The music is obviously evocative of a major industrial plant, very probably a steelworks, as evidenced by some of the lyrics and the fire in the stage play's background. The lyrics are from the POV of the industrialist (seemingly a 1890s robber baron) who created the plant, calling it his "shrine", "manor", and "wife". It seems he's likely at the end of his life and looking back on his legacy, mostly with regret for causing pollution, pain, hunger, and his lack of faith, charity, etc.
It could be based on Andrew Carnegie, who built a steel empire, then sold it off and spent the rest of his life on philanthropy. Or could also be Henry Clay Frick, chairman of Carnegie steel and the "most hated man in America" due to his breaking the strikes of steel workers. Charles Schwab is another candidate, involved in the WWI effort, accused of profiteering, later squandered his huge fortune, and died impoverished.
The music is obviously evocative of a major industrial plant, very probably a steelworks, as evidenced by some of the lyrics and the fire in the stage play's background. The lyrics are from the POV of the industrialist (seemingly a 1890s robber baron) who created the plant, calling it his "shrine", "manor", and "wife". It seems he's likely at the end of his life and looking back on his legacy, mostly with regret for causing pollution, pain, hunger, and his lack of faith, charity, etc.
It could be based on Andrew Carnegie, who built a steel empire, then sold it off and spent the rest of his life on philanthropy. Or could also be Henry Clay Frick, chairman of Carnegie steel and the "most hated man in America" due to his breaking the strikes of steel workers. Charles Schwab is another candidate, involved in the WWI effort, accused of profiteering, later squandered his huge fortune, and died impoverished.