A Meeting with President Wilson Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: Musical Theatre


• Lyricist: Shaina Taub


• Composers: Shaina Taub


• Musical: "Suffs"


• Year: 2024

Annotations and Meaning of A Meeting with President Wilson:

The track A Meeting with President Wilson from the musical "Suffs" depicts the frustration and persistence of suffragists in their efforts to secure support from President Woodrow Wilson for women's right to vote.

June 5th, 1913, our first meeting with President Wilson.

The song sets the scene with a historical date, marking the initial encounter between the suffragists and President Wilson.

Ladies, you have my utmost admiration.
But as a man of my word,
I must honor the promises of my campaign.
Currency revision.
At -at -at. Tariff reform, sir.

President Wilson begins with polite admiration but quickly shifts to prioritizing his campaign promises, such as currency revision and tariff reform, over the suffragists' demands.

Issues affecting all Americans.
But Mr. President.
Here she goes.
Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.

The suffragists, undeterred, assert the foundational democratic principle that governments must have the consent of the governed, implying that women's exclusion from voting is unjust.

Such a bright young girl.
To not understand your administration has no right to legislate tariff or any other reform without the consent of women.

This line underscores the suffragists' argument that without women's consent, the government's actions lack legitimacy. The patronizing response from Wilson highlights the condescending attitudes they faced.

Forgive me, ladies.
I'm afraid I have no opinion on the merits of the subject as it's entirely new to me.
We'll be glad to educate you.
Sir. Sir.
This will receive my most careful consideration.

Wilson's dismissive reply suggests a lack of genuine interest or understanding, while the suffragists' offer to educate him reflects their determination and willingness to engage constructively.

April 6th, 1914.
Another excuse from President Wilson.
Forgive me, ladies.
The economy.

This pattern of excuses continues over the years, with Wilson repeatedly deflecting their demands due to other pressing issues, such as the economy.

August 8th, 1914.
Forgive me, ladies. Congress.

Wilson shifts the blame to Congress, indicating another deferral.

May 12th, 1915.
Forgive me, ladies. Lusitania.

The sinking of the Lusitania provides another excuse, reflecting how global events were used to delay addressing women's suffrage.

June 1st, 1916.
Tariff reform.
Hold on, sir.
You said that exact same thing three years ago.

The suffragists call out Wilson's repetitive excuses, revealing their growing impatience and frustration.

My other time flies.
You're right. Indeed, it is an election year again.
I must turn my concern to earning the votes of the country's people once more.
But perhaps I'll put in a good word for suffrage in my campaign speeches this summer.

Wilson acknowledges the election year and hints at potentially supporting suffrage in his campaign, suggesting a political calculation rather than genuine support.

Excellent. We'd love to draft that language with you.
My chief of staff will escort you to the door and, darling, won't you give them a tour?
Now take care, ladies.

The suffragists' eagerness to help draft supportive language shows their strategic acumen, but Wilson's polite dismissal indicates his continued reluctance to fully engage with their cause.

Song creation

In discussing "Meeting with President Wilson," the songwriter revisited the concept of recitative, or sung dialogue. During revisions following the Public Theater run, she conducted an experiment where she de-musicalized every piece of sung dialogue to test its effectiveness. "As a librettist, in my revisions since the Public, I tried an experiment where I de-musicalized every piece of sung dialogue in the show to stress test it," she explained.

While most parts of the dialogue worked better as plain speech, some resisted the transformation, including this sequence. "This sequence passes three years in a handful of bars, and that kind of speedy passage of time is so hugely aided by music," she noted. The use of music in this scene proved essential for conveying the rapid passage of time, maintaining the intended pace and emotional impact of the story.

Overall, A Meeting with President Wilson illustrates the suffragists' persistent struggle against political apathy and the slow progress in gaining support for women's right to vote.