Life takes us on a wild ride, unless you're a saint, in which case you get broiled, stretched or perforated. But sometimes life holds back a few surprises and springs them on us at odd moments. Cade Parnell is a good looking kid, unhappily incarcerated at US Marine Hospital Number 66 in Carville, Louisiana. Abandoned by his family, he might have stayed there for most of his life were it not for a chance meeting with a convicted pick-pocket named Jefferson Armistead. So, love springs eternal, overcomes life's obstacles and they live happily ever after? Where in this world does that ever happen? Strive or die is more like it. The Goat's Song is a story of life's cruelties, absurdities and unexpected outcomes. In other words it's a tragedy, but don't let that stop you.