For this analysis, I will be discussing the musical Shuffle Along by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake. The musical was a notable hit in Broadway shows, a bookmark into history of how black artists made history in the theatre world. It was the first black musical that achieved success, and shaped the way musical theatre developed. Shuffle Along tells a political but optimistic story of romance and rivalry in the political world within a town that is fictional. However, these lighthearted songs and dances express challenges within racial barriers and doors that were opened for black artists. While there are several important and different aspects from this musical, such as the choreography or the wardrobe, I will be discussing how and why the music enhances certain points of the musical. Each song tells its own story and has its own significance. A specific song, “Election Day” assists in getting the points of this musical across because it is a very political song. The music makes the scenery make sense, the outfits and the acting, bring a sense of significance to the musical. The song “Election Day,” stood out because of many things, such as the lyrics and the way it is being sung. It provides commentary, and it is energetic despite the satire behind it. For a political song, it provides an upbeat tempo that will be observed in this analysis. 

The lyrics of “Election Day” speak differently at the time this song was made. Racism was common, and it was hard for black artists to be able to express themselves and in general, make their work known. Often, they wouldn’t have that chance. This song almost has the irony in it of how lighthearted it sounds, yet the meaning is way more deep and bold. An example of the way this song uses satire yet shows the listener how elections go, what people expect from people in politics and how it downfalls majority of the time, “You gather at the election polls, And there you stand in line. Although the day is dark and cold, still you never mind. You are thinking of the politicians whom last year you trusted, And when they got into positions, promises they busted. You will try not to make the same mistake— This Election Day. Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!” These lyrics show how people gather at the elections polls when it is dark and cold, despite those efforts they still end up with a person maybe they helped elect and they get let down. It connects with the entirety of the musical itself because it is a sense of expression and hardship, black artists at the time would struggle getting into musicals, any form of art. When some of these artists did manage to get into something, they were let down by having credit taken from their own work and several other ways. It shows themes of public hope, corruption politically and promises that are broken to society. 

Going back to the upbeat tempo that was mentioned earlier, it brings a cheerful element to the musical despite the lyrics. The vocals are high, almost as if the song wasn’t about politics, if there was something to truly be excited about it. It allows the listener to understand the satire behind it all because the lyrics are deep and Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake sing in a “public voice” that provides the commentary that was mentioned earlier. The tone of the song is joyful and optimistic during parts like, “Election Day, Election Day, That’s the day when everybody’s happy, That’s the day when everybody’s glad. Election Day, Election Day, That’s the day when you forget All the aches and pains you have had.” showing hope. Then there are other parts of the song where the tone changes and points out betrayal, skepticism, “You are thinking of the politicians whom last year you trusted, And when they got into positions, promises they busted. You will try not make the same mistake— This Election Day. Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!” which layers in with the truth and the main point of the song. It expresses the fact that this isn’t a lighthearted song, this isn’t something to be joyful about. The pace of the song and the tone switches in it, emphasize the truth this musical is spewing which is why it was one of the first musicals that really allowed black artists to get their foot through the door. 

Finally, the instruments of the song enhance the tempo and the lyrics, bringing everything back together. The piano used in the song adds onto that optimistic and joyful theme of the song. Playing into something more bright despite what is truly being said, capturing the chaos in Jimtown when voting. Many instruments do this, such as the trumpet, it adds to the happy portions of the song but it also adds a more political background to the song which allows the lyrics to be properly heard. The drums and bass add foundation and a rhythmic beat that keeps the listener grounded and adds energy. Each instrument has its own speciality in the song, working together to allow each lyric to have an understandable meaning. The instruments respond to the vocals and support them, assists with the detention and the facts that are being spewed with this song. 

Shuffle Along was a historic milestone within the world of musical theatre. It offered not only a sense of entertainment but it also offered a powerful stance on society and the political issues of the time it was made in. The music, more specifically, “Election Day,” really enhanced the truth behind politics and the challenges of racism despite its joyful tone. Songs were defined within the lyrics, giving the audience a good view on how politics impact people, expressing the emotional and political theme that is shown in the musical. Optimism is especially seen in this song because the instruments and vocals provide a joyful mood despite the political betrayal that is being sung in the lyrics, along with public hope. The instruments enhance the meaning of the song and respond to the lyrics, playing a key role in delivering the message of the song. This musical was a form of resistance and creativity within oppression, it changed Broadway and made its mark. The song and the musical doesn’t only reflect on politics, but on the way black artists struggled to get where they are today.