Show Them Who You Are Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: Musical Theatre


• Lyricist: Shaina Taub


• Composers: Shaina Taub


• Musical: "Suffs"


• Year: 2024

Song creation

"Show Them Who You Are" evolved from a previously dark and intense sung scene between Alice and Inez titled "Where’s The Inez I Know?" In this original version, Alice put considerable pressure on Inez, creating a brooding atmosphere. However, the songwriter felt something was amiss as Inez’s death was not as impactful as intended. "I realized the issue was musical. It was too severe, and therefore forecasted the tragedy to come," she explained.

To address this, she decided to shift the tone to reflect good times, with Alice as the coach and Inez as the star player. This change was inspired by the logic of creating maximum heartbreak through contrast. The result was a soaring, catchy duet aimed at setting up the emotional impact of Inez's death in the next scene.

Embracing a comfort zone moment, the songwriter chose a shuffle rhythm, a style she loves for its ability to lift spirits. This suited Alice's attempt to cheer up Inez. Initially, she struggled with the simplicity of the hook, "Show Them Who You Are," but after discussing it with her husband, she realized its straightforwardness was precisely what was needed. "Sometimes, the first idea, the simple idea, is the right idea," she concluded.

One of her favorite moments in Michael Starobin’s orchestrations for the song is the pizzicato strings in the second verse, which always bring a smile to her face.

Annotations and Meaning of Show Them Who You Are:

The track Show Them Who You Are from the musical "Suffs" is an empowering anthem that encourages resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It captures the spirit of defiance and self-belief that drives the suffragists forward.

I know it's hard, I understand.
Of course you're losing heart.
We climb uphill for years and still,
It feels like we're right back at the start.

The song opens with an acknowledgment of the emotional toll and the sense of discouragement that can come from a prolonged struggle. It sets the stage for a motivational message.

But that's exactly how those crooked kings want us to feel.
Too bad for them, they're up against a queen with a spine of steel.

These lines reject the idea of giving in to despair, framing the suffragists as resilient and unyielding against those who would oppress them.

You are the bravest person I've ever met.
I've never seen anything, don't you yet?

The speaker offers a personal affirmation, recognizing the bravery and potential of the listener, urging them to see their own strength.

So are you gonna let them win?
Or will you show them who you are?

This pivotal question challenges the listener to choose between surrender and showing their true strength and resolve.

Show them our brains in a wavering dynamo.
Show them who you are.
Show them you'll rip
Them to shreds if they tell you no.

The lyrics call for a display of intellectual and emotional strength, urging the listener to stand up fiercely against opposition.

You'll think your nerve is about to give out,
But the girl I see glows brighter than any star.
So go show them who you are.

The speaker reassures the listener of their inner strength and potential, encouraging them to persist even when they feel like giving up.

No, no, no, I'm not gonna let you Alice Paul me this time.
My mind's made up, I'm not going.

This dialogue reflects resistance and reluctance, with a reference to Alice Paul suggesting a previous experience of being persuaded or motivated by her.

Okay, that's fine. Oh, take a rest.
Really?
Yes, enjoy a pleasant break.
Sit on your butt and then do what exactly?
Read a novel, learn to bake.

The speaker sarcastically suggests taking a break, knowing that the listener will find the idea unsatisfactory and be motivated to continue fighting.

But when you tell your kids what mama did when things grew dim,
Don't you wanna say, face the villain down and demolish him?

These lines appeal to the listener’s sense of legacy and pride, emphasizing the importance of taking action and making a difference.

Or maybe you would rather give up your stride,
Than let everyone think you just stood aside.
I guess that's what you'd prefer.

The speaker uses reverse psychology, suggesting that giving up would be easier, but knowing it will provoke the listener to prove them wrong.

Let's show them who we are,
Show them the stubbornest b**ches they'll ever see, huh.
Show them who we are,
Show them they ought to be frightened of you and me.

The chorus reinforces the message of strength and defiance, urging the suffragists to display their resolve and tenacity.

They think our nerve is about to give out,
But relinquishment's not in our repertoire.
So go show them who we are.

The lyrics reject the idea of surrender, affirming that giving up is not an option for the suffragists.

Dammit! Why are you the only person I can never turn down?
Thank me when we're toasting your triumph on election night.
When we show them.

The final lines show the speaker's successful motivation of the listener, ending on a note of anticipated victory and celebration.

Overall, Show Them Who You Are is a rousing call to action that emphasizes resilience, defiance, and the power of self-belief.