A complete guide to all the songs from 'Hamilton'

Learn about the songs in Lin-Manuel Miranda's electrifying and dazzlingly clever score, including "My Shot", "You'll Be Back", and "The Room Where it Happens".

I am not throwing away my shot! Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is nothing short of a phenomenon and has revolutionised the musical theatre as an art form just like Show Boat, Oklahoma!, and Cabaret before it. The show has played on Broadway since 2015 and in the West End sine 2017, and there have been numerous touring and international productions.

It’ll come as no surprise that Best Score was among the show’s 11 Tony wins. Miranda’s score incorporates a multitude of styles, most notably hip-hop and R&B. Individual artists whose influences can be found in the score include The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Eminem – and many more. And, befitting a musical, there are also nods to Rodgers and Hammerstein and Gilbert and Sullivan.

The songs comprising the sung-through score are highly complex with their eclectic musical influences and filled with musical and cultural “Easter eggs”. It’s impossible to do justice to them in one article, so do check out Miranda and Jeremy McCarter’s book Hamilton: The Revolution for a deep dive into the show and its score. For now, read our guide to the songs.

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“Alexander Hamilton”

Aaron Burr introduces Alexander Hamilton, with whom he had a complicated love/hate relationship, to the audience with a very big question: “How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by Providence, impoverished, in squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar?”

A master of reinvention, Hamilton has become bit of a forgotten man in American history. All the exposition is laid out from the start and it’s clear that the stories of Hamilton and Burr are tightly interconnected, including this shocking revelation – “Me, I'm the damn fool that shot him”.

“Aaron Burr, Sir”

Hamilton and Burr meet for the first time. Hamilton babbles a bit. Burr advises him, “Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for” and to hold his cards close to his chest because “fools who run their mouths off wind up dead”.

We also meet John Laurens (an abolitionist), Hercules Mulligan (an ambitious tailor’s apprentice), and the Marquis of Lafayette (a Frenchman who opposes autocratic rule).

“My Shot”

Hamilton’s ‘I want’ number, and a motif that recurs throughout the show. “I got a lot of brains but no polish,” he admits. “I’m just like my country / I’m young, scrappy and hungry”. He’s impatient to make things happen: “See, I never thought I’d live past twenty / Where I come from some get half as many / Ask anybody why we livin’ fast and we laugh, reach for a flask / We have to make this moment last, that’s plenty”.

Laurens, Mulligan, and Lafayette join in with their own ambitions, but Burr remains cautious. The references to gunshots foreshadow Hamilton’s eventual fate. The number also pays homage to ‘90s rap and quotes Rodgers and Hammerstein’s anti-racism anthem, “You’ve got to be carefully taught” (“If you talk, you’re gonna get shot”).

Miranda performed a parody of this number on Saturday Night Live in 2016 and in 2021, a remix called "My Shot: A COVID Vaccine Adaptation" was released by a group of doctors known as “Vax’n 8” to encourage people to get vaccinated for Covid-19.

“The Story of Tonight”

Buoyed up over drinks, the four young revolutionaries “raise a glass to freedom / Something they can never take away”. This is the first non-rap number in the show.

“The Schuyler Sisters”

We meet Angelica, Eliza and Peggy Schuyler, daughters of the wealthy Philip Schuyler. The sisters are tearing up New York City, caught up in the spirit of the impending revolution. Angelica is reading Thomas Paine and “looking for a mind at work”. The depiction of the sisters in the musical takes a number of liberties with the actual history.

This proto-feminist anthem is inspired by the harmonies in Destiny’s Child songs and musical director Alex Lacamoire encouraged a spirit of improvisation because "[I] realized there's nothing in the song as cool as the harmonies the girls do when they're messing around, so we... just let them riff".

“Farmer Refuted”

Loyalist Episcopalian bishop Samuel Seabury, writing under the pseudonym A. W. Farmer, implores readers to “heed not the rabble who scream revolution / They have not your interests at heart”.

Seabury’s formal approach is accompanied by period instruments, while Hamilton retaliates with his signature rap style: “Don’t modulate the key then not debate with me! / Why should a tiny island across the sea regulate the price of tea?”

“You’ll Be Back”

King George III makes his first appearance. He’s disgusted and humiliated about the colonies resisting his rule and is sure they’ll crawl back once the novelty of independence has worn off: “You say my love is draining and you can't go on / You'll be the one who's complaining when I am gone”.

This number has a ‘60s pop vibe in contrast to the revolutionaries’ ‘90s rap style and has been compared with break-up anthems by The Beatles (“Da da da da da da da di ya da!”).

