4 Facts You Probably Don't Know About Hamilton | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

4 Facts You Probably Don't Know About Hamilton

Sorry, my #Hamiltrash self couldn't help but share these facts I learned

320
4 Facts You Probably Don't Know About Hamilton
DailyDot

Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit show Hamilton, is pretty well known. However, there are somethings that most people don't realize about it. From references to various scripture passages to having the fastest lyrics in all of theatre history, allow me enlighten you on my favorite show.

First of all, people could argue the historical correctness of the show. But, the show's creator took this very seriously. After reading Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton, Lin Manuel Miranda proceeded to read letters and works, visited sites that were historicaly relevant to the Founding Father and sites that were important to American Revolution around NYC. But that isn't where his research stopped. He proceeded to read information in order to understand Aaron Burr and the dueling rules of the time period as well. In addition, Miranda brought Chernow onto the production team as a historical consultant to keep things as accurate as possible.

The soundtrack to this show also boasts some interesting things. We all know there is a lot of rap in Hamilton and that "Guns and Ships" is the fastest song in the show. Not only is it fastest in the show, it is the fastest song in all of musical theatre history. With an average of 6.3 words per second, it's clear to see why. Hamilton's music contains over 20,000 words, all squeezed into two and a half hours, working out to be about 144 words per minute. Not only are the songs unique, but where some of them were written are also slightly bizarre. "You'll Be Back" was written while Lin was on his honeymoon and Aaron Burr's "Wait For It" was written on the subwway.

Another thing, many of the show's character are played by someone playing two roles. For example, Daveed Diggs plays America's favorite fighting frenchman, Marquis de Lafayette in Act 1 and Thomas Jefferson, who just came home from France, during Act 2. Philip Hamilton and John Laurens were both portrayed by Anthony Ramos, Maria Reynolds and Peggy Schuyler were played by Jasmine Cephas Jones, and lastly Okieriete Onaodowan played Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. I honestly never recongized this fact until I did looked up the cast after seeing that Lafayette and Jefferson looked very similar.

My last Hamilton fact is that this show contains many references to scripture. For example, the number "One Last Time" sung by George Washington as he informs Hamilton of his retirement references Micah 4:4. The lyrics go "Like the scripture say: / Everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree / and no one shall make them afraid." which are almost exactly how Micah 4:4 reads. But there are also other references to the Bible made, but not as directly as this. "A Winter's Ball" talkes about being seated at the right hand of the father, making several references including Matthew 22:44, Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; and 1 Peter 3:22. These lyrics are almost all the exact wording the Bible frequently uses to talk about where Jesus sits, interceding on behalf of his people. These two songs barely scratch the surface, other references are made as well, including the books of Job and Isaiah, the Psalms,and Proverbs.

Well, now that you've been informed on my favorite show currently on Broadway, did anything surprise you? Go give the soundtrack a listen and enjoy the fastest lyrics in theatre history, some quality scripture references, and see if you can pick up on the vocal similarites between some of the characters.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187584
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13202
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456595
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25834
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments