LANDSLIDE LYNDON
Her and Him
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Singers: LBJ and Zephyr Wright
© 2024 Marc Dinkin and Kenny Shea Dinkin
Johnson asks his long time-cook and confidant, Zephyr Wright to drive the Beagles "Her" and "Him" down to the Johnson ranch from DC while he flies. Zephyr explains to him what driving through six states in the deep South would mean for her and her husband, regardless of her important position. Johnson's thinking on Civil Rights evolves.
LYRICS
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LBJ
​Ms. Wright,
Bird and I thought we might
Take a flight down to Austin tonight
And if it’s alright
With you, would you drive my car?
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To the ranch and bring
Our beagle twins?
Lucy named them “Her” and “Him.”
You can tour around and everything
It’s not too far...
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ZEPHYR
Mr. Johnson, are you kidding me? You want me to-
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Drive there and back
Through six southern states while being black?
And when I need to wash or drink
I have to find a "colored sink"
And then
when we’re stopped
For no reason by the cops
They treat us like we’re common crooks
Or beat us just for how we look.
We'll spend the trip on tenterhooks.
I'm sorry but that's why…
Me and those dogs - we're gonna fly...​
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LBJ
(Shocked and saddened)
Zephyr, I…uh…never realized.
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ZEPHYR
(Shaking her head).
I know, Mr. Lyndon​
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LBJ
(Nodding with a little smile) Well, I'm gonna buy tickets for the three of you.
PAUSE​
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Although it is kind of expensive...how about you take the train?
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ZEPHYR
(become fierce)
Mr. Johnson!
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LBJ: You're taking the plane - of course! Did I say train?
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LIGHTS OUT