“Right Hand Man”

We meet another George – George Washington. Hamilton, who has always seen war as an opportunity to prove himself, hopes to attract Washington’s attention (he is “the model of a modern major general / The venerated Virginian veteran whose men are all / Lining up, to put me up on a pedestal”). Spot the Gilbert and Sullivan reference there!

However, Washington advises the young rookie not to get too carried away with his “head full of fantasies of dyin’ like a martyr”. After all, “Dying is easy but living is harder”.

“A Winter’s Ball”

Another side of Hamilton’s character is that he’s a hit with the ladies. Fun fact: Martha Washington even named her feral tomcat after him. The wealthy Schuyler sisters are much sought-after on the marriage market, and Eliza and Angelica are both interested. Which one will become Mrs Alexander Hamilton?

“Helpless”

Eliza has fallen in love with Hamilton and openly expresses her feelings. She’s “helpless”, “drowning” and “down for the count” – which doesn’t predict the happiest relationship. Angelica is also interested in this charismatic upstart but Eliza calls dibs.

Eliza and Hamilton start exchanging letters and are soon engaged. Marrying a Schuyler is a huge step up the social ladder for Hamilton, who can only offer “my honor, a tolerance for pain / A couple of college credits and my top-notch brain”. The happy couple emerge to strains of Wagner’s “Bridal March”.

This sweet R&B number is part Beyoncé, part Ja Rule, plus the lyrics "the boy is mine" reference Brandy and Monica's song of the same name.

“Satisfied”

Maid of honour Angelica makes a toast to her sister and new brother-in-law before the number flashes back to her first meeting with Hamilton, who makes the rather presumptuous observation that neither of them know what it’s like to be satisfied.

The quick-witted Angelica can rap faster than anyone in the show, and it's used here to show her speed of thought. Despite being instantly attracted to him, she swiftly acknowledges that, as the eldest, “I'm a girl in a world in which my only job is to marry rich / My father has no sons, so I'm the one who has to social climb for one”. As Hamilton’s sister-in-law, “at least I get to keep his eyes in my life”.

“The Story of Tonight”

The revolutionaries are reunited and sing about Alexander’s marriage, which has made him “the newly not poor of us”. Burr turns up and confides that he’s in love with a married woman, Theodosia – the wife of a British officer. Yikes.

“Wait for It”

Burr steps out of his narrator role with his own solo, giving us a vital peek into his whirring brain. Unlike Hamilton, he has a family legacy to protect. While “Hamilton doesn’t hesitate / He exhibits no restraint / He takes and he takes and he takes”, he’s willing to wait for his moment of glory (“there's a reason I'm still alive / When so many have died…”).

“Stay Alive”

The Continental Army isn’t faring well against the British. Hamilton plays a key role in helping Washington to devise military tactics but it’s the incompetent General Lee who’s promoted to Washington’s second-in-command. Laurens challenges Lee to a duel after he blames Washington when the army “snatch[es] a stalemate from the jaws of defeat”.

“Ten Duel Commandments”

The first of three duels in the show. As Laurens prepares for his duel, the company set out the rules for a fair duel. Hamilton is Laurens’s second and Burr is Lee’s. Burr asks, “Can we agree that duels are dumb and immature?” and Hamilton retorts, “Sure / But your man has to answer for his words, Burr”.

This propulsive number riffs on the Notorious B.I.G.'s "The Ten Crack Commandments", Miranda has said. It's a brilliant example of how to make exposition entertaining and thrilling.

“Meet Me Inside”

Lee is shot in the side by Laurens – fortunately, it isn’t fatal. However, Hamilton is chastised by Washington (who calls him “son”) for his involvement. They argue and Hamilton is sent home to Eliza.

“That Would Be Enough”

On returning home, Hamilton learns that Eliza is pregnant. Unlike the restless Hamilton with his dreams of glory, Eliza doesn’t aspire towards leaving a legacy, and would be satisfied with a happy and stable home life.

“Guns and Ships”

“America’s favourite fighting Frenchman” performs the fastest number in the history of musical theatre – to date at least! Lafayette persuades Washington to recall Hamilton, since no one else has his tactical brilliance.

“History Has its Eyes on You”

Washington reveals to Hamilton that he is permanently haunted by the mistakes he made the first time he led his troops into battle. He is confident that Hamilton has the potential for greatness but reminds him: “Remember from here on in, history has its eyes on you.”

“Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)”

The final battle of the War of Independence is won. Hamilton and Lafayette exchange a high five as they note, “Immigrants – we get the job done”. Lafayette plans to return to France to fight for freedom; Laurens is in South Carolina; Mulligan is spying on the British government, and it’s time for Hamilton to meet his son.

