person with "starry" eyes has overly romantic or idealistic beliefs about something.
Dont do it...to glorifyworthless rock stars like Stillwater.
"To glorify" a person is to treat them as if they are much greater or more important
then they really are, or as if they were a King or God. If an artist is "worthless,"
they have no value and are truly horrible.
Dont let these swill merchants rewrite you.
In this case, Lesters way of referring to Rolling Stone magazine,
because he feels they publish horribly written articles.
Come on Doris, you darling bus, you can make it!
"You can make it" is another way of telling a person that they can do it if
they keep on trying. In this case, Jeff is talking to Doris, which is the bands bus,
which is trying hard to climb up a hill.
I want to interview you separately and
I thought wed start with just you and me.
"To interview" a person is to ask them a series
of questions, often for a news article or book.
You have a message from Elaine, your mother. Shes a handful.
If a person is a "handful," they are very difficult to talk to or control.
She freaked me out.
"To freak out" a person is an excellent phrasal verb meaning to scare or disturb them.
He looks harmless, but he does represent the magazine that trashed
"Layla," broke up Cream, and ripped every album that Led Zeppelin made.
In rock criticism, to "trash" a song is to very sharply criticize it, or call
it bad or lousy. "To rip" an album is another slangy way of saying to call it bad
or lousy, or more colloquially, shitty ("Layla" is a great song).
Dont forget the rules. This little shit is the enemy!
"A little shit" is an interesting but crude and insulting way of
referring to anybody who is mean, abusive or perhaps cant be trusted.
Take a valium.
A drug that is supposed to relax people, which was very popular in the 1970s.
Although it would be cool to be on the cover.
Note that even though Jeff sees Rolling Stone magazine as the enemy,
he would still love to be on its cover in order to become more famous.
Im in too truthful a mood.
This is Russells way of saying that he doesnt want to be interviewed
by William because he may say something that he later regrets saying.
Youre so rude.
An excellent alternative word to mean or very impolite.
Im gonna say this and Im gonna standby it. You should be really proud of him.
"To stand by" something you have said is to continue to insist that
you truly believe it, even if you get strongly criticized for doing so.
He respects women...and lets just pause and appreciate a man like that.
"To pause" is to stop for a short time before continuing
(In this case, to think about how sweet William is).
You created him out of thin air, you know. You raised him right.
"To create something out of thin air" is a poetic way of saying to make
something that did not exist in any way before. This is Sapphires way of
saying that Elaine has obviously been a good mother.
Dont worry, hes still a virgin and were all looking out for him. This is the maid speaking, by the way.
A "virgin" is a person who has not ever had sexual intercourse.
"To look out for" a person is to protect or watch over them.
Can you please hold it down?!
One way of asking a person to be quiet.
I trust you, so Im just going to lay it right on you. Just make us look cool.
"To lay it right on" a person is to tell them something
directly, without trying to find gentle or diplomatic words.
I will quote you warmly and accurately.
"To quote" a person is to repeat their own words in a story.
Some of the people you meet on the road are really amazing people.
An excellent adjective meaning to cause great surprise,
wonder or fascination because of a particular quality.
Im past them as a musician, but the more popular we get, the bigger
their houses get, and the harder it gets for me to walk out on them.
This is Russells way of saying he is a much better musician than the
others in the band, but he cant leave them because they are counting
on him to help them make lots of money.
Russell is injured, the tour continues and William learns more of the rocknroll lifestyle.
Russell just got electrocuted.
To be injured (or killed) by the sudden passing
of a great amount of electricity through the body.
Whos taking care of us? Whos responsible for the gear?
Another word for musical equipment, such as speakers, guitars, etc.
You didnt finish your full set, man! :: Listen pal,
your shoddy stage set up almost killed my guitarist!
In this case, a "set" is a musical set, or a series of songs in concert.
"Pal" is another word for friend, but is often used, as here, when talking
to a person the speaker actually hates. "Shoddy" is a useful adjective which
means of poor quality, and a "set up" refers to the way something is organized,
in this case the equipment on stage.
You trashed my fucking dressing room and you didnt do your 25 minutes!
"To trash" a room is to badly damage or destroy it. Slangy but common.
