This was written by Claire and Sophie, two of our summer interns. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect those of Civitas other than respect for the value of open dialogue.
“It’s 90 degrees, have mercy John please! It’s hot as hell in Philadelphia!” The line resonated with Muny audiences sitting in the heat to watch 1776 this July. The Roger Stone musical was performed for the first time in 20 years from June 27th through July 2nd at the Muny, the outdoor theater in St. Louis. The musical is a reflection on how America gained independence, told through the eyes of the Founding Fathers as they debate Richard Henry Lee’s proposal on independence. From Edward Rutledge’s ballad, “Molasses to Rum,” about how both the North and the South are guilty of slavery to “But Mr. Adams,” the song that narrates how Jefferson ended up writing the Declaration of Independence, the musical narrates the struggles each Congressman had to overcome.
And that is the strength of 1776: there is no one point of view on independence. You approach 1776 and the greater debate on independence through the lens of the Founding Father you relate to most. Politics hasn’t changed much since the Founders gathered in Philadelphia to debate our nation’s founding-the issues and the key players might be new, but there are still the “men of property” and the “agitators.” 1776 might have been first produced in 1969, but the issues and characters are timeless.
Below are four reflections through verse on independence, inspired by 1776 at the Muny, that recount the attitudes of key Founding Fathers when it comes to independence.
We make bold claims of tyranny being forced upon us
But to South Carolina those claims are treasonous.
Tearing us from Great Britain to be ruled by Massachusetts
Seems like the same tyranny Mr. Adams so opposes.
South Carolina will rule South Carolina, or we remain
Ever a part of the Empire some members of this congress disdain.
Tyranny, tyranny, tyranny! What about your claims to our property?
You, like King George, demand control of our livelihood, our peculiar institution
And the hypocrisy, this newfound demand for freedom denies
The North’s stake in our property-at least it tries
Because to ignore its own part, Boston’s own monied connection
Well, we in the South would see that as Massachusetts tyranny.
Independence is Independence if sovereignty is sovereignty for South Carolina.
Anything else will break this tentative union apart like fine China.
(written by Sophie Lodes)
The glorious land of Virginia is where I reside.
A proud member of the first family.
It is my task to bring a resolution on independency.
My dear friend John, I tell you this with pride,
That we are gracious to have God on our side.
I will succeed in my endeavours, hopefully.
Gah, I wish this decision would just come naturally.
But of course, these men are prone to divide.
If I cannot succeed and deliver up to you,
Then may the British burn my land entirely,
And my horses be sold for glue!
I mustn’t fail in gaining the support of this sovereign colony,
For I am from those whose blood runs blue,
And for this, my name shall forever go down in history!
(written by Claire Shackleford)
It’s been six months since I’ve seen my wife.
All I want is to finally go home.
Who would’ve thought this paper would determine my life?
Wow, John Adams’s wig could really use a comb.
Oh Martha, all I want is to be with you,
But alas, I have to finish this draft.
I’m only doing it because John told me to.
Apparently he thinks I’m skilled in this craft?
All men, yes all men are created equal.
Yeah I think I like that.
Hopefully, John doesn’t make me write a sequel.
These men argue so much it’s like we’re in combat.
In the end, I believe that we can win.
However, right now I’d rather be playing my violin.
(written by Claire Shackleford)
One would think the world would end if we declared our independency
But it’s our world that will end if we continue this dependency
On an empire that is certain of its absolute transcendency.
been made to quarter soldiers, Unlawful taxes we have paid,
Blood has been spilt, rebellion declared-yet this Congress is still afraid!
Despite the fact that when a king is a tyrant the bonds of loyalty become unmade.
Already we are a new nation, a new people, we are at war-revolution is at the door
Yet this congress, dictated by men of property, refuse to grant the independence that is asked for
They want to restore the rapport we had with England pre war despite the people’s uproar.
I “make war,” I “agitate”, so that my children and their children have their full rights,
So they may achieve heights impossible for us to see during these long nights.
“with one mind resolve to die free men rather than to live slaves” as Jefferson writes.
We must declare our independence, give our army something to fight for
Congress must acquiesce, once again I must demand that you vote Yes!
(written by Sophie Lodes)
