9 Teachable Quotes From Newsies

This is definitely one of my favourite stories to watch as a musical and I’ll tell you why in one word. Unity. I love when people are unified, it really gives me the warm fuzzies! And to hear unity in the form of harmonisation is even better! This amazing musical, inspired by a true story, is about the New York Newsboys strike in 1899. 

To know where I’m coming from, I’ll briefly share a summary of the story. Displeased with the low circulation of the ‘New York World’ newspaper, publisher Joseph Pulitzer decides to increase his profits by raising the cost of the newspaper for the newsies. Every morning, the newsies would buy a stack of papers to sell around the city and this would be their only income. When Joseph announces the price rise, understandably, the newsies are shocked as they can barely afford to buy them in the first place. This is their motive to go on strike against the ‘New York World’. 

I get so much inspiration from this musical; mostly coming from the lyrics of the songs and quotes in the show. With some effort, I managed to narrow my selection down to 9 quotes. Taking the inspiration of these words and combining them with the power of God’s Word, I aim to encourage you on your life’s journey. Let’s dive in!

1) "Being boss doesn't mean you have all the answers, just the brains to recognise the right one when you hear it" - Katherine Plumber.

I think many leaders don’t quite understand this but it’s so important! There can be a lot of pressure on leaders to know everything and to have the right answers at all times. But being a good leader means utilising the talents of others; encouraging them to share their ideas and be part of the solution. 

The Biblical Truth.

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NLT.

2) "And it just so happens that we just might win, so whatever happens, let's begin"

- Katherine Plumber.

We need to stop letting fear keep us from pursuing the things we are passionate about. If God has given you a desire to begin something, He’s going to bring you through it but you need to take that first step. We have no idea what to expect when we begin something, but that’s where our faith grows. Trust is part of the journey, and when we trust, we are rewarded.

The Biblical Truth.

“And though you started with little, you will end with much.” Job 8:7 NLT.

3) “Wrongs will be righted, if we’re united” - Davey Jacobs.

Yes and amen! How many problems do you think would be fixed if people actually worked together instead of working against each other? I think it’s because we get hooked on comparison, resulting in making problems a competition. I’ve certainly felt this way. Now I know what you’re thinking, that’s easier said than done. Some people are very difficult to work with. You’re right, but that’s why we’re told:

The Biblical Truth.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Cor 13:11 NIV.

4) “Nothing can break us, nothing can make us quit before we’re done” - The Newsies.

What an amazing attitude! I should make it clear that having a ‘nothing can break us’ attitude doesn’t mean that you need to walk around in a constant state of sunshine. That just sounds exhausting. Instead, it means that no matter what you come up against and no matter what situation you are faced with, you can make it through. How? When you’ve got the authority and the power of the Holy Spirit coursing through you, you can make it through absolutely anything the world throws at you!

The Biblical Truth. 

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” Hebrews 10:36 NIV.

5) “Blessed children, though you wander lost and depraved. Jesus loves you, you shall be saved” - The Nuns.

These words are beautifully sung by a group of nuns as they pass out hot coffee to the Newsies on the street in the early morning. It’s sharing the love of God with simple gestures, either through offering a hot drink, listening to someone’s story, or praying with them for 10 seconds. Follow the actions of Jesus from His time of ministry on earth. Sometimes it takes a minute, but a minute is all He needs.

The Biblical Truth. 

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 NLT. 

6) “My father taught us not to lie” Davey Jacobs. 

“Mine taught me not to starve” Jack Kelly.

It’s important to remember that we all come from a variety of backgrounds. While we might not understand each other’s viewpoints, the Bible says we are not to judge anyone. Our job is really just to love others, and to focus on what God has called us to do. We have no place to criticise or compare ourselves with others, because we have work of our own to do.

The Biblical Truth.

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” Galatians 6:4 NLT.

 7) “Courage cannot erase our fear, courage is when we face our fear” - Davey Jacobs.

I don’t know about you, but with my introverted qualities, courage can often be hard to muster. I understand this quote so well when I have to get up to speak in front of a group of people. My nerves bubble up and worries still enter my mind (I am human after all), but I remember whom I serve. I serve a God that gives me courage when I need it! I know for certain that the verse below is true because otherwise, there’s no way I would have made it through any school speeches or preaching opportunities. When I start speaking, the Lord takes over and stops me from being a stuttering, dry mouthed mess. Hallelujah!

The Biblical Truth. 

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT.

8) “As I may have mentioned, I have no clue what I’m doing” - Katherine Plumber.

Has a line from a musical ever resonated more with you? I feel like this is me most days. But you know what? Things always work out! We can be completely clueless but thankfully, we trust the One who knows the beginning, the end, and every single detail in between. I don’t know why we stress ourselves out thinking we need to know everything at all times. There is no way our brains are capable of handling that intensity! Believe me, God’s going to let you know what you need to know. Just ask Him! 

The Biblical Truth. 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 NIV.

9) “It ain’t just about us. All across this city there are boys and girls who ought to be out playing or going to school, and instead they’re slaving to support themselves and their folks. Ain’t no crime to being poor. Neither one of us complains that the work we do is hard, all we ask is for a square deal! For the sake of all the kids in every sweatshop, factory and slaughterhouse, I beg of you, throw down your papers and join the strike”.

- Jack Kelly. 

When the Newsies first learn of the price rise, their instant response is how are they going to eat? Their first thought goes to their own needs, but as the seriousness of going on strike grows, the leader Jack Kelly makes them aware that it isn’t just about them. It’s for everyone working to support themselves and their families but aren’t being treated fairly. In some cases, people don’t even have a choice. You know, justice is something God cares an awful lot about. Do you feel the same? How are you taking action to help, or even learning how to help? If you feel pulled to learn about the injustice of those trapped in human trafficking and want to know how to help, send me a message or an email and I’ll share some info with you!

The Biblical Truth. 

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” Isaiah 61:1 NLT.

Did any of these quotes or lyrics speak to you? 

Am I missing one that has impacted you? 

Let me know in the comments below!