Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Anthony Ramos, Daveed Diggs, Okieriete Onaodowan, Phillipa Soo, and Christopher Jackson brought Hamilton to life on Broadway.

Each brought special talents—from Miranda’s writing and rap skills to Odom’s smooth voice.

After the show, they went on to create music and star in movies, TV shows, and other plays.

About the Song

“Alexander Hamilton” opens the Broadway musical Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

This first song tells how Alexander Hamilton grew up poor in the Caribbean and made his way to America, becoming one of the country’s founding fathers.

The music combines hip-hop beats with historical facts to start Hamilton’s story. 

Lyrics of Alexander Hamilton 

Aaron Burr

How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a

Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten

Spot in the Caribbean by providence, impoverished, in squalor

Grow up to be a hero and a scholar?

John Laurens

The ten-dollar Founding Father without a father

Got a lot farther by working a lot harder

By being a lot smarter, by being a self-starter

By fourteen, they placed him in charge of a trading charter

Thomas Jefferson

And every day while slaves were being slaughtered and carted

Away across the waves, he struggled and kept his guard up

Inside, he was longing for something to be a part of

The brother was ready to beg, steal, borrow, or barter

James Madison

Then a hurricane came, and devastation reigned

Our man saw his future drip, dripping down the drain

Put a pencil to his temple, connected it to his brain

And he wrote his first refrain, a testament to his pain

Burr

Well, the word got around, they said, “This kid is insane, man”

Took up a collection just to send him to the mainland

“Get your education, don’t forget from whence you came, and

The world’s gonna know your name, what’s your name, man?”

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton

My name is Alexander Hamilton

And there’s a million things I haven’t done

But just you wait, just you wait

Eliza Hamilton

When he was ten his father split, full of it, debt-ridden

Two years later, see Alex and his mother bed-ridden

Half-dead sittin’ in their own sick, the scent thick

Full Company Except Hamilton

And Alex got better, but his mother went quick

George Washington, Company & Both

Moved in with a cousin, the cousin committed suicide

Left him with nothin’ but ruined pride, something new inside

A voice sayin’, “Alex, you gotta fend for yourself”

He started retreatin’ and readin’ every treatise on the shelf

Burr, Company & Both

There would have been nothin’ left to do for someone less astute

He woulda been dead or destitute without a cent of restitution

Started workin’, clerkin’ for his late mother’s landlord

Tradin’ sugar cane and rum and all the things he can’t afford

Scammin’ for every book he can get his hands on

Plannin’ for the future see him now as he stands on (Ooh)

The bow of a ship headed for a new land

In New York, you can be a new man

Company & Hamilton

In New York, you can be a new man (Just you wait)

In New York, you can be a new man (Just you wait)

In New York, you can be a new man

Women & Men

In New York (New York)

Hamilton

Just you wait

Company

Alexander Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton)

We are waiting in the wings for you (Waiting in the wings for you)

You could never back down

You never learned to take your time

Oh, Alexander Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton)

When America sings for you

Will they know what you overcame?

Will they know you rewrote the game?

The world will never be the same, oh

Burr, Men & Company

The ship is in the harbor now

See if you can spot him (Just you wait)

Another immigrant

Comin’ up from the bottom (Just you wait)

His enemies destroyed his rep

America forgot him

Mulligan/Madison & Lafayette/Jefferson

We fought with him

Laurens/Philip

Me? I died for him

Washington

Me? I trusted him

Eliza, Angelica & Peggy/Maria

Me? I loved him

Burr

And me? I’m the damn fool that shot him

Company

There’s a million things I haven’t done

But just you wait

Burr

What’s your name, man?

Company

Alexander Hamilton

Live Performance of the Song

Hamilton Performance at the Olivier Awards 2018

The West End cast of Hamilton performed “Alexander Hamilton” at the Olivier Awards, held at the Royal Albert Hall. The performance was full of energy and impressed the audience.

Similar Songs Like Alexander Hamilton 

Here’s a list of similar songs from the musical Hamilton that are performed by the cast and have a storytelling or historical vibe like “Alexander Hamilton”:

• My Shot: A powerful anthem showcasing Hamilton’s ambition and determination.

• The Schuyler Sisters: Introduces Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy, highlighting their perspectives and roles.

• You’ll Be Back: King George III’s humorous yet threatening song about loyalty and control.

• Right Hand Man: Depicts George Washington’s relationship with Hamilton as they prepare for war.

• Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down): An energetic song about the victory at the Battle of Yorktown.

• Nonstop: Explores Hamilton’s relentless work ethic and his rise in politics.

• Cabinet Battle #1 and #2: Rap-style debates between Hamilton and Jefferson over political issues.

• What’d I Miss: Jefferson’s lively reintroduction to the story after his time in France.

• Guns and Ships: A fast-paced song featuring Lafayette’s role in the war.

• The Room Where It Happens: A captivating song about political power and decision-making.

These songs carry the same dynamic energy and narrative depth as “Alexander Hamilton,” blending history with modern musical styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did it take to make this song?

Lin performed a pretty polished version in May 2009, so it’s been in the works for at least six years.

What hardships did Alexander Hamilton have to overcome in his early life?

Alexander Hamilton faced several early hardships in life. His father abandoned the family. Then his mother died when he was 12, leaving him an orphan. 

What is the most famous line in Hamilton?

“I’m not throwing away my shot” is often considered the most memorable line from the musical, appearing multiple times.

What is the longest song in Hamilton?

“Non-Stop” is the longest song in Hamilton, running about 6 minutes and 30 seconds. It closes Act One of the show.