Hamilton, the hit Broadway musical, has been gaining more viewers ever since it became available to stream on Disney+. Lin Manuel Miranda tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and others who became very important for the American Revolution.
Hamilton is a study in adaptation. Its amazing cast gave breathtaking performances and won 11 Tony Awards, and this incredible musical starts out with the musical number called "Alexander Hamilton," which summarises the life of this man. Lin Manuel Miranda plays the role of Alexander Hamilton, and here are some of his best quotes from the show.
"Don't Be Shocked When Your History Book Mentions Me."
A tongue in cheek reference, this quote is quite meta considering the fact that the viewers are actually watching the very same thing. This quote also shows how much confidence the young Alexander Hamilton had and how he was adamant about making something of himself. He was unwilling to quit and was relentless in pursuing something, creating a legacy. He wanted to be a part of the making of the country, and, in turn, be a part of history.
"Hey Yo, I'm Just Like My Country/ I'm Young, Scrappy And Hungry/ And I'm Not Throwing Away My Shot."
This line has become iconic and will continue to be repeated for years to come, destined to become a pillar in popular culture. Lin Manuel Miranda here ties up the story of America, along with the story of one of its founding fathers.
This quote is from "My Shot," which occurs quite early on in the musical. It captures very well the earnest and hungry nature of the tireless Alexander, and it is also quite an apt line, considering how the character is supposed to be 19 when he starts out.
"I Pray The King Shows You His Mercy/ Is He In Jersey?"
Alexander Hamilton has his comical moments, and this is one of them. Samuel Seabury wants to remind the Americans to not rebel against the British. His friends egg him on, and so Alexander Hamilton counters every line Samuel Seabury says, and it is a really hilarious exchange between them.
This line is one of the best, since he calls out the reasonable impracticality of Britain ruling America, and does it in such a funny manner. King George III doesn't live in Jersey, as Alexander rightly points out.
"Sir, I Don't Know What You Heard/ But Whatever It Is, Jefferson Started It."
Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson are arch-enemies who go to great lengths to put each other down. They don't agree on anything and have arguments about everything. When Washington calls him to give a warning, Alexander immediately assumes that it has something to do with Jefferson.
This quote is quite comical, as it almost makes it seem like they have a sort of sibling rivalry going on, and Alexander is snitching on Jefferson. This line makes it clear how immature some of their fights were.
"Philip, Your Mother Can't Take Another Heartbreak."
Alexander Hamilton's misdeeds have taken a toll on Eliza, and he is very aware of this. Therefore, when Philip tells him about the duel he has agreed to, he warns him what is to be done. Alexander knows that taking someone's life is not something you can shake off, so he advises him to aim at the sky, saying that, if Eacker is an honorable man, he'll follow. Alexander knows that it is not possible to call it off now, and, hence, he just wants to make sure his wife doesn't go through any more pain.
"I Know Who I Married/ Just Let Me Stay Here By Your Side/ That Would Be Enough."
Tragedy strikes the Hamiltons, one after the other. There seems to be no respite. Just recovering from the fall out after Alexander published the Reynolds pamphlet comes the death of their son Philip. These tragedies have taken a toll on Eliza and their marriage.
But, Alexander asks for forgiveness. He just wants to stand by Eliza's side and he is willing to wait for it. This line is also a beautiful way of paying homage to a similar line that Eliza says earlier.
"If We Try To Fight In Every Revolution In The World, We Never Stop/ Where Do We Draw The Line?"
Thomas Jefferson is angry at Alexander's argument that they shouldn't involve themselves in the French struggle happening. Jefferson points out that France had provided them with aid and had helped them out in multiple ways, and all they had asked for is to lend them a hand when their time comes.
Alexander, however, is more practical and doesn't go along with Jefferson's idealistic beliefs. This quote is especially meaningful considering America's history since then, as well.
"America, You Great Unfinished Symphony, You Sent For Me."
This is Alexander's love letter to the country that made him who he is. Hamilton intertwines the story of America along with Alexander's. They grew up together in a manner of saying, and Alexander is very aware that America is an "unfinished" symphony. It is an experiment that will never be completed. It will change the melody and tune and will adapt and improvise as it grows. This is Alexander's parting notes to the country he helped build, to the country who took him in.
"I Imagine Death So Much It Feels More Like A Memory/ When's It Going To Get Me."
This quote is present in one of the earliest songs, "My Shot." It makes a reappearance at the very end of Hamilton, as well. Alexander Hamilton witnessed many deaths in his life. He was very young when he lost his mother, and the cousin who he lived with later had also passed away.
From such a young age, he has been accustomed to death, and he knew, more or less, that it was coming for him sooner or later. This quote has special significance, appearing both in the beginning and at the end.
"I Picked Up A Pen, I Wrote My Own Deliverance."
Alexander Hamilton's biggest highs and falls came from his writing. He achieved so many things, and it was mostly through his writing. He wrote love letters to Eliza, he wrote his way into America and into the revolution. He wrote financial systems into existence, and he made himself indispensable to George Washington.
He thought that he could write his way out of the mess he had made, as well. He thought he could write his own deliverance. This quote shows quite aptly how pride comes before the fall because, unlike what he thought, his writing only made things worse after this.