Terrell's Theme Lyrics

Song Facts:

• Genre: Musical Theatre


• Lyricist: Shaina Taub


• Composers: Shaina Taub


• Musical: "Suffs"


• Year: 2024

Annotations and Meaning of Terrell's Theme:

The piece Terrell's Theme from the musical "Suffs" centers on the resilience and solidarity within the Black community during the suffrage movement. It captures the spirit of perseverance and collective progress.

Mama, they don't even want us here. Can we go?

The opening line introduces a child's uncertainty and discomfort in an unwelcoming environment, reflecting the societal exclusion faced by Black individuals.

Child, since when do we do what they want us to?

The mother responds with a powerful rhetorical question, instilling a sense of defiance and determination. This line emphasizes their independence and refusal to be controlled by others' prejudices.

It's like I always say, when we show up,
We show up for all of us.

This line underscores the importance of representation and solidarity within the Black community. The mother's words convey that their presence at the march is not just for themselves but for the collective good.

And so, lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go.
Say it. And so, lifting as we climb,
onward and upward we go.

This repeated phrase is a call-and-response between mother and child, echoing a well-known motto from the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC). It encapsulates the idea of advancing together, supporting one another's progress.

Come on, let's march. Let's.
And so, lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go.

The final lines are a rallying cry to join the march, reinforcing the theme of unity and perseverance. The repetition of the motto signifies a commitment to their collective journey towards equality.

"Terrell’s Theme"

History

Shaina Taub shared the background of "Terrell’s Theme," which was composed during the final development phase before Suffs moved to Broadway. Initially, the characters had a theme titled "Keep Marching," but when this was reassigned to the finale, Taub saw an opportunity to create a more distinct and specific hook for these iconic roles.

The phrase "And so, lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go" are the actual words of Mary Church Terrell and the motto of the National Association of Colored Women. Taub aimed to honor these words with her composition, using ascending diminished chords that never fully resolve, sung in triadic harmony by Mary, Ida, and Phyllis. At this point in the show, the theme is presented as a mother encouraging her hesitant daughter to keep marching.

Later in the show, this relationship is reversed, creating a powerful dramatic moment. The vivid portrayals by Anastacia McCleskey, Nikki M. James, and Laila Drew help the audience remember this theme throughout the next two hours, culminating in a significant emotional payoff in Act II.

Overall, Terrell's Theme is a brief but powerful song that highlights the themes of resilience, solidarity, and collective progress. It emphasizes the strength and determination of the Black community within the broader suffrage movement, encouraging continued efforts for equality and justice.