Thrill Me - The Leopold & Loeb Story Lyrics

Nathan
Richard
Together
"Spoken Lines"



Why

I'm sorry if I stumble
Though I'm tense, I'll try
To give you what you're after; tell you more
I went along with Richard
That's the reason why
They put me here in 1924


It was a child who killed, a child back then
And old man still pays for that crime
And I ask to be set free now
Won't you try to see
That no one would be hurt after all this time
As I've said so often before


But you've asked a simple question
And I've told you why
It wasn't on a dare or on a whim
It's hard to comprehend now
That the reason why
Was simply that I went along with him



Everybody Wants Richard

"I didn't think I annoyed you. I thought we had something different."
"We have something different?"


Tell me who can you have conversations with
Share your twisted observations with
Who else has a roughly similar view
If not me


You've played around with lots of losers
Who ended up as cheats and users
But who's been on the sidelines waiting for you
If not me


Oh, I've come to find
Everybody wants Richard
But they don't know
Your mind the way that I do


I see straight through
Anyone who needs Richard
They make me sick, they're good for just a kick
They won't stick the way that I do


When you cut off all our contact, how it hurt
But I know you like to make me feel like dirt


Now your back and you know I'm beside you
You're oldest, closest friend
Who's sick of being lied to


Tell me who's the girl in which sorority
I got word on good authority
How can you assume she's worthy of you
She's not me

And I know there were several others
According to your frat house brothers
I even heard you passed around one or two
Not with me


Oh, your moves are fast
Everybody wants Richard
But they don't know
Your past the way that I do


And god knows why I think you're so appealing
Or why you're always double-crossing, double-dealing


But I rest my case
I'm the one who needs Richard
It's been too long, I've tried to be so strong
The others are wrong, they don't have a clue or know the real you


Yes, everybody wants Richard
But not the way that I do
Admit that you've missed me too


"I've only missed the worship. But I guess I could change my plans and spend the evening with you."
"That's great!"
"That old abandoned warehouse we used to meet in before college, is it still empty?"
"I... I think."
"Perfect! We're gonna make like Mrs.O'Leary's cow."
"Richard, not another fire!"
"Hey, if you don't wanna be with me--"
"All right. But I'm just gonna stand guard like I used to."
"Eight o' clock. And don't be late."

It's been too long, I've tried to be strong
The others are wrong, they don't have a clue or know the real you
Yes, everybody wants Richard
But not the way that I do



Nothing Like a Fire

"Look at it smolder... It's breathtaking. And you know what a little misdemeanor does for me, Babe."

There's nothing like a warm romantic fire
To put me in the proper frame of mind
There's nothing like a roaring, raging fire
To help me unwind


There's nothing like the sound of crackling embers
To calm me when my pulse begins to raise
There's nothing like the glow of sizzling embers
To brighten your face


Feel the heat intensify
Watch the sparks begin to fly
Watch the smoke fill up the sky
Straight to the stars (straight to the stars)


There's nothing like the sight of something burning (something burning)
To soothe me with a hot seductive light (seductive light)
There's nothing like the smell of something burning (something burning)
To start to ignite my desire


There's nothing like a fire


Feel the heat intensify
Watch the sparks begin to fly
Watch the smoke fill up the sky
Clouding the night


There's nothing like a fire



A Written Contract


"I'm worried."
"Now what?"

How could I ever face my dad
If he found out we’d burnt that warehouse down
It was the best evening that we ever had
And no one will ever know--
"Can you be sure?"


"It's right here, Nathan, in black and white. And Nietzsche doesn't lie."


We're superior, we are supermen
Says my Nietzsche book chapters one through ten
And as supermen, we could not get caught
So don't give last night a second thought
Let's plan next time


'Cause we're both superior, I quote
The superman is above all of society
We'll have Chicago by the throat
If you help me remember you're my lookout, Babe


"I can't do this Richard. You'll double-cross me. I'll do what you want... but you won't do... what I want."
"I'm really disappointed in you Nathan. You were making such progress. But now--"


You're not fit to pour me bathtub booze
You don't deserve me
You're not fit to lick my wingtip shoes
You just unnerve me


Since I haven't learned when no means no, Babe
I'm gonna tempt your brain with quid pro quo, Babe
A written contract--
"A written contract?"


