Hamilton is a groundbreaking musical with music, lyrics, and a book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, that tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a dynamic blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes. The show proved to be a cultural revolution upon its Broadway release in 2015, taking the world by storm. It remains one of the longest-running shows in the Theater District, still playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
Here are all the songs on the Hamilton Broadway soundtrack.
In this introductory number, various characters narrate the early life of Alexander Hamilton, detailing his journey from an orphaned immigrant to a key figure in American history.
Hamilton meets Aaron Burr, and they discuss their differing philosophies and ambitions, setting the stage for their complex relationship.
Hamilton expresses his determination to rise above his circumstances, declaring he is not throwing away his shot at greatness. This anthem underscores his relentless drive to make a mark.
Hamilton and his friends, Lafayette, Mulligan, and Laurens, toast to revolution, the promise of a new nation, and the hope of a brighter future.
Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler introduce themselves, showcasing their intelligence, charm, and desire to be part of the revolutionary fervor. This feminist anthem reveals a desire for independence, a layered and nuanced desire that is revolutionary in more ways than one.
Hamilton debates a loyalist, Samuel Seabury, showcasing his rhetorical skills and revolutionary fervor.
King George III addresses the colonies, asserting his authority and expressing disbelief over their desire for independence in a satirical love ballad.
General George Washington enlists Hamilton as his aide-de-camp, recognizing his talent and the need for capable leadership in the Continental Army.
The men prepare for a winter's ball, with Burr and Hamilton discussing the eligible ladies they'll meet, leading to Hamilton's introduction to the Schuyler sisters.
Eliza Schuyler recounts her courtship with Hamilton, expressing her immediate attraction and their whirlwind romance leading to marriage.
Angelica reflects on her own feelings for Hamilton and what she has sacrificed for her sister's happiness, revealing the complexities of love and duty.
The friends reunite, teasing Hamilton about his marriage. As Burr hints at his own romantic entanglements, the friends raise a toast.
Aaron Burr contemplates his approach to life and ambition, contrasting it with Hamilton's impulsive nature.
The realities of war take set in as the Continental Army faces challenges, and Hamilton grapples with his desire for glory versus the need for survival. Proving himself to be a tactical genius, however, he rises above.
The rules and rituals of dueling are outlined as tensions rise among the characters, foreshadowing future conflicts.
Washington reprimands Hamilton's recklessness after a duel, emphasizing the importance of discipline and strategy, and emphasizing the greater cause over personal vendettas.
Eliza pleads with Hamilton to prioritize their family over his ambitions, expressing her desire for a simple life together.
Lafayette secures French support for the revolution, highlighting the international stakes of the conflict and strategic moves that turn the tide in favor of the Continental Army.
Washington imparts wisdom to Hamilton, reminding him of the lasting impact of their actions and the weight of leadership, urging him to move with caution and foresight.
The decisive Battle of Yorktown unfolds, leading to a British surrender and a pivotal victory for the American revolutionaries, heralding their independence.
King George III reacts to the colonies' victory, mockingly questioning how they intend to govern themselves without British rule.
Burr and Hamilton express their hopes and dreams for their newborn children, revealing their softer sides and personal aspirations. This is a beautifully tender and hopeful track, a well-earned reprieve after tiresome battles.
Hamilton's relentless work ethic propels him into pivotal roles in the new government, while his peers marvel at his drive and question his choices. As we witness his authorship of the Federalist Papers, we gear up for Act II.
Thomas Jefferson returns from France to find a new nation and is appointed as Secretary of State, setting up political rivalries. The old-school jazzy tune is impossible to sit still to, yet it sets up the inevitable clash with Hamilton and the political intrigue that underscores these events.
Hamilton and Jefferson engage in a heated debate over financial policies, showcasing their ideological differences. A rap battle over finance is perhaps the best representation of everything Hamilton represents.
A recurring theme throughout this show, Eliza and Angelica urge Hamilton to pause and spend time with his family, but he remains consumed by his work.
Hamilton becomes entangled in an affair with Maria Reynolds, leading to a breaking point and personal and political complications.
Burr laments his exclusion from political decision-making, expressing his desire to be in the center of power. His envy prompts him to think outside his fate and forge his own path forward.
The brewing rivalry between the friends and Burr's political ambitions lead him to challenge and defeat Hamilton's father-in-law, escalating their conflict.
We return again to a rap battle over finance, policy, and alliances, with Hamilton and Jefferson spitting bars as the world continues to change and evolve.
Jefferson, Madison, and Burr conspire against Hamilton, feeling marginalized by Washington's favoritism.
Washington announces his decision to step down from the presidency, delivering his farewell address with Hamilton's assistance. It is a rousing speech delivered with electrifying furor.
King George III reacts to Washington's resignation, mocking the young nation's political instability.
Hamilton's political influence wanes under President John Adams, leading to him publicly lashing out against a sitting President, effectively ending his career and halting his political ambitions.
Jefferson, Madison, and Burr confront Hamilton about his affair, suspecting financial misconduct.
Hamilton reflects on his life and makes the fateful decision to publish a pamphlet confessing his affair, hoping to clear his name.
With his career already in shambles, Hamilton's pamphlet is the final nail in the coffin. The public reacts to Hamilton's scandalous revelation, which damages his reputation and personal relationships.
Humiliated and heartbroken, Eliza delivers a gutwrenching ballad that recounts her fateful marriage to "Icarus." Vowing to erase herself from the narrative, she burns all the letters Hamilton ever sent her.
Hamilton's son Philip, now the age his father was at the start, vows to forge his own legacy while also clearing his father's name, a goal that comes at much too great a cost.
Despite warnings and wisdom imparted, Philip takes on a duel and is mortally wounded, leading to a devastating track where the three grapple with a reality that is fast approaching.
Set to an aptly sparse orchestration, we see the Hamiltons grieve their son as Eliza slowly forgives her husband for his infidelity.
Following the disastrous Adams administration's fall, Burr and Jefferson duke it out for the president's seat. It would appear that Hamilton's endorsement is pivotal to this moment, and the duo vie for his approval.
Furious at what he perceives as a betrayal, Burr challenges Hamilton to a duel.
Eliza, blissfully unaware of what is to come, pays no heed when Hamilton pens his final goodbye to her and leaves for an "early meeting."
"I survived, but I paid for it." The duel ends in tragedy, as two former friends face off, both betraying the ideals they once held, in a moment that changes everything forever.
As the realm of politics is forced to begrudgingly admit Hamilton's legacy, Eliza reinserts herself into the narrative, ensuring his deeds are accurately recorded and preserved in the annals of history.
A force to be reckoned with, Mirana has proven himself to be a musical genius time and time again. His first and most important mark on the legacy of theater is, of course, Hamilton, a brilliant work that reimagined what a stage production could be and reshaped how we envision historical retellings. Every single song tells a dense, nuanced story, each crafted with care, and each mesmerizing to witness live.