A new world order has been born but it’s all very tenuous (“Black and White soldiers wonder alike if this really means freedom”).

“What Comes Next”

In a reprise of his first number, King George is still sulking at the ex-Colonies. “You’re on your own. Awesome. Wow / Do you have a clue what happens now?” He won’t take them back when they inevitably fail, he declares.

“Dear Theodosia”

Burr is now the father of a daughter, Theodosia, named after her mother. And Hamilton has a son, Philip. Neither knows much about fatherhood and for once they’re united. “We'll bleed and fight for you / We'll make it right for you” for the two babies who will come of age with their nation.

The real Theodosia Burr Alston was lost at sea in 1813, and there have been many romantic myths about her fate.

“Non Stop”

The war is over but the perpetually restless Hamilton can’t take things easy. He and Burr practise law next door to each other in New York and Hamilton’s confidence and unrelenting energy continues to drive the envious Burr crazy (“Why do you assume you’re the smartest in the room? / Soon that attitude’s gonna be your doom!).

Angelica moves to London with her new husband and Eliza regrets how little time she and Hamilton get to spend together. Washington asks Hamilton to be his right-hand man again by running the Treasury. The number culminates in strands from different numbers in the show coming together.

By now, we’re probably all ready for the interval to catch our breath!

“What’d I Miss?”

Act Two opens with Thomas Jefferson coming home, following his stint as Ambassador to France. James Madison updates him on what’s been going on, including Hamilton’s financial plan (“nothing less than government control”). Jefferson is made Secretary of State by now-President Washington.

Jefferson and Adams are played by the actors who portrayed Lafayette and Mulligan in Act One. Previously playing Hamilton’s friends, they’re now his rivals. Also, the very Southern Jefferson’s music has a jazzy style, in contrast with Hamilton and his comrades’ hip-hop, reflecting his status as a member of the older generation.

Cabinet Battle #1

Cabinet debates about financial systems aren’t dry at all when they’re rap battles! Hamilton wants to establish a national bank but Jefferson argues that “If New York’s in debt, why should Virginia bear it?” Hamilton rebuffs “A civics lesson from a slaver… Your debts are paid ‘cause you don’t pay for labour”. Not to mention Jefferson was living it up in France during the war. Washington warns Hamilton to keep his cool and find a compromise.

“Take a Break”

Hamilton is burning himself out with work. In a letter to Angelica, he compares himself with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It’s Philip’s ninth birthday and Eliza urges him to take a holiday. Angelica questions his comma placement when he writes “My dearest, Angelica” – is it a romantic message? She arrives back in the States, but Hamilton leaves his family to work.

“Say No to This”

During the course of this seductive slow-jam number, Hamilton meets Maria Reynolds (played by the same actress who plays Peggy) and they start an affair. Maria’s husband finds out and blackmails Hamilton: “And hey, you can keep seein’ my whore wife / If the price is right: if not I’m telling your wife”. Hamilton pays Reynolds off and the affair ends.

“The Room Where It Happens”

A smash-hit song about a debt plan? Well, this is Hamilton! No one really knows what happened, including a frustrated Burr, but he speculates that Jefferson and Madison invited Hamilton to dinner and offered a compromise: they’ll support Hamilton’s bank if he supports them in moving the nation’s capital from Philadelphia to DC.

Crucially, this is also the moment when the cautious Burr realises what he really wants: to be in the room where it happens. Unfortunately that ambition will put him on a collision course with Hamilton. A most unlikely showstopper.

“Schuyler Defeated”

Philip Schuyler, Hamilton’s father-in-law, loses his senate seat to Burr. Hamilton confronts Burr about changing parties just to unseat Schuyler but Burr, ever the pragmatist, responds “I changed parties to seize the opportunity I saw”.

Cabinet Battle #2

Hamilton and Jefferson debate whether to support the revolution in France. Francophile Jefferson argues that the French supported their revolution and the (now headless) king only asked them to return the favour if need be. However, Hamilton is against the US getting involved. Washington (“Daddy”) concedes “We’re too fragile to start another fight”.

“Washington on Your Side”

Furious that Washington always backs Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and Burr plot Hamilton’s downfall. They comb through his financial records in hope of finding misdealings – the affair with Maria Reynolds will prove to be perfect ammunition.

“One Last Time”

In a poignant farewell number, Washington tells Hamilton that he won’t be running again for President and asks him to write his resignation address. A peaceful transfer of power is all-important for this young nation: “If I say goodbye, the nation learns to move on / It outlives me when I’m gone”.

