Hold It Together

Song Facts:

• Genre: Musical Theatre


• Lyricist: Shaina Taub


• Composers: Shaina Taub


• Musical: "Suffs"


• Year: 2024

The Evolution of a Song

"Hold It Together" is a challenging piece, serving as a heavy-lifting, action-packed sequence in the show. Initially titled "When I Eat Again," it lacked a strong hook, prompting a change to "Hold It Together" before the Public Theater run. Although the new title seemed obvious and basic, it perfectly encapsulated the song's intent, providing a broad enough phrase to resonate with all the major characters during this tense section of Act II. The phrase can be interpreted as both self-talk and a directive to others.

Carrie's section of the song was originally recitative-heavy. However, after writing "Let Mother Vote," the songwriter realized she could create a mini-reprise with "Let Mother Serve," maintaining Carrie's consistent theme but in a new war-time context.

A highlight of the orchestration is Michael Starobin's integration of Irving Berlin’s World War I melody "Over There," a fitting touch given the performance in Berlin’s theatre. Additionally, Ada Westfall's portrayal of Mrs. Herndon has been a standout, inspiring thoughts of a Tim Burton-style spin-off thanks to her iconic vocal delivery.

Annotations and Meaning of Hold It Together:

The track Hold It Together from the musical "Suffs" captures the intense emotional and physical struggles faced by the suffragists while they are imprisoned. It highlights their resilience and determination to continue their fight for equality, even under dire circumstances.

In nays, this is my prison mess hall.
You will sit down, shut up, and eat your food.
For nature, we are political prisoners and we refuse.
If one of these girls has another damn word, knock her teeth out.
Now, eat your food.

The scene opens in the harsh environment of a prison mess hall, where the suffragists are being ordered to comply with prison rules. The tension between the guards and prisoners is immediately apparent.

Don't touch the food.
When will we eat?
Not till they release us.
What?
Quiet, eat your food.

The suffragists are engaging in a hunger strike, refusing to eat until they are released, despite the guards' attempts to force them into submission.

Hunger strike.
Strike.
Guards.
Strike.
Strike.
Strike.
Strike.
Guards, shut them up.
Strike.
Strike.
You won't last the night.

The repeated chants of "strike" emphasize their collective defiance and solidarity. The guards’ threats and attempts to silence them highlight the brutality they face.

Hold it together, see it through.
Don't let despair get the best of you.
Push down the pain, thicken your skin.
Hold it together, never giving in.

This chorus serves as a mantra for the suffragists, encouraging each other to stay strong and resilient in the face of adversity. It reflects their determination to persevere despite the physical and emotional pain.

God bless our grateful public.
God bless our grand old flag.
God bless the land of freedom we hold dear.
Let mother serve.
We're here to help the war.
We'll conserve our food to feed our soldiers even more.
'Cause the kitchen is the key to US victory.
So Mr. won't you please let mother serve.
We'll now take a recess for tea.

These lines juxtapose the patriotic rhetoric of the era with the suffragists' struggle. The suffragists' message of solidarity and service is used to highlight the irony and hypocrisy of denying women their rights while expecting them to contribute to the war effort.

Are you alright?
I just need air, I'm fine. I'm fine.
Perhaps the problem's with your spine.
Molly, would you stop it?
If we fall in line about the war, you'll see.
We'll get the president to finally hear our case.
So please drop it.
But the Carrie I know would never condone this carnage.
If you don't like it, go join Alice Paul in jail.
Is this about bending Alice Paul or winning the vote?
Which do you care about more?

A conversation among the suffragists reveals internal conflicts and different strategies for achieving their goals. The dialogue underscores the tension between compromising for political expediency and staying true to their principles.

What a coward you become.
Fight your own war.
Don't let your age get the best of you.
Push down the pain, thicken your skin.
Hold it together, never givin'.

This exchange shows the frustration and disappointment felt by some suffragists towards those who seem to have given up. It reinforces the need for inner strength and resilience.

Ruzia, no! Stay strong for Inez!
Get her name out of your mouth!
Was killing her not enough for you?
How dare you say that to her!
Her manner is Inez kept fighting, even though she was tired and sick.
So we owe it to her to do the same.

The memory of Inez Millholland, a martyr for the suffrage cause, serves as a rallying cry. The suffragists are urged to continue fighting in her honor, despite the immense pressure they face.

Alice, it's been a week, I'm losing my mind!
Don't worry, Wilson will be shamed into a pardon as soon as word gets out.
He's letting women die of starvation.
Oh, how comforting.
Drum the moment Vivi met.
You promised me we would burn him down.
We will!

The suffragists express their desperation and frustration with the slow progress. They remain hopeful that their plight will garner public sympathy and force President Wilson to act.

But it is five years later!
He is still in power!
Our friend is dead and now we are dying in prison!
She's not talking anymore!
She's not talking anymore!
Why are you fighting me?
I am not the enemy!

The intense emotions and internal conflicts come to a head, revealing the toll that years of struggle have taken on the suffragists. The sense of betrayal and desperation is palpable.

That's enough!
Start! Take him away!
Zepia, stay put. Your husband is here.
Husband? Good God!
What have they done to you, Miss Stevens? I mean, Mrs. Malone!
Hello, darling. I am here on behalf of the Chief of Police.

The song ends with the arrival of a husband, highlighting the personal sacrifices and the impact of their imprisonment on their relationships. The intervention of the police suggests a potential turning point or rescue.

Overall, Hold It Together captures the raw emotion, resilience, and solidarity of the suffragists as they endure the harsh conditions of imprisonment. The song emphasizes their unwavering commitment to their cause and the inner strength required to continue their fight for equality.