Dont fuck with my bands safety, ever! :: Fuck you, man!
To "fuck with" something is to play with it in such a way
that it can cause problems or danger. Vulgar, but common.
Im going to report you to every promoter in
the country! Lock the gates on these fuckheads!
In this case, a "promoter" is a businessman who organizes rock concerts. A "fuckhead"
is a colorful but crude insult word. Its safer to say jerk, creep or dick.
Amateurs! You dont know who youre dealing with here!
An "amateur" is a beginner at something, or someone who has no experience.
"To deal with" something is to be involved with it.
Look at all those fucking tasty high school girls!
"Tasty" is one way of saying delicious. A ridiculous
thing to say, but typical of this type of rock star.
Heres the thing about Russell; Hes my last project.
This is probably Pennys way of saying that she is going to
get him to fall in love with her (i.e. this is her project or goal).
Just leave me behind; Im only the fucking lead singer!
The "lead singer" in a band is the main singer, and usually the most famous
person in the group. Note that with certain people, "fucking" can be an
extremely common adverb/adjective.
What about graduation? We had an agreement, William.
"Graduation" is the official ending of school, and is often marked
by an official ceremony to honor the students who are finishing.
I just dont understand why I am driving my kids so far away from me.
If you "drive a person away," you are probably so disagreeable
that they leave in order to avoid being near you.
By all practical rules, dont I get you for another three years?
This is Elaines way of saying that she should have the right
to raise and take care of William, who is only 15, until he is 18.
Shes one of the original legendary Band-Aids! Shes clairvoyant!
A person who is "legendary" is famous, usually for having accomplished
something important. If a person is "clairvoyant," they are able to see
what will happen in the future.
I cant read your mind...I pick up things here and there.
If you can "read a persons mind," you can know what they are thinking.
In this case, "to pick up things" means to see or realize what a person
is thinking (i.e. to read their mind, but just a little bit).
I got some hydroponicpot...wow, your aura is really fantastic!
"Hydroponic pot" is marijuana that is grown in water, but this term is never used
(i.e. this kind of pot must be very rare). "Wow" is a very common way of expressing
great emotion or surprise. A persons "aura" is the energy or feelings that seems
to surround them in the air.
Fire away; Im ready.
One way of saying "start" when telling a person they
should begin to ask their questions or tell their information.
Can we just skip the vibe and go straight to us laughing about this?
A short way of saying "vibration," which is a physical wave, but refers
to a persons emotional energy that he gives off to other people.
I can see by your face that you want to get into it.
In this case, "to get into" something means to seriously talk about it.
How can you tell? Im just one of the out-of-focus guys.
If a person is "out-of-focus" in a photograph, they are blurry or not clearly seen.
Do you give a shit about a t-shirt?
"To give a shit" about something is to care about it. Crude, but common,
and usually used in the negative, as in "I dont give a shit."
From the very beginning, we said that I am the
front man and you are the guitarist with mystique.
In a band, the "front man" is the most visible person, who often speaks for
the others. If a person has "mystique," they have a certain sense of mystery
that fascinates people.
Thats the dynamic we agreed on.
A "dynamic" is a general arrangement or strategy concerning overall power or force.
Page, Plant, Mick, Keith. But somehow its all turned around.
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, and Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
of the Rolling Stones. Jeff is complaining that unlike those guys, Russell is
trying to get too much of the fame for himself.
You know what I do? I connect. I get people off.
In this case, to "connect" with a person means to touch them emotionally.
"To get a person off" is to make them happy or excited (though also note that
in the right context, it means to give them an orgasm; this is one of the truly
great and complex phrasal verbs).
I look for the one guy who isnt getting off and I make him get off.
This is Jeffs way of describing his goal at a concert.
Deal with it!
A direct way of telling a person to face their problem and try to solve it.
Your looks have become a problem.
"Looks" is an interesting plural noun that refers to a persons
physical appearance (Remember that people can be good or bad-looking).
OK, enough, break it up!
One way of telling two or more people to stop arguing or fighting.
From hear on out, Im only interested in what is real.
Another way of saying "for now on," or "starting now."
William and Russell join a party in Topeka.
You know all about us and I dont know shit about you.