“I Know Now”

King George makes his third and final scene-stealing appearance. Bound to his role as ruler for life, he’s amazed to learn that it’s possible to step down. John Adams as Washington’s successor? “They’ll eat him alive!” It’ll surely be carnage and he looks forward to watching from a safe distance.

“The Adams Administration”

Adams becomes President and Jefferson, as runner-up, is Vice-President (that’s how it worked then). Adams fires Hamilton, who lashes out and writes inflammatory pamphlets about the administration.

“We Know”

Jefferson, Madison and Burr confront Hamilton about the sums paid to James Reynolds and accuse him of treason. Hamilton admits to the affair. Jefferson and Madison agree to be discreet but Burr isn’t as easily placated.

“Hurricane”

An uncharacteristically vulnerable Hamilton remembers when his Nevis hometown was destroyed by a hurricane and his account of the disaster raised enough money for a passage to New York. Through this skill, “When my prayers to God were met with indifference / I picked up a pen, I wrote my own deliverance”.

He is so sure that his talent as a writer will get him out of trouble once again that he picks up his pen to write “The Reynolds Pamphlet”.

“The Reynolds Pamphlet”

Hamilton tells all – and we get America's first sex scandal. There goes his chance of being President. Angelica returns to New York and Hamilton expects her to sympathise but she’s furious on her sister’s behalf.

“Burn”

A humiliated Eliza reflects on her marriage. When they were courting, “You and your words flooded my senses / Your sentences left me defenceless / You built me palaces of paragraphs, / You built cathedrals.” But now, as Angelica has pointed out, “[I’ve] married Icarus; he has flown too close to the sun”.

Hamilton has always been obsessed with his legacy and Eliza takes this opportunity to remove herself from public life and the historical narrative, burning the letters he wrote to her. She also removes her husband from her bed.

“Blow Us All Away”

Hamilton’s son Philip is now 19, the age his father was at the beginning of the show, and he’s got the same swaggering confidence (“I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but, dag, I amaze and astonish!”). He confronts George Eacker, who disparaged his father at a Fourth of July event. A duel is arranged.

Hamilton sends Philip off with his guns and tells him to shoot in the air – Eacker will do the same if he’s a man of honour. But tragically, Philip is fatally wounded.

Philip is played by the same actor who played Laurens (who survived in own duel but nevertheless died young) in Act One.

“Stay Alive” (Reprise)

Hamilton and Eliza see Philip before he dies. Mother and son are able to reminisce about her teaching him to play the piano and how he would always change the melody. Both parents beg him to stay alive but to no avail.

“It’s Quiet Uptown”

Hamilton and Eliza move away from the city to “try to live with the unimaginable”. Hamilton has gone grey and been rendered uncharacteristically silent. Eventually, Eliza starts to forgive him for his affair and the humiliation, and they reconcile.

“The Election of 1800”

Can we get back to politics after this personal interlude? Jefferson and Burr are going head-to-head for the presidency. Hamilton has “never agreed with Jefferson once” but “But when all is said and all is done / Jefferson has beliefs. Burr has none”. Hamilton endorses Jefferson and he wins by a landslide.

“Your Obedient Servant”

Burr is furious that Hamilton backed Jefferson, a man he’s always despised, just to stop him from winning. The two men exchange letters; both are intransigent but use the conventional sign-off of the time “Your obedient servant”. They arrange to have it out once and for all by fighting a duel in New Jersey.

“Best of Wives and Best of Women”

Hamilton naturally hasn’t told Eliza what he’s up to. The title comes from his real-life farewell note.

“The World Was Wide Enough”

In the ultimate irony, Hamilton, who has constantly reminded us “I am not throwing away my shot”, shoots in the air, while the cautious Burr – a terrible shot – somehow takes deadly aim. What is a legacy? Now, all Hamilton can do is say goodbye to Eliza and Angelica. “The world was wide enough” for both Hamilton and Burr but they tragically couldn’t see it.

Burr lived on but his reputation was permanently damaged by this event and his later life was highly troubled. As well as the loss of Theodosia (he justifies the duel so that “This man will not make an orphan of my daughter”), he was arrested for treason in 1807, and brought to trial again for the “Burr Plot”, an alleged plot to create an independent country. He died alone in a boarding house on Staten Island.

“Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story”

It’s the finale. Hamilton was the only Founding Father who didn’t live to old age. Jefferson and Madison grudgingly admit to Hamilton’s financial brilliance (“He doesn’t get enough credit / For all the credit he gave us”).

Eliza, who lived for another 50 years, puts herself back in the narrative as the guardian of her husband’s legacy, as well as speaking out against slavery and campaigning for children by founding the first private orphanage in New York City. Who will tell her story? At the last, she is reunited with Hamilton.

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