The Campaign Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: Musical Theatre
• Lyricist: Shaina Taub
• Composers: Shaina Taub
• Musical: "Suffs"
• Year: 2024

Song creation

"The Campaign" underwent significant transformation from its original 12-minute sequence titled "On The Trail." Initially, it featured all the core suffragettes on the campaign trail. Over time, the focus shifted solely to Inez, emphasizing her last stand, akin to Angel’s solo in "Contact" from Rent. "Can you tell I’m a Rent-head?" the songwriter quipped. Despite the changes, the song's 5/4 uneven time signature remained constant, symbolizing the perpetual sense of urgency and the lack of time inherent in a campaign. Originally burdened with excessive narration detailing cities and dates, the sequence was streamlined by Leigh's elegant design choice of using rolling state flags to indicate Inez's travels. The moment when Lucy delivers the news of Inez’s death through the end of the sequence has remained unchanged since its conception in 2018. "Another moment when recit won the battle," the songwriter noted. Alice’s subsequent anxiety attack is characterized by a repetitive, circular musical progression, intended to convey her use of productivity as a coping mechanism. During previews, the songwriter considered cutting down "The Campaign" due to its repetitive nature, following advice from Lynn Ahrens to be ruthless in editing. However, the team ultimately decided against it. The repetition was deemed true to the nature of social movements, reflecting rally after rally and chant after chant, while also showcasing Inez's self-destruction for the cause. Additionally, they did not want to lose any stage time with the captivating performance of Hannah Cruz.

Annotations and Meaning of The Campaign:

The track The Campaign from the musical "Suffs" captures the intensity and urgency of the suffrage movement's efforts to influence the 1916 presidential election, alongside the personal losses and sacrifices endured by the activists.

Vote him out for your daughter, for her future.
Get out and vote, get out and vote, get out and vote, get out and vote.

The song begins with a call to action, urging people to vote for the sake of future generations. The repetition emphasizes the importance of participating in the democratic process.

Vote him out for your sister, stand up with her.
Get out and vote, get out and vote, get out and vote, get out and vote.

The lyrics continue to encourage solidarity, highlighting the communal effort needed to achieve change. Voting is framed as a collective responsibility.

Vote him out, we the people have the power.
Get out and vote, get out and vote, get out and vote, get out and vote.

The song empowers the listeners by reminding them of their collective power. The repetition of "get out and vote" serves as a rallying cry.

Don't lose hope, we can win this. Are you in this?
Get out and vote, get out and vote, get out and vote.

Encouraging words aim to sustain morale and determination, urging people to remain hopeful and committed to the cause.

November 7th Election night
Colored lights have been installed on the Capitol Dome to signal the winner.
What color do we want again?
If Wilson wins red, if we win blue
Come on blue, come on blue, come on blue.

The setting shifts to election night, with the activists anxiously awaiting the results. The colors red and blue represent the possible outcomes, reflecting the high stakes.

They might as well lie down and die.
But the polls haven't closed in California, don't give up so fast.
It's not over till the last vote is cast.
Alex, Lucy, did you hear?

There's tension and anxiety as the results come in. The characters remind each other that the fight isn’t over until all votes are counted, emphasizing perseverance.

We'll hold a rally first thing.
He has to speak, where's he ness?
Vote him out for your...
I don't like the world as it is, do you?
There are too many weary minds and hearts in it.
To tell you in person.
Tell me what?

Plans for continued activism and a rally reflect their ongoing commitment, regardless of the immediate outcome. The dialogue also hints at personal news that needs to be shared in person.

Too many children with sad eyes.
Too many souls that die before the body dies.
Alice, the doctor said she was anemic.
And she knew she'd been ill for several years.
Where is she?

The song takes a somber turn as it reveals the illness of a key figure, Inez Millholland, reflecting the physical toll of their relentless activism.

Don't you think women want to change these things just as much as men do?
Don't you think we've waited long enough?
How long must women wait for liberty?

These lines capture the frustration and urgency felt by the suffragists, questioning the continued delay in granting women equal rights.

Say it with me.
How long?
How long?
How long?
How long?

The chant of "How long?" emphasizes the impatience and determination of the activists, a rallying cry for immediate action.

They tried to revive her.
She was too weak from overexertion, and her body just couldn't take the stress.
So, she obliged her.
It can't be.

The news of Inez Millholland's death underscores the personal sacrifices made by the suffragists. Her overexertion and ultimate death highlight the physical and emotional costs of their struggle.

It can't be any other photograph.
Except the one from the march.
The one of her in her crown and cape, where her eyes are like fire.
I'll go wire it to every paper.
Make sure she's seen.
I need to plan a memorial fit for a queen.
I'll go make a call, see if I can book a statuary hall.
I'll go write up a release.
Make sure they know she's only 30 years old.
Make sure they know that she's our hero.
Make sure they don't spell her name wrong.
It's M-I-L not M-U-L.
Millholland.
Inez Millholland.
Inez Millholland.

The activists’ immediate response to honor Inez Millholland’s legacy reflects their respect and admiration for her contributions. They focus on ensuring her story is accurately told and widely recognized, preserving her legacy as a hero of the movement. Overall, The Campaign captures the high-stakes atmosphere of election night, the personal sacrifices of the suffragists, and their unwavering commitment to the cause.