Great American Bitch Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: Musical Theatre


• Lyricist: Shaina Taub


• Composers: Shaina Taub


• Musical: "Suffs"


• Year: 2024

Annotations and Meaning of Great American Bitch:

The track Great American Bitch from the musical "Suffs" is a bold and defiant anthem celebrating women's liberation and resistance against societal norms and sexism.

It's just that at the march, this old man called me a b**ch.
Oh, Dory.
Congratulations, your first vehicle!

The song begins with a moment of shared experience and camaraderie. Being called a derogatory term is reframed as a rite of passage and a badge of honor in the fight for equality.

But isn't b**ch a bad thing?
That's what they want you to think.
I'm a great American b**ch.

This exchange challenges the negative connotations of the term, reclaiming it as a symbol of strength and independence.

I refuse to wear corsets and lace.
I earn my own wages and burst into rages when men say, "Know, your place."

These lines highlight the rejection of restrictive gender roles and the demand for economic independence and respect.

My boss tried to fondle me under my skirt, so I kicked him like this in the crotch, where it hurt.
I got fired.

The protagonist's response to sexual harassment illustrates her courage and unwillingness to tolerate abuse, even at the cost of her job.

But hey, I'd rather be right than rich, cause I'm a great American b**ch.
She's a, she's a great American b**ch.
I'm a, I'm a great American b**ch.

The chorus reinforces the pride in standing up for what is right, regardless of societal expectations or financial consequences.

A queen b**ch, I seduce whoever I please.
I fornicate freely, and some say I really bring gentlemen to their knees.

These lines celebrate sexual freedom and autonomy, challenging the double standards imposed on women's sexuality.

I proposed to a Dutchman, we're wedded in bliss, cause he doesn't mind who else I might kiss, though most of the time I prefer to scratch my own itch.

This passage highlights a non-traditional and open approach to relationships, emphasizing mutual respect and personal satisfaction.

Alice, Alice, when are you gonna let me set you up with one of Eugene's friends?
Oh please, they wouldn't be interested.
You mean you wouldn't be interested.

This dialogue underscores the tension between societal expectations of women to conform to traditional romantic roles and the protagonist's desire for independence.

Hey! I'm a great American, I'm sorry, honestly, I just don't love that word.
Come on, we'll do it together, get up.
You're a great American b**ch.

Here, Lucy's hesitation reflects the discomfort some might feel with reclaiming derogatory terms, while the encouragement from friends demonstrates solidarity and support.

I've known it since sophomore year.
Not this story.
When Professor McMaller said, only male scholars could manage a Doctor's career.
He drove this expensive new Ford Model T, so I scratched it all over with my bedroom key.
But Lucy went further.
I may have pushed his car into a ditch.

This story showcases acts of rebellion against institutional sexism, with each woman's actions symbolizing resistance to oppressive systems.

Why?
Cause I'm a great...
If they called you an act...
I'm a great American b**ch.
Yes you are.
Once I cut my own hair.
One time I took out a library book and never returned it.
I swear.
Young lady, your childhood hath only begun.
We'll train you, ordain you, thank God, but run!

The final lines illustrate various acts of defiance, big and small, that contribute to the overall spirit of resistance and empowerment. The camaraderie and mentorship among the women signify the passing of the torch to the next generation of activists.

### "Great American Bitch"

Song creation

In discussing the creation of "Great American Bitch," the songwriter delved into the intricacies of recitative, or sung dialogue, often used in musical theatre. Reflecting on past experiences, she noted, "Sung scenes, or recit for short, like 'Light My Candle' from Rent and many parts of Les Miz, can be a powerful tool but, much like salt, can ruin a dish if overused." This realization came through trial and error.

Once she became more comfortable with writing spoken dialogue, it liberated her songwriting process for any given scene. This newfound freedom is evident in the development of "Great American Bitch." Initially, in the scene following "The March," there was a significant amount of recitative. Buried within this was a small drinking song where the suffragettes sarcastically thanked the men who had wronged them for helping build their resilience.

"I stuck with that seedling of an idea as I expanded this into a full song moment: the reclamation of an insult of some kind," she explained. The phrase "Great American Bitch" came to her, and she immediately recognized its potential as a hook. "I can give them each a verse, and after so much dense story development in 'Find A Way,' we can just have a good time, bond, and hopefully learn to love these ladies."

The songwriter also aimed to highlight Ruza, an immigrant character, giving her the honor of coining the term "Great American Bitch." Known for her love of writing drinking songs, she found the form both satisfying and fun. Embracing her comfort zone while creating this song allowed her to craft an enjoyable and celebratory piece. "It’s great to push past your comfort zone, I did it all the time on this show. But sometimes, the answer is just laying back in your sweet, sweet home base as a writer," she concluded.