Suffering Lyrics - Epic: The Musical

Suffering Lyrics

Suffering

[ENSEMBLE, SIRENS]
Penelope (Ah, oh)
Penelope (Ah, oh)

[PENELOPE]
Don’t you miss me?

[ODYSSEUS]
More than you know

[PENELOPE]
Then jump in the water and kiss me

[ODYSSEUS]
Penelope, I’ve told you this before
You know I’m afraid of the water

[PENELOPE]
I’ll make sure that you are safe and sound
Come play with me and our daughter and let’s watch our love leave the ground

[ODYSSEUS]
Oh, I would
But I’d be suffering trying to float the whole time

[PENELOPE]
I would take the suffering from you

[ODYSSEUS]
Oh, as good as it sounds, right here I’m just fin?

[PENELOPE]
I could take the suffering from you

[ODYSSEUS]
You know that I pr?fer my feet on the ground

[PENELOPE]
I will take the suffering from you

[ODYSSEUS]
Fine, but only if you answer a question or two

[PENELOPE]
Of course!

[ODYSSEUS]
Okay, so let’s say I was on the run or hiding…
From I don’t know Poseidon…
And let’s say he blocked the way home with giant waves and giant storms

[PENELOPE]
Oh no!
[ODYSSEUS]
How am I to evade him?
How am I to get home?
Which route should I take?
Where am I supposed to go?

[PENELOPE]
He will chase you high and low
So find a place he’d never go
The one way you'll get home
Is sailing where he's scared to roam, oh
It’s through the lair of Scylla

[ODYSSEUS]
No...

[PENELOPE]
This is your only way home
The lair of Scylla

[ODYSSEUS]
But Scylla has a cost

[PENELOPE]
Well, you asked and now you know
Now jump in the water!

[ODYSSEUS]
Penelope, why?
You know I’m too shy and terrified

[PENELOPE]
I would take the suffering from you

[ODYSSEUS]
Oh, for you, I would die, but can't you let me stay dry?

[PENELOPE]
I could take the suffering from you

[ODYSSEUS]
You should come onto the ship
We'll jump at the same time

[PENELOPE]
I will take the suffering from you

[ODYSSEUS]
Ah, the things I do for you


Lyrics Meaning and Impact of "Suffering" by Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Anna Lea.

Suffering lyrics video by Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Anna Lea
Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Anna Lea singing the 'Suffering' lyrics in the music video.

Song Credits:

  • Featuring Artist(s): Anna Lea
  • Producer(s): Jorge Rivera-Herrans
  • Composer: Jorge Rivera-Herrans
  • Writer: Jorge Rivera-Herrans
  • Release Date: July 4, 2024
  • Musical Genre: Pop, Musical Theater
  • Language(s): English
  • Album: EPIC: The Musical
  • Track #: 21

Song Meaning.

Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Anna Lea performing song Suffering
Performance of 'Suffering' by Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Anna Lea in the music video.
"Suffering" is a captivating song from *EPIC: The Musical* by Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Anna Lea. The track unveils a dialogue between Odysseus and Penelope, with an intriguing twist—Penelope is represented as a siren, calling to Odysseus and attempting to entice him to reunite. The song’s emotional core revolves around the profound love between the two characters, highlighted by the yearning and fear of the unknown that Odysseus experiences. Odysseus, ever cautious of the sea, confesses his fear of the water despite Penelope's promises of safety. Their exchange creates a poignant scene of sacrifice and vulnerability, where Odysseus expresses his desire to take on any suffering for her but simultaneously fears the cost. The internal conflict of Odysseus is palpable as he wrestles with the metaphorical and literal "suffering" that lies ahead. The references to Scylla’s lair and Poseidon’s wrath carry the mythological weight, giving the song a profound resonance in its exploration of love and fear. Penelope’s offer to “jump in the water” symbolizes not only a literal plunge but an emotional leap into the unknown. Her words reveal a deep desire to see her family reunited, but Odysseus remains hesitant, fearing that confronting the unknown might mean sacrificing his life. This song is in Ab major/F minor and has a 4/4 time signature. Overall, "Suffering" deftly blends themes of love, fear, sacrifice, and longing, embodying Odysseus' internal struggle through its evocative lyrics and emotive delivery. The musical arrangement complements the dramatic tension between the two characters, elevating the raw emotion of the story.

Which songs share similar messages of love, fear, and sacrifice?

Thumbnail from Suffering lyric video by Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Anna Lea
A screenshot from the 'Suffering' music video, capturing the mood and meaning of the song.
  1. "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" by The Script: This song, much like "Suffering," explores themes of longing, emotional vulnerability, and the desire to sacrifice everything for love. The singer's willingness to remain in place and endure hardship reflects the commitment seen in Odysseus' struggle. The mix of tenderness and emotional rawness draws a parallel between both pieces in their exploration of heartache and sacrifice.
  2. "Home" by Michael Bublé: "Home" speaks of a journey—both literal and emotional. Much like the yearning between Penelope and Odysseus, this song emphasizes the deep desire to return to loved ones and the fears associated with being separated from them. Both songs use the concept of a physical or emotional journey as a metaphor for longing and love, with both characters in "Suffering" and "Home" sacrificing comfort for a connection with their loved ones.
  3. "Fix You" by Coldplay: This iconic track deals with themes of suffering, support, and the lengths one is willing to go to for someone they love. Like Odysseus’ pledge to bear suffering for Penelope, "Fix You" conveys a sense of wanting to heal and protect someone else from pain. The song's emotional intensity and message of unconditional love tie into the selflessness seen in the dialogue between Odysseus and Penelope.

Questions and Answers.

Why does Odysseus fear the water?
Odysseus's fear of the water is rooted in his past encounters with Poseidon and the many dangers he has faced during his travels. His hesitation to plunge into the sea symbolizes the deep psychological trauma of his past experiences and the fear of losing everything, especially his family.
What does the "suffering" in the song represent?
The "suffering" in the song is symbolic of the emotional burdens Odysseus is willing to bear for Penelope. It represents the sacrifices made for love and the inner conflict between desire and fear. It also refers to the literal and metaphorical journey that Odysseus faces as he navigates his way back to his loved ones.
Why does Penelope suggest the lair of Scylla?
Penelope’s suggestion to sail through Scylla’s lair symbolizes the desperate and dangerous choices one must make for love and family. While it seems like an impossible route, Penelope’s conviction reflects her willingness to see Odysseus take any necessary risk to return home. This is also a metaphor for the sacrifices people make in relationships.
Scene from Suffering track by Jorge Rivera-Herrans & Anna Lea
Visual effects scene from 'Suffering' enhancing the experience of the song words and music.


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Musical: Epic: The Musical. Song: Suffering. Broadway musical soundtrack lyrics. Song lyrics from theatre show/film are property & copyright of their owners, provided for educational purposes