If you haven't yet heard of Hamilton (the musical) (and the person, really) you've probably been living under a rock: a heavy, soundproof rock. Hamilton: An American Musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton's life through music - often, rap music. The musical has had astounding success, winning 11 Tony Awards and the hearts of many throughout the country and the world.
I was lucky enough to see Hamilton in Chicago during my winter break. It was phenomenal. As I sat in the theater, engaged, I was learning about history, feeling empowered by the story of America, laughing and crying and watching as my 15-year sister mouthed along to the lyrics that she had had memorized for months. And those lyrics...
This musical is incredible not only because of the story that it tells, but especially because of the powerful, poignant lyrics written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Words have power. Alexander Hamilton proved that through his incessant writing that ultimately helped to shape the America that we know today, and Miranda reminds us of this through the words that tell this story.
In a time when America is divided and many of our citizens are discouraged, scared and confused, the lyrics of this all American musical need to be heard, to remind us of some important values. Here are just a handful of Hamilton lyrics that I think everyone needs to hear.
1. We studied and we fought and we killed for the notion of a nation we now get to build. For once in your life, take a stand with pride. I don’t understand how you stand to the side.
Take a stance. Share your opinion. When you care about something, don't let the issue pass. If you don't stand up for what you believe in, what's the point of believing in it?
2. If you stand for nothing, Burr, what’ll you fall for?
RT^
3. So men say that I’m intense or I’m insane.
You want a revolution? I want a revelation.
So listen to my declaration.
4. We laugh and we cry and we break and we make our mistakes.
We're all human.
5. I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable. I am an original.
Sometimes it feels like everything is spinning out of control, like things are out of our hands. We must remember that if nothing else, we can control ourselves. We are important. We cannot control the values our peers hold, but we can control if we speak up for our values. That's something.
6. Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.
Don't forget how far we have come. Even in times of stress and struggle and hate and difficulty, we are lucky to be alive.
7. History has its eyes on you.
8. Immigrants: We get the job done.
9. We’ll never be free until we end slavery!
10. Why do you assume you’re the smartest in the room? Soon that attitude may be your doom!
Be humble. Recognize your weaknesses. Listen to those around you, they can teach you a lot.
11. Winning was easy, young man. Governing’s harder.
For better or for worse, no president has been able to do everything that they've promised. It's just not that simple.
12. History obliterates in every picture it paints.
Remember, history was written by the winners and the survivors. The loudest voices are not always the right ones.
13. I should’ve known the world was wide enough for both Hamilton and me.
The world is wide enough for all our voices. We don't need to eradicate others in order the thrive. The world is wide enough
