Hamilton: Songs 29-33

The five numbers we’re looking at today all happen in pretty quick succession, as far as the story goes.  “Schuyler Defeated” leads into the other four, which are basically part of the same extended sequence.

“Schuyler Defeated” – The song is pretty simple – a return of the “look around” theme from “The Schuyler Sisters” and some back-and-forth between Burr and Hamilton – but the implications are what counts.  Here, Burr crosses party lines to get ahead, unseating Hamilton’s father-in-law in the process.  It’s probably the start of the break between Hamilton and Burr.

Best lyric:  “Oh, Wall Street thinks you’re great. / You’ll always be adored by the things you create.”

“Cabinet Battle #2” – Personally, I prefer rap debates on economic policy rather than foreign policy, but this one, in which Jefferson and Hamilton discuss whether or not the U.S. should get involved in a coming war between France and England, is still pretty good.  Nice burns on both side, and both men’s passion is evident.

Best lyric:  “We signed a treaty with a king whose head is now in a basket. / Would you like to take it out and ask it? / ‘Should we honor our treaty, King Louis’ head?’ / ‘Uh… do whatever you want, I’m super dead.’”

“Washington on Your Side” – I love this song.  The Democratic-Republicans are terrific antagonists, and here, they lay out their reasons for hating Hamilton, both valid (distrust of Wall Street) and not-so-valid (classist sneers at Hamilton himself.)  Also, it’s super-catchy, Jefferson’s rhyming is insane, and I just love that the line below now exists in the musical theatre canon.

Best lyric:  “Oh!  Let’s show these Federalists who they’re up against! / Oh!  Southern motherfuckin’ Democratic-Republicans!”

“One Last Time” – In which Washington explains to a bewildered Hamilton why he isn’t running for a third term as president.  As always, Washington impresses me with his wisdom and honor, and this beautiful number also makes me think how lucky the U.S. was that Washington didn’t stay on indefinitely like so many of the people wanted him to.  Other countries have revolted against unjust regimes and then installed their wildly-popular rebel leaders as their new heads of state in perpetuity, and it hasn’t often turned out well.

Best lyric:  “If I say goodbye, the nation learns to move on. / It outlives me when I’m gone.”

“I Know Him” – Our last number from King George III.  His bitchy glee at what he’s sure is America’s impending demise under Adams is entertaining enough, but I just adore him trying to wrap his head around the concept a new president.

Best lyric:  “They say / George Washington’s yielding his power and stepping away. / ‘Zat true? / I wasn’t aware that was something a person could do.”