Spelling out what you will do for me
Participation
In my crimes, no matter what degree
For compensation


I'll agree to any terms you lay out
So that means when you ask I'll have no way out


A written contract


Here's your chance to make things legal at last
In plain black and white
We can let the past remain in the past
And have no more reason to fight


I'll even let you type the whole thing out
Each key provision
Wipe away that look of fear and doubt
Make a decision


Don't hold out, you'll get no better offer
'Cause it's the only option I can proffer


A formal contract, a written contract
Will help to get you yours, and I’ll get mine
But you'll never be my equal
If you don't promise me you'll sign


"Isn't this the typewriter you swiped from your roommate freshmen year?"
"Shut up and take this down."
"One second, I need my glasses."


'I, Nathan Leopold,
Hereby swear to aid and abet at Richard's request
No matter what he wants I'll give him my best.'


But only as much as I get--
"Whatever."
"Now it's my turn."


'In consideration of the above,
I Richard Loeb swear to satisfy Babe, where ever it leads.
Immediately following the above, I'll give him whatever he needs.'


"Great. Now comes the good part. I'll get my knife."
"Why a knife?"
"We have to sign in blood. Hold out your finger. Hold out your finger!"


All I have to do is take the knife
And gently puncture the skin
I've done this before
"Ouch!"
"Sign your name."
And once the blood has dried
The terms will begin
Try not to drip on the floor


"Do I get to do you now?"
"No, I can take care of myself."


Now our lives will be--


Entwined completely, our friendship's now redefined
Rethought and revised
No turning back now since our blood's been combined
But not till it's been notarized


And no one has to know our business deal
We'll keep it hidden
All attempts to break our private seal
Will be forbidden


It's the same old game with one new feature
And next semester you can show your teacher


A simple contract, a written contract
The clauses not misleading, the print not fine
And I hope the contract is the answer to finally keeping you in line


Thrill Me


"How 'bout we rob my father's office tomorrow night? There's this back door that no one knows about with a really crummy lock - easy to pick - and he's got a bunch of gold coins and a big stamp collection in his safe. I think the combination is John's birthday."


Don't bore me with details
They'll never impress me
Start paying attention
Don't try to finesse me
Thrill me
Thrill me


"Thrill yourself."


Don't forget what you promised on paper
What you'd do when we finished a caper
Every time a demand what's required
You complain that you're simply too tired
Thrill me


Don't toy with distractions
Why fuel my frustration
You're trying to cheat me
What's you're explanation
Thrill me
Thrill me


"I don't feel like it. I feel kinda down lately. It's not exciting anymore. Break the window, pick the locks, steal things we don't need, it's all too... easy. There's no thrill left."


If this keeps going on I'll go crazy
I'm aroused, you're conveniently lazy
So my rage and impatience keep growing
But they get my adrenaline going
Thrill me


Don't think of excuses
They'll never persuade me
Let's turn all the lights off
Don't try to evade me
Thrill me


"Stop that!"


Until I feel energized
I will not be in the mood
I've held back and I've compromised
So unless you want to get sued

Why spoil my evening
And why must you deny me
I'll stop my complaining
Once you satisfy me, won't you
Thrill me


"I said no."
"I'm sick of hearing that! The only reason I've been doing these stupid things is because we have a contract signed in blood. ’You want me to tear it up?"
"No! Okay. Okay, you win. Let's make it fast though. I've gotta get up early."
"Don't be unfocused, Richard."


But don't treat me with kid gloves
I'll always obey you
One perfect accomplice
Who'd never betray you, if you
Thrill me
Thrill me


The Plan


"You know what would thrill me, Nathan? A more important crime. A superior crime."

If we killed my brother John
Then he'd never touch my things
If we killed my brother John
Then he'd never rat me out
If we killed my brother John
My inheritance would grow
You're a lunatic, come on
Can't we let the subject go


We could chloroform a rag
And make him breathe the vapors
Then use it as a gag
To choke him
And once his face is green
We'll through him in a bag
Flee the murder scene
Then read about it in the papers


If we killed my brother John
Then my father would drop dead
If we killed my brother John
Then I'd get the bigger room
If we killed my brother John
Like I've always yearned to do
If you killed your brother John
Every lead would point to you


We could borrow some old gun
And shoot him in his slumber
Perhaps it would be fun
To torture him
We'll make it look like rape
And once the deed is done
We'll misdirect the cops
And watch his name become a number


If we killed my brother John
You could never practice law
If we killed my brother John
You could never face your mother
If we killed my/your brother John
Could you live with what you did
"Okay--" Not my brother John
Let's go kill some random kid


"Oh, that's much better. Much better."
"Oh, it's perfect. All we have to do is go down to our old elementary school after the last bell--"
"Wouldn't kidnapping be enough?"
"Brilliant! We'll do both. We'll kill him, but first find out his name and address and gouge his folks for a ransom!I could write a note, they'll think he's still alive! Come on, Babe. You know how excited it'll make me."