If you "dont know shit" about a person, you
dont know anything about them. Very crude.
My sister believes my mom is so intense that she had to escape our family.
If a person is "intense," they have a very strong type of
emotional energy that can make others nervous or uncomfortable.
They cant seem to find a way to get through it.
"To get through" a problem is to be able to solve it.
In this case, they cant find a way to get along well.
Do you want to hang with some good people looking to have a good time?
This is a very slangy way of saying to pass time with, or hang out with.
Holy shit! I screwed up with that lamp shade.
"Holy shit" is a colorful way of expressing great emotion such
as surprise or anger. If you "screw up" an object, you physically
damage it. A very common and useful phrasal verb.
You, Aaron, are what its all about. Youre real.
This is basically Russells way of saying Aaron is a real person
with real emotions and feelings, as opposed to the business of music,
which he now feels is only about numbers and money.
Youre more important than all the silly machinery.
"Silly" means foolish or not serious. Its not clear what machines or machinery
Russell is referring to , although he could be talking about the capitalist system
in general, which is so concerned with money.
Hey, theres acid in the beer thats in the red cups.
A strong type of illegal drug that makes people hallucinate (to see
things that dont really exist). It can be fun but is also dangerous.
I cant tell. How do you know when its kicked in?
If a drug "kicks in," it begins to have an effect on peoples behavior.
I dig music! Im on drugs!
If a person "digs" something, they like it, but this verb is pretty dated.
Note that people who take acid or marijuana are said to be "on drugs."
Theyve been crying for you like whimpering pussies.
"To whimper" means to cry softly, and a "pussy" is a very
crude word for a coward or a person without any courage.
This bands over.
Another way of saying finished, or ended.
Well finish the tour and leave those ungratefulfools behind.
A "concert tour" is a scheduled series of dates for concerts in various cities.
If a person is "ungrateful," they are not appreciative. A "fool" is a very silly
or stupid person.
How do we know youre not a cop? Stop fucking looking at me!
A "cop" is a very common way of referring to a policeman.
Note how often "fuck" can become a grammatically curious adverb.
Easy, easy! Calm down! He only means half of what he says.
One way of telling a person to calm down.
In Carl Jungs opinion, we all have a sixth sense. Intuition.
"Intuition" is the ability to know or feel something, without using logic,
or the five main senses (To see, hear, touch, taste, and smell).
When you meet someone and feel you cant live without them, this
could be the memory of a past love from the collective unconscious...
This is a dramatic term that refers to the consciousness or thinking
mind that may be connected to all living things in the universe.
...or it could just be hormones.
Chemicals in blood that effect growth, development and sexual desire.
Im sorry, I cant concentrate. Rock stars have kidnapped my son.
To "concentrate" on something is to focus on it, or to
think only about it, and not the distractions that are nearby.
I dont have my key interview. Youre flipping out.
"To flip out" is to go crazy or become extremely nervous.
This is how you blow their minds.
"To blow a persons mind" is a very slangy
way of saying to totally impress or amaze them.
The tour arrives in Cleveland as William struggles with his article and the Band Aids end his "innocence."
Tell him its a think piece about a midlevel band struggling
with their own limitations in the...harsh face of stardom.
"A think piece" is an article that is supposed to make the reader think
or reflect. If something is "harsh," it is rough, cruel or difficult.
"Stardom" is another word for fame or the status of being famous.
Hell wet himself.
A short way of saying hell accidentally piss in his pants.
I have to pee. :: Lets deflower the kid.
"To pee" is to urinate, piss or more colloquially, take a leak.
"To deflower" is a fascinating verb meaning to have sex with a virgin.
I think things are going backward for me.
The opposite of forward, or in reverse.
I thought maybe we could hang out, you know, do some stuff back home,
regular stuff...get to know you better, and then I could see you pee.
"To hang out" with a person is to spend time with them. Note the
use of "stuff," which in this case just means things in general.
Famous people are just more interesting. ::
Id be worried that they were using me.
Here, "to use" somebody means to exploit or take advantage of them
(Many people say older rock stars use younger female fans).
Hows the story? :: Im getting good stuff out here.
Another clever use of "stuff." Note William means information
(for his story), but Ben-Fong is thinking girls or sex in general.
