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"My Dead Gay Son" is a powerful and emotional song from the acclaimed musical "Next to Normal." Performed by Anthony Crivello, who originated the role of Dan Goodman, the song delves into the deep grief and complex emotions a parent faces after losing a child to suicide. It highlights themes of love, loss, and the struggle for understanding and acceptance within a family dealing with mental health challenges. Crivello's heartfelt rendition brings authenticity and depth to the character's sorrow, making it a standout moment in the musical.
You wait just a minute, Paul!
It is ignorant, hateful talk like yours
That makes this world a place
Our boys could not live in!
They were not dirty!
They were not wrong!
They were two lonely verses
In the Lord's great song!
Our boys were pansies, Bill!
Yes!
My boy's a homosexual
And that don't scare me none
I want the world to know
I love my dead gay son!
I've been thinkin', prayin'
Readin' some magazines
And it's time we opened our eyes
Well, the good Lord made the universe
The Lord created man
And I believe it's all a part
Of his gigantic plan
I know God has a reason
For each mountain and each flower
And why he chose to let our boys
Get busy in the shower
They were not dirty (no-oh!)
They were not fruits (whoa-oh!)
They were just two stray laces (ooh-ooh-ooh)
In the Lord's big boots (ooh-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!)
Well, I never cared for homos much
Until I reared me one
But now I've learned to love
I love my dead gay son!
(He loves his son, he loves his son)
(His dead gay son)
Now I
Say my boy's in heaven
And he's tannin' by the pool
The cherubim walk him and him
And Jesus says it's cool
They don't have crime or hatred
There's no bigotry or cursin'
Just friendly fellows dressed up
Like their favorite Village Person (ooh-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!)
They were not dirty (no, no!)
They just had flair (whoa-oh!)
They were two bright red ribbons (ooh-ooh-ooh)
In the Lord's long hair (ooh-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!)
Well, I used to see a homo
And go reachin' for my gun
But now I've learned to love
And furthermore!
These boys, were brave as hell
These boys, they knew damn well
Those folks would judge 'em
They were desperate to be free
They took a rebel stance
Stripped to their underpants
Paul, I can't believe that you
Still refuse to get a clue
After all that we been through
I'm talking you and me
In the summer of '83
That was one hell of a fishing trip
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa
They were not dirty (no!)
And not perverse (no, no!)
They were two stray rhinestones
On the Lord's big purse
Our jobs is now continuing
The work that they begun
('Cause now we love, love, love)
(We love your dead-)
They're up there disco dancing (ooh-ooh-ooh)
To the thump of angel wings (ooh-ooh, yeah!)
They grab a mate and roller skate (ooh-ooh-ooh)
While Judy Garland sings (ooh-ooh, yeah!)
They live a playful afterlife (ooh-ooh-ooh)
That's fancy-free and reckless (ooh-ooh-ooh!)
They swing upon the pearly gates
And wear a pearly necklace
Woo!
They were not dirty (no!)
They were good men (whoa-oh!)
And now they're happy bear cubs
In the Lord's big den
Go forth and love each other now
Like our boys would have done
We'll teach the world to love
The world to love
I love my dead gay son
My son!
My son!
Your dead gay son! (hey-hey-hey, whoa-oh, whoa-oh!)