This past Friday, "Hamilton's America," a documentary following the effects of both Alexander Hamilton and "Hamilton" the musical on America, aired on PBS. In honor of the documentary - and the fantastic show in general - here is college as told by "Hamilton" lyrics. *Note: gifs do not always match chosen lyrics*
1. When a freshman two weeks in has their entire life figured out and doesn't understand why upperclassmen are already stressing
Let me tell you what I wish I'd known when I was young and dreamed of glory. -George Washington, "History Has It's Eyes On You'
2. When you realize you have to give an oral presentation
My dog speaks more eloquently - Alexander Hamilton, "Farmer Refuted"
3. When you haven't gone to class in weeks but show up the day before a test
4. When you go to class solely to see the cute boy who sits in front of you, but your professor thinks you're there to learn
5. When your professor calls on you because he thinks you aren't paying attention but you get the question right
He looked at me like I was stupid, I'm not stupid. - Alexander Hamilton, "Aaron Burr, Sir"
6. When you told your roommate you were starting an assignment, but three hours later you're on the couch watching your fifth episode of Cutthroat Kitchen
What are you waiting for, what do you stall for? - Alexander Hamilton, "Non-Stop"
7. When all your friends are out partying but you have three assignments due at midnight
I know the action in the street is excitin', but Jesus between all the bleeding and fighting, I've been reading and writing. - Alexander Hamilton, "My Shot"
8. When it's 11:50 and your paper is due at 11:59
Why do you write like you're running out of time? - Aaron Burr, "Non-Stop"
9. When you do all the work
John Jay got sick after writing 5; James Madison wrote 29; Hamilton wrote THE OTHER 51 - Aaron Burr, "Non-Stop"
10. When your physics professor asks what you know...
Yo. Every action has it's equal, opposite reaction. -Thomas Jefferson, "The Election of 1800"
11. And your literature professor keeps telling you to look deeper but you have no idea what you're looking for
I'm searching and scanning for answers in every line, for some kind of sign. -Angelica Schuyler Hamilton, "Burn"
12. But you also have geography as part of your World Civ
At least they know I know where France is. -Thomas Jefferson, "The Election of 1800"
13. When it's midterm week and you have five papers and three tests
Stay aliiiiiiiiiiiive.- Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, "Stay Alive"
14. When midterm grades get released
If you see him
15. When you've already had five meals today and someone says "Hey, let's get Taco Bell."
Show me how to say no to this. I don't say no this. - Alexander Hamilton, "Say No To This"
16. When your professor extends your deadline
There are moments that the words don't reach. There's a grace too powerful to name. - Angelica Schuyler, "It's Quiet Uptown"
17. When finals has you running off coffee and Red Bull
I hadn't slept in a week; I was weak; I was awake. - Alexander Hamilton, "Say No To This"
18. When you and the squad finally make it through the semester
And just like that it's over. We tend to our wounded; we count our dead. - Hercules Mulligan, "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)"