The Last Will (8)

​[Verse 1 - The Boss]
[Gravelly, commanding tone]
The doctors say the winter’s coming early this year,
And I’ve got a feeling that the end is getting near.
I’ve built this kingdom, stone by bloody stone,
But I’m looking for a man to sit upon the throne.
You’ve got the hunger, Vinnie, you’ve got the cold, hard heart,
You’re ready for the finish, I’m ready for the part.

​[Verse 2 - Vinnie]
[Voice smooth and dangerous]
The Old Man’s stepping down? That’s a story for the press!
I thought you’d die in that office, in your custom-tailored dress.
You want me to take the keys? You want me to take the lead?
Tell me, Old Man, what’s the catch? What’s the hidden greed?
Nothing in this city comes without a heavy bill,
What’s the price for the crown? What’s the codicil in the will?

​[Chorus - The Boss & Vinnie]
[The brass kicks in, loud and punctuating]

[The Boss]
It’s the final deal, the ultimate trade!

[Vinnie]
A legacy built in the depth of the shade!

[The Boss]
You take the docks, you take the street, you take the silver key,
But there’s one thing in this world that belongs only to me!

[Together]
The Arrangement! The promise! The blood on the line!
The world is yours... but the soul is mine!

​[Bridge]
[The music stops abruptly]
[The Boss - Intense, quiet]
There is a girl. Her name is Maria.
She doesn’t know the business, she doesn’t know the fear.
She’s my blood, Vinnie. My only clean thing.
And she’s the only reason I’m handing you the ring.

LISTEN CLOSE! I won’t say it twice!
Her safety is the only thing that has no price!
If a single shadow touches her, if she sheds a single tear,
I will rise from the grave and end your whole career!

[Vinnie]
Relax, Old Man. I’m a man of my word.
Consider her a ghost. Consider her unheard.

​[Final Chorus - Full Power]
[The music reaches a thunderous climax]
[Together]
It’s the final deal, the ultimate trade!
A legacy built in the depth of the shade!

[The Boss]
My life for her peace, my soul for her name!

[Vinnie]
I’ll take the fire, and I’ll take the fame!

[Together]
The Arrangement is signed! The pact is complete!
The King is leaving... the King of the Street!

​[Outro]
[Vinnie]
Go home, Old Man.
The city’s in good hands.

[The Boss]
Not good hands, Vinnie.
My hands.
As long as I’m still breathing...
Remember the Arrangement.

male, Hard-boiled Broadway Duet, cynical, sharp, powerful brass hits, low woodwinds, 95bpm, dark jazz