Joe Beighton is a composer and arranger whose work spans stage and screen, with particular expertise in adapting popular music for theatrical contexts. His arrangements prioritize accessibility without sacrificing the character of the original material, making him a trusted voice in music education settings where contemporary repertoire matters.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the defiant energy of the song while keeping the piano part manageable for singers who need to focus on text clarity and dramatic delivery. The vocal line honors the original melody while the accompaniment stays supportive rather than competing, which means your students can actually be heard.
What to expect
Reclaiming your power. The song crackles with righteous indignation wrapped in wit, and the arrangement preserves that electric tension between polished musical theater form and raw, direct expression. Singing it should feel like standing your ground.
Who it's for
High school and college singers tackling contemporary musical theater, particularly those performing in concert or cabaret settings where a single vocal selection works better than full ensemble production. It suits performers with intermediate to advanced piano accompanists who understand how to shape a song's dramatic arc.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the vocal line over the piano by keeping the accompaniment rhythmically tight and not overplaying the left hand; the song's power comes from the lyrics and attitude, not dense harmonies.
Find the swagger in the rhythm section hits, particularly in the chorus, without rushing; let the piano breathe between phrases so the vocalist has room to own each moment.
Work the dynamic arch carefully across the full arrangement; this song builds from confrontational to triumphant, and your accompanist needs to support that trajectory with controlled growth rather than playing everything at full intensity from measure one.
How to use it
Pair this with other contemporary musical theater selections to build a concert set that reflects what today's students actually want to sing. It works equally well as a solo feature in a pops concert or as part of a cabaret-style program celebrating the best of modern Broadway.
Skills your students will build
Singing over a rhythmically driving accompaniment while maintaining phrase clarity
Understanding contemporary vocal production in musical theater (belt vs. legit voice choices)
Coordinating with an accompanist to shape dynamic and emotional arcs across a modern song
Interpreting text with specificity in a song structured around repetition and attitude
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