Now listen, get it together, man!
"Get it together" is a very colloquial way of telling a person
to calm down and start getting things done before its too late.
Youre not out there to join the party; We already have one Hunter Thompson.
A famous writer who was well known for participating in
the parties, drugs and cultural events that he reported on.
Youre out there to interview and report. You got me?
"Do you understand me?"
We need this story in four days; Now I want to know how it is shaping up.
In this case, "shaping up" means developing or evolving.
Its in consideration for the cover, but dont tell the band.
If an article is "in consideration for" the cover, there is a
strong possibility that it will be on the cover of the magazine.
Please go the fuck away.
A grammatically fascinating filler term that adds strong emotion
such as anger or frustration. Very vulgar, and best to avoid.
Tell her youre a slave to the groove. You cant help it.
A "groove" is the tiny, narrow path cut into the surface of a record,
and thus it was a very slangy way of referring to music in general, but it
is no longer used this way. If a person "cant help doing" something,
they cant prevent themselves from doing it.
Your charm doesnt work on me. Im on to you.
"Charm" is the ability to please, attract or seduce with ones behavioror mannerisms.
If a person is "on to you," they know what you are thinking or planning to do.
He worships you people. And thats fine by you, as long as he helps make you rich.
"To worship" a person is to idolize or glorify them or treat them as if they were a God.
Hes a smart, good-hearted 15 year old kid with infinite potential.
If a person has "infinite potential," they have the ability to do almost
anything they want, if they really try and put their minds to it.
This is not some apron-wearing mother youre speaking to.
An "apron" is a piece of cloth that is worn to keep clothes clean while cooking.
This is Elaines way of saying that she isnt innocent or naïve.
I know all about your Valhalla decadence.
"Decadence" is a state of moral decline in society often associated with
excessive use of drugs and liquor as well as sexual promiscuity (Valhalla is
a house where dead bodies were taken in an ancient Scandinavian myth).
Hes not ready for your world of compromised values
and diminished brain cells that you throw away like confetti.
If a person has "compromised their values," they have agreed to do things that
even they themselves probably think is morally wrong."Diminished brain cells" are
cells that dont work as well as they should, in this case probably because of
illegal drug use. "Confetti" is tiny bits of colored paper that is thrown from
buildings during parades.
If you harm him in any way, you will meet the voice at
the other end of this telephone, and it will not be pretty.
"To harm" a person is to hurt or injure them. This is Elaines way
of telling Russell that he will be in big trouble if he hurts William.
"Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid." Goethe said that.
"Bold" means courageous, or refers to a person who acts decisively.
"Mighty" means powerful. Goethe is a famous German writer.
Its not too late for you to become a person of substance, Russell.
A way to describe a person who contributes to society or is perhaps
intellectually curious and tries to find answers to great problems.
Your mom kind of freaked me out. :: She means well.
"To freak out" a person is to scare or disturb them. If a person
"means well," they are trying to do what is best for others, even
if it doesnt look that way.
A new manager joins Stillwater, the band heads to New York, and Penny almost dies...
Well, it seems the rumors are true. The record company has
sent a big-time manager to try and talk you into replacing me.
A "rumor" is a piece of news that many people hear, but it is unclear if it is
really true. "To talk a person into" doing something is to try and convince
or persuade them to do it.
Bring him in and well send him out on a rail.
A dated way to say that they will tell him to leave, in an aggressive
or rude manner (the "rail" is a railroad track, which trains travel on).
I believe in bands holding on to theirroots; Those roots need to be augmented.
If a band "holds on to its roots," it remembers where it came from, even after
it gets super popular. "To augment" something is to add to it, or to increase it.
If you hadnt run out of your contract in Phoenix,
we could have sued over Russells hand.
"To run out on a contract" is to fail to do what a contract says you
are required to do. "To sue" a person is to file an action against them
in a court of law, usually in hopes of being awarded money.
But you left, negating the contract, forfeiting the deposit.
"To negate" something is to make it legally or practically ineffective or
cancelled. "To forfeit" something is to give up a legal right to it, and a
"deposit" is the advance money that is given to a person in order to guarantee
the availability of something later, such as an apartment, or here, a concert hall.
