How Long? Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: Musical Theatre


• Lyricist: Shaina Taub


• Composers: Shaina Taub


• Musical: "Suffs"


• Year: 2024

Song creation

"How Long" was written in the days following the 2016 election, a time of great emotional upheaval. The songwriter felt the need for a significant musical shift after Inez’s death, opting for a long, melodic line with over a minute of purely instrumental music at the beginning. "Finally giving our characters and the audience a moment to breathe and grieve," she explained. This was the first and longest purely orchestral segment in the show.

Some of the solos in the second verse are derived from real tributes to Inez from that period, and also serve as a nod to her mentor, Liz Swados, who had passed away earlier in the year. The song was designed to transition from a mourning piece into a rallying cry, with the “we won’t wait another day” motif being the first piece of music conceived for the show. This motif originated from a 20-second voice memo recorded in 2015, where the songwriter sang into her phone while walking down Flatbush Avenue.

A significant revelation from the Public Theater to Broadway was moving the act break. Initially, "How Long" was not seen as the primary act closer; "The Young Are At the Gates" was chosen for its dramatic cliffhanger ending. However, the unexpected impact of "How Long" on audiences led to a change. The audience’s strong reaction to "How Long," even during performances impacted by COVID-19, highlighted its powerful emotional resonance, prompting the decision to adjust the act break placement for greater effect.

Annotations and Meaning of How Long?:

The track How Long? from the musical "Suffs" reflects on the perseverance and determination of the suffragists while honoring the memory of Inez Millholland, a key figure in the movement. The song poignantly captures the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the urgency of their cause.

She was enchanting, magnetic, unapologetic
It was almost annoying how easily she seemed to shine
You could hide nothing from her
She read you like a book

These lines describe Inez Millholland's charismatic and perceptive nature. Her ability to connect with people and her unapologetic confidence made her a powerful presence in the suffrage movement.

She’d have been wrecked by the results of this election
But she’d have poured us a drink
And reminded us not to lose hope
She knew her smile was all that it took

The song imagines how Inez would have reacted to the election results, emphasizing her resilience and ability to uplift others even in difficult times. Her optimism and encouraging demeanor are highlighted.

The last thing she said was the question
We’re now asking over and over as we look back
As we look forward

The song references Inez's final words, which resonate as a recurring question for the suffragists, symbolizing their enduring quest for equality.

How long must women wait for liberty?
How long must we wait?
Must we wait?
Must we wait?

This repeated refrain encapsulates the central question of the song, expressing frustration and impatience with the slow progress toward women's suffrage.

She went into trial, a laugh on her lips
She once told me discouragement only excited her
So brilliant a speaker we can’t afford to lose

These lines recount Inez's fearless attitude and her ability to turn discouragement into motivation. Her eloquence and leadership were invaluable to the movement.

She belonged to life
To the struggling actuality of the earth
I used to wish I could be in her shoes

The lyrics celebrate Inez's deep connection to the cause and her grounded, authentic approach to activism. Her dedication and spirit inspire admiration and longing.

With her voice ringing out
The centuries seemed like repetitions
Of an ancient song, singing:
How long must women wait for liberty?
How long must we wait?
Must we wait?
Must we wait?

Inez's voice is portrayed as timeless, echoing through history and emphasizing the long-standing nature of the struggle for women's rights.

How many more marches in the streets?
How many more efforts gone to waste?
How many more deafening defeats?
How many more histories erased?

The song questions the cost and continued necessity of activism, acknowledging the repeated setbacks and erasures faced by the movement.

How many more dignities deferred?
How many more told to know our place?
How many more girls will go unheard?
How many more doors shut in our face?
How many more Joans burned at the stake?
How many more of us will it take?

These rhetorical questions underscore the persistent and pervasive injustices suffered by women, drawing historical parallels and highlighting the need for change.

How long?
How long?
How long til it’s too late?
Will we wait?
Will we wait?

The song builds urgency, asking how long they can afford to wait before it becomes too late to achieve their goals.

We won’t wait another day
We won’t wait another day
We won’t wait another day
We won’t wait, we won’t wait, we won’t

The song concludes with a powerful declaration of action and determination. The repetition of "We won’t wait" reinforces their resolve to continue fighting for their rights without further delay.

Overall, How Long? captures the emotional depth and unyielding spirit of the suffrage movement, honoring those who have fought tirelessly for equality and motivating continued action towards achieving liberty for all women.