Insane Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: Musical Theatre


• Lyricist: Shaina Taub


• Composer: Shaina Taub


• Arranged by: Shaina Taub


• Historical context: The song reflects the struggles of suffragettes in early 20th-century America.

A Song's Journey to Broadway
"Insane" is a fresh addition to Broadway, evolving from the downtown a cappella song "Relentless." The original piece, despite its different adjective hook, failed to deliver the impact anticipated after nearly two hours of dense musical content. The composer, having performed it nightly, recognized its shortcomings and sought a new approach.

Sitting at the piano, the focus shifted to portraying Alice's intense plea to a doctor, and by extension, to the world, to see her as sane and whole. This song parallels the vulnerability seen in "Worth It," but with a direct scene partner: the doctor, symbolizing society's judgment.

The song was crafted by integrating music and lyrics simultaneously, a method outside the composer’s usual comfort zone. This approach led to longer, more open vocal lines for Alice, enhancing her emotional expression. Lyrically, the essence of Alice Paul's quote, “Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity,” was adapted to fit the new structure: “You think I’m insane / Certifiably nuts / You call it hysteria / I call it guts.”

Unlike its original version, "Insane" doesn’t conclude with a definitive ending in the show, maintaining suspense about Alice's fate. However, for the album, a conclusive "button" was added, providing a satisfying resolution for listeners. This evolution underscores the dynamic nature of musical theatre, where creative revisions can lead to deeper emotional connections and storytelling impact.

Artist Info:

Shaina Taub, a well-known singer-songwriter and performer known for her contributions to modern musical theater, founded the musical ensemble "Suffs". Taub's work frequently combines historical storylines with contemporary musical components, giving her a distinct voice in the theatre community. "Suffs" delves into the history of the women's suffrage movement in the United States, covering major individuals and events with strong musical storytelling. The cast is diverse, capturing the inclusive spirit of the suffrage campaign.

Annotations and Interpretations of Insane:

The song: Insane acts as a forceful statement of the suffragettes' commitment to their cause, as well as a critique of how society stigmatizes their action.

"You think I'm insane. Well, maybe it's true.

You'd have to be out of your mind to fight like I do."

These opening sentences accept the suffragettes' reputation as "insane" because of their unwavering quest for rights. The singer acknowledges that such tremendous dedication may appear unreasonable, but underscores the importance of their battle.

  "I know I'm intense.

  It's just how I cope in a world that's gone crazy.

  Am I crazy too?"