Your damages have put you way in the hole for this tour.
If band is "in the hole," they have lost more money than they have made.
Hey man, Id travel on a pogo stick if I though we could make more money.
"Hey man" is a very common way of expressing general emotion at the
beginning of a sentence, but its over used and I would avoid it.
A "pogo stick" is a large stick with foot supports which allows you
to jump up and down very high.
You could play more dates with a plane. :: Its not about
money, its about playing music and turning people on.
"To turn on" a person is to make them happy or excited, or in the
right context, sexually excited. One of the truly great phrasal verbs.
Do you know how to do a headlining tour? Do you
know how to get a record not just pressed, but played?
"To headline" a concert tour is to be the last and most popular group
to play each concert, after the less known groups have played. If a record is
"pressed," it is made in the factory, and if it is played, the music on it is
played on the radio.
I didnt invent the rainy day, man. I just own the best umbrella.
This is Dennis way of referring to a situation with lots of problems.
Side proposition to the winner. For 50 bucks and a
case of Heineken, Ill throw into the pot three lovely ladies.
In this case, a "side proposition" is an additional offer (at the poker game
they are playing). "Bucks" is very common slang for dollars. A "case of Heineken"
is 36 bottles of Heineken beer. "The pot" is the money that the winner of the
poker game will win, and "lovely" is a British word for pretty.
Russ is getting soft on us.
If you get "soft on" someone, you no longer are
as strict or mean to them as you were before.
A joint.
A common word for a marijuana cigarette.
Im in.
A term in poker meaning that the person wants to bet
money on that particular hand or distribution of cards.
Youre so sweet. God, if there was more of you in him.
"Sweet" is another way of describing a person who is kind and gentle.
This is Pennys way of saying she wished Russ was more like William.
I could go with the Stillwater road crew, but that would be pathetic.
The "road crew" for a band are the people who carry around all the musical
equipment and make sure the stage is ready for the concerts. "Pathetic" is a
strong and excellent adjective meaning ridiculously bad, hopeless, or worthy of pity.
Im flying to New York by myself; I know his
ex-wife current girlfriend thing is going to be there.
This is Pennys colorful way of describing Russells
ex-wife, who has just gotten back together with him.
Im really confused here. All these rules, and sayings and nicknames.
A "saying" is an expression (You are what you eat), and a "nickname"
is the name a person uses even though its not their real name.
Youre too sweet for rocknroll. :: Sweet?! Where do you get off?!
Another truly great phrasal verb: In this context, asking a person where
or how they "get off" doing something is accusing them of having incredible
nerve or disrespect, but if a person "gets off" doing something (in a positive
sentence), he enjoys doing it very much.
Im dark and mysterious and pissed off.
If a person is "dark," they are generally angry and negative or moody.
If they are "pissed off," they are angry about something in particular.
All you can do is be yourself and leave a pint of blood on the stage.
A unit of measurement, about the size of a small carton of milk.
This is Dennis way of telling the band to play their hearts out
when they are in New York.
We showed you America. Did everything but get you laid.
"To get laid" is a common way of saying to have sex (though its rarely
used when discussing two people who are married or living together).
Room is fully stocked. Air conditioning is on.
If a hotel room is "fully stocked," it has plenty of food and drinks.
By the way, you look stunning.
Here, a powerful adjective that means beautiful or gorgeous
(In other contexts, it could mean shocking or overwhelming).
William Miller, you have an urgent call.
If something is "urgent," it is extremely important
and needs to be taken care of immediately.
This is Jann Werner, publisher of Rolling Stone.
The "publisher" of a magazine is the person who is responsible
for the business of running it, and in fact is often the owner.
Congratulations, its going to be a cover. Annie Leibowitz will shoot them
next week in LA, but were going to need you in San Francisco tomorrow.
"To shoot" a person is to photograph them,
in this case for the cover of the magazine.
Our fact-checker needs you to transmit whatever
you have of the story right now, along with your notes.
A "fact-checker" for a magazine is a person who makes sure all the facts
in the story are true and accurate. "To transmit" information is to send it,
usually through a telephone line or other type of wire.
A mojo; Its a very modern machine that transmits pages over the telephone.
