Fire & Tea Lyrics

Annotations and Meaning of Fire & Tea:

Creation

"Fire and Tea" has been an integral part of the show from its earliest outlines. The concept, featuring a split-screen of Carrie having tea with Wilson while Alice burns him in effigy outside, fascinated me. This juxtaposition, highlighting the harmony of two contrasting approaches leading to Wilson's capitulation, embodies the song's spirit. Musically, this is as rock ’n’ roll as SUFFS gets, inspired by "Whipping Post" by the Allman Brothers, a song I arranged for my college a cappella group (which included SUFFS alums Grace McLean and Kim Blanck).

Initially, I made a significant mistake by not giving "Fire and Tea" a proper ending downtown. You can't burn a tyrant in effigy and deny the audience the satisfaction of applause. This oversight was corrected for Broadway, ensuring the song received the climactic closure it deserved.

A pivotal change for "Fire and Tea" occurred at the 2019 Sundance lab, thanks to Leigh's insight. The song originally followed a lengthy scene detailing events post-prison, which significantly dropped the act’s energy. Leigh suggested integrating these events as rapid one-liners while the music for "Fire and Tea" began, creating a dynamic and energetic buildup. This change transformed the song into a dramaturgical snowball, gaining momentum and excitement.

I vividly recall adding Doris’s line, “I leaked the letters to the press,” and doubting its quality as blatant exposition. However, this line consistently garnered huge laughs, showcasing the audience's pride in Doris and the surprise element. This experience reaffirmed that the audience's reaction is the ultimate measure of a song's impact, reminding me that sometimes my own opinions on my writing are less important than the audience's response.

In summary, "Fire and Tea" is a cornerstone of SUFFS, blending rock influences with dramatic storytelling. Its evolution from concept to Broadway reflects the importance of audience engagement and the power of collaborative insights in refining musical theatre.

Literal Interpretation

• Characters and Dialogue: The song features a conversation between key historical figures involved in the women's suffrage movement. Alice Paul, a prominent suffragist, is central to the dialogue, along with other characters who represent opposition and allies.


• Setting: The setting appears to be a tense meeting or confrontation involving suffragists and their opponents. There is mention of prison and the press, indicating the public and legal struggles faced by the movement.


• Action: The song includes dramatic actions such as leaking prison letters, discussing imprisonment, and the symbolic act of "burning" to represent anger and protest.


• Recurring Motif: "Let the fire rage on" is repeated, symbolizing the relentless passion and anger driving the suffragists' fight for their rights.

Thematic Interpretation

• Persistence and Sacrifice: Alice Paul's relentless pursuit of women's suffrage is highlighted. Despite torture and imprisonment, she continues to fight, showing the immense personal sacrifices made by activists.


• Public and Media Influence: The leaking of prison letters to the press illustrates the use of media to garner public support and pressure the authorities. This tactic was crucial in the suffrage movement.


• Conflict and Resolution: The dialogue reflects the tension between suffragists and those in power. The suffragists' determination is contrasted with the opposition's attempts to maintain control and order.


• Empowerment through Unity: The repeated call to "let the fire rage on" emphasizes the collective strength and unity of the suffragists. It suggests that their anger and passion are essential tools for achieving their goals.

Song Sections Analysis:

• Introduction:
  

  Look alive inmates, you're getting released.

  
  This line sets a confrontational tone, indicating a change or an action about to take place. It suggests a shift in the narrative or the beginning of a significant event.
  



• Alice Paul's Relentlessness:
  

  Alice Paul is relentless, but she's surely not insane.
  I see no cause to commit her.

  
  These lines defend Alice Paul, arguing against any notion of her being irrational. They acknowledge her determination and challenge the justification for her imprisonment.
  



• Revelation and Dismissal:
  

  Alice Paul tortured in prison.
  Prison letters have leaked to the press.
  I leaked the letters to the press.

  
  This reveals the harsh treatment of Alice Paul and the strategic move to leak letters, highlighting the use of media as a weapon in their struggle.
  



• Call to Action:
  

  Ladies, let the fire, let the fire, let the fire rage on.

  
  The repeated line is a rallying cry, urging the suffragists to keep their resolve and continue their fight with unwavering intensity.
  



• Dialogue and Persuasion:
  

  Thank you for finally sharing a cup of tea with me.
  That, Mrs. Cat, is what I love about you, so polite.

  
  This section shows an attempt at diplomacy and persuasion, using a polite facade to engage in serious political negotiation.
  



• Conflict and Defiance:
  

  Don't you want to burn him? Want to burn.

  
  This line directly challenges the listener to embrace their anger and use it as a driving force for change. It underscores the song's theme of channeling rage into action.
  



• Pressure and Resistance:
  

  My hands are full with making peace in foreign lands.
  So let us discuss this when there's less on my plate.
  It'll have to wait till next time.

  
  These lines reflect the resistance from those in power, who try to delay and dismiss the suffragists' demands, illustrating the political struggle and the excuses used to avoid addressing the issue.
  



• Final Rallying Cry:
  

  The fire, the fire, the fire rage on.
  Rage on and on and rage on and on and rage on and on and rage, rage, rage.
  Let the fire.

  
  The song ends with a powerful repetition, reinforcing the central message of persistent, unyielding activism. It calls for the suffragists to continue their fight with passion and determination.
  

Artist and Context:

Shaina Taub is an outstanding composer, songwriter, and performer best recognized for her musical theatre work. She has been renowned for her ability to weave historical context into modern musical styles, resulting in interesting and dramatic narratives. Her latest effort, Suffs, focuses on the women's suffrage movement in the early twentieth century. The musical illuminates the hardships and successes of major leaders in the movement, providing a nuanced depiction of their quest for equality.