I'll lure him to my car
Then strike with something sizable
We'll drive out extra far
To dump him
Pour acid on his face
And every and birthmark, mole or scar
Then strip off all his clothing
So he'll be unrecognizable


Just a boy who's in the park
Won't be smart enough to run
Just a kid who's in the dark
Won't be strong enough to fight
Bait the fish to feed the shark
30 seconds and he's gone
What a way to make your mark
Better than my brother John

Way Too Far

It had gone way too far

Yet there I was assisting

It had gone way too far

I was acting like his prisoner
much too late to start resisting

How did it come to this?
Was something wrong inside me?
How did it come to this?
It wasn't possible to run away
or let my conscience guide me

He thought it was fun

His dark side was difficult to swallow
Not difficult to follow
I tried to stay calm
I tried to stay sane
The heart is a muscle that I can't explain

What’d made me feel this way?
and made him so exciting
What’d made me feel this way?
Should have somehow tried to make it stop,
but had no use in fighting

It soon would be done

And then he'd be tied to me forever
I'm smart but he was clever

Too late to say no
I walked to his car
Forced myself to be much stronger
If for just a little longer
Then I let it go too far

Roadster


Would you like to see my roadster
Would you like to look inside
It's a shiny Packard roadster
Would you like to take a ride

A spin around the block
I'd be glad to drop you off


We could cruise around the school yard
Be the envy of your pals
If you're riding with me, Shotgun
You'll impress the pretty gals


See it sitting in the alley
Couldn't find a parking space
We could open up the windows
Wind will whip across your face


Go climb inside the car
I'd be glad to drop you off


I know, never talk to strangers
That's what mothers always warn

But I think we could be buddies
Sure, I'll let you honk the horn


I think you need a lift
I'd be glad to drop you off


Feel the power of my engine
When it speeds to 45
Here's the key to the ignition
Take the wheel, I'll let you drive


Or hop inside the back
I'll be glad to drop you off


Just tell me where you live
I'll be glad to drop you off


"What's your name?"
"Bobby's a nice name."


You'll be safe inside my roadster


Superior


All of Chicago would go mad
If they discovered what we did tonight
But we're both superior, be glad
How could they ever catch two geniuses


20 feet from here, in a covert pipe
Lies a 12-year-old who's time was ripe
Just a useless kid, with no face and thus
They could never tie a thing to us


No evidence
And that's why


We're both superior to all
We've got more intelligence than anyone
We roll Chicago like a ball
And we're far more efficient than the mob is, Babe


I'm overcome
I'm feeling numb


Wipe the crowbar clean, don't forget the rope
Wash the bloodstains off with kitchen soap
Then destroy it all, and don't leave a trace
I'm afraid they'll see it on my face

You're paranoid
Just tell yourself


We're both superior to all
We simply function on a higher plain
We'll let Chicago take the fall
There's no shortage of perverts they can blame it on


But I told myself that this was all a game
I'm still in shock, why don't you feel the same


How many times must I address your doubts
We’ve vandalized, burglarized
And never left a clue
This was no risk, and fun to do

So let me ease your mind, try to understand
And enjoy the fact it went as planned

You're scaring me
Then don't forget


We're both superior to all
We've got a bond we'll take it to the grave
We've backed Chicago to the wall


And are you sure that we weren't seen ("Yes.")
And there's no chance we'll be accused ("No.")
You guarantee our hands are clean ("Yes.")
Tell me what's next, I'm all confused

We'll right the ransom note, all right ("All right.")
When we're at home and out of sight ("All right.")
Make sure you duck if you see light ("All right.")
Now let's come off one superior night (This has gone way too far)


Ransom Note


"Read it with me, Babe."