This is the word they are using to describe a very early
fax machine, although I dont ever remember hearing it.
They dont just put somebody with one little hit on
the cover of Rolling Stone fucking magazine, man!
In the music business, a "hit" is a popular song that is played
often on the radio. More generally, anything that is very popular.
Who is that girl? Shes creeping me out.
"To creep out" a person is to make them very nervous or uncomfortable
(If something is creepy, it is scary or unpleasant, like a ghost).
Even Sapphire went someplace else, and all she left were her quaaludes.
A type of drug that was very popular in the 1970s which makes people
feel drunk, and which can be very dangerous if you take too many.
Front desk, could you please send a doctor?
The "front desk" of a hotel is usually the place
where people check in and guests can get help.
I love you, and Im about to go boldly where many men have gone before.
To do something "boldly" is to do it with great courage. "To go boldly where
no man has gone before" is a very famous line from the TV show "Star Trek."
Emily, were going to have to pump your stomach, OK?
"To pump a persons stomach" is to physically pump out
dangerous drugs that the person has swallowed.
Youre going to have to swallow this tube.
A "small" hollow pipe through which liquid can be poured.
What about your mom? :: She always said "marry up, marry someone grand."
"To marry up" is to marry a person from a higher or richer social class.
"Grand" is a ridiculous way of referring to a person, but as said by Pennys mom,
it probably means rich and accomplished.
William and Stillwater reveal their deepest secrets in a plane about to crash.
Bob Dylan showed up. He was sitting at our table
for what had to be an hour or something.
"To show up" is a very common way of saying to arrive.
Bob Dylan just rapping at our fucking table.
"To rap" is to talk freely and easily.
"Peggy Sue, oh Peggy Sue "
These are the first words to the famous song, which was written by
Buddy Holly, the legendary rock star who died in a plane crash in 1959.
It appears we caught the edge of that electrical storm.
The "edge" is the outside border of something. This is the pilots
way of saying they are flying just inside of a lightening storm.
Were going to try and land in Tupelo. We found a field to land in.
Although not mentioned in the movie, Tupelo, Mississippi is
famous as the birthplace and childhood home of Elvis Presley.
Its going to be a roughset down, but we should be fine.
In this case, "rough" means bumpy, scary or even violent,
and a "set down" is another way of saying a landing.
Just hang in there, and well get you out of this.
"Hang in there" is a common way of telling a person to hold on or keep going,
even if a situation is very difficult. "To get a person out of" something is to
help them escape from it.
Everyone says it is glamorous out here.
If a place is "glamorous," it has great beauty, charm or elegance.
I once hit a man in Dearborn, Michigan. Hit and run.
A "hit and run" accident is when the driver of the car that hits another car
or person immediately drives away in hopes that they will not be held responsible.
You slept with Jeff?! :: Yeah, but it didnt count.
It was the summer we decided to be free of all rules.
In this case, to "sleep with" a person is to have sex with them.
If something "doesnt count," it is not important, or cannot be
considered as either an accomplishment, or a violation of any rule.
You act above us, you always have. You
just held it over us, like you might leave.
"To act above" others is to look down on them, or act in a snobby way.
"To hold something over" other people is to use the threat of a possible
action (in this case, the possibility that Russell may leave the group),
in order to intimidate them or get what you want.
Whatever happens, Bebe, youre dead. :: Dont be self-righteous, Russell.
A person who is "self-righteous" is one who acts as if they are
always acting in a righteous or morally correct manner.
Youre always talking about your fans. She was
your biggest fan, and you threw her away.
This is Williams way of accusing Russell of mistreating Penny.
Were alive! Were going to make it.
In this case, to "make it" means to survive.
Sweet life! Hallelujah, dear God!
A very old religious word that basically means thank God!
Didnt anything happen after $600 of room service bills?
The money hotels charge for extra services,
such as meals in the room, laundry services, etc.
Ok, I think we should push up Flippos Who cover.
To "push up" a story is to publish it earlier than originally planned
(Flippo is a Rolling Stoner writer, and The Who are a rock group).
Good, because its going to take me three days to get through
this research. Its all handwritten on little bits of paper.