If you want to see your son
Then you'll follow every rule
He is safely here unharmed
And so far we've not been cruel


Get ten thousand in small bills
And make sure there's no police
Then drive straight to Jackson Park
And wait there for his release


If you want to see your son (If you want to see your son)
Make the nightmare quickly cease (Make the nightmare quickly cease)
Leave the cash in Jackson Park (Leave the cash in Jackson Park)
In a brand-new black valise (In a brand-new black valise)


If you want to see your son
Be alone when you arrive
Do exactly as we say
Then you'll get him back alive


Yes you'll get him back alive
Yes you'll get him back alive


My Glasses/Just Lay Low


"Hello, John. May I please speak to your brother? Tell him it's important. Very important."
"Hello, Nathan."
"Richard, have you seen the Tribune?"
"Yes."


How could they have found the boy, I'm shaking
I thought you said we had the perfect spot
Could I have dropped my glasses there, why can't I find them anywhere
They were inside my pocket, now they're not


"So they've found the body, that's all they have. They can't even be sure who it is. His face is gone!"


We'll lay low a few days longer
And you'll see they have no case
This will all die down eventually
There's nothing they can trace


If we wait a few days longer
I don't know if I can cope
If we turn ourselves in now--
They'll stick our necks inside a rope


Don't even suggest that
They have no lead, so we're still fine
But my glasses--
Forget your goddamn glasses
And get off the goddamn line


"They know it's Bobby Franks! They identified a birthmark on his back! Why didn't you turn him over?"
"I forgot, okay?"


I can't believe we've lost ten thousand dollars
The ransom scheme's a bust, the plans are dead
Don't show up at the drop tonight, I'm sure that they'll stake out the site
I knew it wouldn't work the way you said

And I'm convinced I must have dropped my glasses
I know I had them on inside your car
I've planned this all out perfectly, I need you to stay calm for me
I wish I could remember where they are


Just lay low a few days longer
And you'll see they have no clues
There's no need to be nervous
There's no way we're gonna lose


Just listen to me, Babe
You're not alone
But my glasses--
Well, screw your goddamn glasses
And get off the goddamn phone

"Richard...?"
"Nathan?"

The Herald says they've found a pair of glasses
I think that it's a very scary sign
They gave it seven paragraphs and printed lots of photographs
The glasses look an awful lot like mine


But they're just a pair of glasses
Not the murder weapon-- True
But it means they've found a link to us
Not to us, Babe, but to YOU



"Richard!"


Just lay low a few days longer
And the news will fade away
We just have to play it safe
No matter what the papers say


I'm convinced I must have dropped my glasses
/Just lay low a few days longer and their case will lose its steam
There must be thousands out there just like mine
/There's no choice you must be stronger, you have to take one for the team
But I had them on inside your car
/Just lay low, just lay low
And now I don't know where they are
/Just lay low, just lay low
And it sends an icy chill right down my spine
/Just lay low, just lay low


There may have been a witness near the lake ("No.")
We might have left a footprint in the mud ("We didn't.")
'Suppose we weren't too careful with the blood ("We were careful.")
Or maybe made some other huge mistake


Just lay low a few days longer and the case will turn to crap
/It's all starting to unravel
There's no choice you must be stronger, don't you fall inside their trap
/The next time we’re here, it will be all gravel


Can't you understand the situation
I think I understand and clearly see
They've found my glasses, and it won't take long before they find me
Just lay low (We need a plan B)



Just lay low
Just lay low
Just lay low


I'm Trying to Think


"I got here as soon as I could. Tell me exactly what the cops said."
"It was all about the frame hinges being rare, how only three people in 
the state have them. The cops traced them through my optometrist. They're picking me up to identify them."
"I'll tell you precisely what to say when they stare you down with their big, pasty faces."


'Yes, I remember the night.' (The night)
'Last Wednesday I went for a drive.' (For a drive)
'I stopped for a cheap little bite.' (For a bite)
'And picked up some girl in some dive.' ("And picked some girl in some dive?")

You're trying to think ('I'm trying to think.')
They'll want the details ('You want the details.')
She wore something pink ('She wore something pink.')
And had painted nails ("That's good!")

You're trying to think (Trying to think)
Trying to think
Trying to think

"Uh... They'll wanna know about the girl."
"Okay, okay! Let me think."


'No, I don't remember her face.' (I don't remember her face)
'And she never told me her name.' (She never told me her name)
'I wish I could help with this case.' (I wish I could help with this case)
'But all of those girls are the same'

I'm trying to think (Keep trying to think)

And don't act like you're holding something back
You don't have anything to hide, you're not gonna crack

"Now, the most important part. The cop’ll probably say,"

'Were you alone with the girl?' ('We were alone she and I.')
You're not one to lie or pretend ('I'm not one to lie or pretend.')
'So is she your sole alibi?' ('I guess she is my sole alibi.')
The wrong type on which to depend, but a girl there's no need to defend


Keep trying to think ("I remember... the night?")
Keep trying to think ("Don't remember... her name?")
Keep trying to think ("No, we were... alone?")
Keep trying to think
Keep trying to think

"Are you sure that I can do this?"
"Yes. Remember Nietzsche. You're superior to them all."
"I wish you could be there with me."
"I can't be connected to it. You'll be okay, Babe. You'll convince them. And meet me at Jackson Park when you're through."

'I remember the night'
'Don't remember her name'
'No, we were alone'
'I'm trying to think'


I'm trying to think




Keep Your Deal With Me

"It's a good deal. I get a few years’ easy time, then probation. You'll have a different outcome."
"No. It's not too late. There's still a way for us to be together."

So they let you cop a plea, Babe
I completely empathize
But there's still your deal with me, Babe
Can't I please apologize

Our chance of freedom's scant
I assume you won't recant

Blood's a lifetime guarantee, Babe
Binding contract, no excuse
Screw the state and stay with me, Babe
You don't have to cut me loose

Our perfect plan was blown
Please don't let me be alone

I can sense the way you feel, Babe
I was wrong before, I know
Brought you into this ordeal, Babe
I don't want to let you go

I'll do what you want me to
There's no me, if there's no you

"You'll tell the district attorney no deal?"
"No deal. We're gonna hang together, you know that?"
"No way. Your father will spring for the best lawyer money can buy, won't he?"
"I hope so."
"Just be strong. Like me."

If we live or get the noose
We're together, it's a truce

If you keep your deal with me

Afraid

"Nathan? Nathan, are you awake?"

I'm afraid to die
But I'll be damned if I let you know
You'll never witness me cry

I'm afraid of court
Even though the great Clarence Darrow's behind us
He may come up short

Was it wrong to plead
Saying that we're guilty saves taxpayers, doesn't save us
Why concede

Did we play it right
I'm afraid of fright

I'm afraid of locks
I'm afraid of stripes and of bars

And of being alone in a box

I can't let you see
If I show a slight touch of weakness
You'd change your opinion of me

I'll be sure I'm strong
Even as the judge holds my life in his hands
And decides if it's long

How did I get here
I'm afraid of fear

When we're punished
If we're sentenced to death

Will that punishment be right

If we're locked up for life, we can't do it again

I'm sure they hear that from a whole lot of men
Who are also unable to sleep at night

I'm afraid to swing
I can feel the noose start to tighten
The pain and the terrible sting

"What we did was wrong!"
But it seemed right at the time
seemed unreal but was real all along

Everything is black
But no matter what they may do to us
Nothing will bring that boy back

Darrow's gonna try
He had better try
I'm afraid to live
I'm afraid to die

Life Plus 99 Years

"I've got a surprise. Once the heat from the press cools down, we're gonna be put in the same cell."
"They'll never put the Thrill Killers together. You’re nuts."
"No! I'm a superior human being. After all, I stayed one step ahead of you."
"But you dropped your glasses, otherwise we never would have--"
"Don't you get it? I dropped them on purpose."
"You wanted to get caught?"
"...Yes."

You thought that you used me
And thought that you confused me
So I did what wasn't expected
You never suspected, and now

We'll be together for
Life plus 99 years
I'll keep you focused, no outside forces for
Life plus 99 years

Who's in control now
Who's got resources
Once the smoke clears, not forever but for

Life plus 99 years, for

Life plus 99 years

"But... I talked you out of your deal!"
"Exactly like I knew you would!"
"What if we got the death penalty?"
"As long as we were together?"
"This is crazy!"
"Am I scaring you?"
"...You son of a bitch."

You've finally topped me
You've finally stopped me
And though I admit I believe you
I swear that I'll leave you, again

"No!" We'll be together for

Life plus 99 years
You're looking paler-- How could you do it for
Life plus 99 years

You've been preparing
I can't come through it
Spare me the tears, not forever but for

Life plus 99 years

For
Life plus 99 years
Life plus 99 years

Life plus 99--

Life plus 99 years

I'm one perfect accomplice
Who'd never betray you, if you

Thrill me
Thrill me