"To get through" a piece of writing is to carefully
read and understand it. "Bits" are small pieces.
Its a puff piece. Plus they refer to women as chicks.
A "puff piece" is a journalistic term for an article that is written to
make somebody look good, but has no serious research or criticism.
See, friendship is the booze that they feed you.
"Booze" is a colloquial word for liquor or alcohol.
We are uncool. Women will always be a problem for guys like us,
and most of the great art in the world is about that very problem.
This is Lesters philosophical way of telling William that
life is hard for guys who are not good looking and cool.
Good looking people, they got no spine. Their art never lasts.
A persons "spine" is their backbone, though here
Lester is using it to mean courage or bravery.
Great art is about guilt and longing and love
disguised as sex and sex disguised as love.
"Longing" is a poetic word that means strong desire. If one thing
is "disguised" as another, it is pretending to be that other.
Hey, you got a big head start.
One way of saying a big advantage over other people.
The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what
you share with someone else when youre uncool.
"Currency" is money, and often refers to foreign money. If a person
is "bankrupt," it means they have no money to pay their bills, but it
also can refer to having no moral values. This may be Lesters poetic way
of saying that people like him and William express honest emotional pain
because they are "uncool" (though this word is never used).
If you want to be a true friend to them, be honest and unmerciful.
If a person is "unmerciful," they are brutal because they show no mercy or compassion.
Russell almost costs William his career as a journalist, but thanks to Penny, they meet again...
Dark, lively. :: Yeah, it gets better.
If an article is "lively," it is filled with energy and interesting writing.
Holy shit! Hes using it all! :: So what?
"Holy shit" is a vulgar but great way to express emotion such as anger
or frustration ("Holy" means sacred or perhaps close to God). "So what?" is
a common way of asking "why is this a problem?" after a person has told you
something that they think is a serious problem.
"So what?!" We come off like amateurs, some
average band trying to come to grips with success.
"To come off" badly in an article is to appear bad because of the way the
article is written. An "amateur" is a non-professional, or one with little
or no experience. "To come to grips" with something is to learn and accept it,
or to deal with it ("To grip" something is to hold it tightly).
Were buffoons! "The chicks are great"?! I sound like a dick!
A "buffoon" is a very stupid or foolish person. A "dick" is a jerk, idiot
or ass, although it also means penis. One of the better insult words.
The kid has you on acid screaming "Im a golden God" from a kids rooftop.
"The kid has you" is a way of saying "He wrote that "
"Acid" is a powerful illegal drug that often makes
people see things that dont really exist.
Its phenomenal, William. Its sophisticated, intelligent.
"Phenomenal" is a powerful adjective that means truly amazing, or extraordinary,
and usually in a very positive sense. "Sophisticated" means complicated, but in \
an intelligent or clever way.
The band just denied 90% of the story; Its a fabrication.
"To deny" what somebody says is to claim it isnt true. A "fabrication"
is a story that is made up by the author, that never really happened.
You look awful, but its great.
"Awful" means truly bad or horrible.
Hey, Ill take off work. Lets have an adventure, you and me, finally.
"To take off" work is to leave work or to not go to work for a certain period
of time in order to take a vacation or some other type of break.
Is Penny OK? The quaaludes incident? It wasnt pretty.
An "incident" is a specific event, especially one that is dramatic.
Im sorry. If we could just get together and find some time to talk.
"To get together" is another way of saying
to meet in order to pass some time together.
You know, when we spoke, I felt that we connected.
This is Russells way of telling Penny that he thought they
had a type of emotional connection between them.
My son is very important to me, and I think you do owe him an apology.
The act of asking forgiveness after having done something wrong.
So what do you love about music? :: To begin with, everything.
A good way of starting an answer or speech
when you are to list a lot of different things.
Possible Topics for ESL Class Discussion
1. Was William too innocent to be a rocknroll writer?
2. Do you agree with Lester Bangs, that rock music was dying by 1973?
3. Are rock stars like Russell and Jeff really using or
taking advantage of their groupies?
4. How would you describe Penny Lane to a friend? What do you
think would become of her in the years ahead?
5. Are most rock stars more concerned about making
money and being popular than making great music?
6. Who are the best rock groups/artists in the history of rock music?