Guns and Ships is performed by Daveed Diggs, a multi-talented artist known for his work in acting, rapping, and writing. Diggs earned praise for his role as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in the Broadway musical Hamilton.
His work in Hamilton earned him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Outside of Broadway, Diggs performs with the experimental hip-hop group Clipping. His skills are shown on TV shows and films like Snowpiercer and Blindspotting, proving his artistic range.
About the Song
Guns and Ships is one of the best tracks from Hamilton. It shows Lafayette’s leadership and military skills during the American Revolution.
The song has Diggs performing some of the fastest rap lyrics in Broadway history, displaying his quick vocal skills and enthusiasm. It’s a key part of the musical, mixing history, storytelling, and strong performances, which makes many viewers love it.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Musical/Album | Hamilton |
| Producer | Bill Sherman, ?uestlove, Black Thought, Alex Lacamoire & Lin-Manuel Miranda |
| Writer | Lin-Manuel Miranda |
Guns and Ships by Hamilton
BURR
How does a ragtag volunteer army in need of a shower
Somehow defeat a global superpower?
How do we emerge victorious from the quagmire?
Leave the battlefield waving Betsy Ross’ flag higher?
Yo. Turns out we have a secret weapon
An immigrant you know and love who’s unafraid to step in
He’s constantly confusing, confounding the British henchmen
Everyone give it up for America’s favorite fightin’ Frenchman!
COMPANY
Lafayette
LAFAYETTE
I’m takin’ this horse by the reins
Makin’ redcoats redder with bloodstains
COMPANY
Lafayette
LAFAYETTE
And I’m never gonna stop until I make ’em drop
And burn ’em up and scatter their remains, I’m
COMPANY
Lafayette
LAFAYETTE
Watch me engagin’ em, escapin’ em, enragin’ em, I’m—
COMPANY
Lafayette
LAFAYETTE
I go to France for more funds
COMPANY
Lafayette
LAFAYETTE
I come back with more
LAFAYETTE AND ENSEMBLE
Guns and ships
And so the balance shifts
WASHINGTON
We rendezvous with Rochambeau, consolidate their gifts
LAFAYETTE
We can end this war in Yorktown, cut them off at sea, but
For this to succeed, there is someone else we need
WASHINGTON
I know
WASHINGTON AND COMPANY
Hamilton
LAFAYETTE
Sir, he knows what to do in a trench
Ingenuitive and fluent in French, I mean—
WASHINGTON AND COMPANY
Hamilton
LAFAYETTE
Sir, you’re gonna have to use him eventually
What’s he gonna do on the bench? I mean—
WASHINGTON AND COMPANY
Hamilton
LAFAYETTE
No one has more resilience
Or matches my practical tactical brilliance
WASHINGTON AND COMPANY
Hamilton
LAFAYETTE
You want to fight for your land back?
COMPANY
Hamilton
WASHINGTON
I need my right hand man back
LAFAYETTE, LAFAYETTE & MEN, WOMEN
(Hamilton) Yeah, get ya right hand man back
(Hamilton) You know you gotta get ya right hand man back
LAFAYETTE, MEN, MEN & WOMEN
(Hamilton) I mean you gotta put some thought into the letter
(Ha-Ha-Hamilton) But the sooner the better
(Hamilton, Ha-Ha) To get your right hand man back
WASHINGTON
Alexander Hamilton
Troops are waiting in the field for you
If you join us right now, together we can turn the tide
Oh, Alexander Hamilton
I have soldiers that will yield for you
If we manage to get this right
They’ll surrender by early light
The world will never be the same, Alexander
Broadway Live of Guns and Ships by Hamilton (2016)
Similar Songs Like Guns and Ships
If you enjoy Guns and Ships from “Hamilton,” here are other songs from the musical with similar quick lyrics and compelling stories:
- “My Shot”: Hamilton presents himself with determination and quick verses.
- “Yorktown”: A battle sequence showing the key moment of the Revolutionary War with quick raps and group vocals.
- “Alexander Hamilton”: The first song of Hamilton, combining story and beat to start the main character’s tale.
- “Cabinet Battle #1”: A verbal contest between Hamilton and Jefferson, full of political debate and smart exchanges.
- “Cabinet Battle #2”: Another match between Hamilton and Jefferson about foreign policy with a quick, interesting rap.
- “Washington on Your Side”: Jefferson, Madison, and Burr work against Hamilton with steady but firm words.
- “Satisfied”: A quick but heartfelt song by Angelica Schuyler, mixing fast verses with personal thoughts.
- “Right Hand Man”: A song that shows George Washington and Hamilton’s start as his trusted advisor during wartime.
- “The Reynolds Pamphlet”: A quick-moving piece about Hamilton’s main scandal coming to light.
- “What’d I Miss”: Thomas Jefferson’s entrance song, mixing fun and rhythm with quick beats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Guns And Ships’ About in Hamilton?
The song shows Marquis de Lafayette’s work in getting French support during the American Revolution, featuring one of Broadway’s fastest rap performances.
Who Sings ‘Guns And Ships’ in Hamilton?
Daveed Diggs, playing Marquis de Lafayette, performs the song, showing his quick speed and skill in one of the musical’s most lively tracks.
How Fast is ‘Guns And Ships’?
The song contains one of the fastest raps in Broadway history, with Daveed Diggs delivering up to 6.3 words per second.
Why is ‘Guns And Ships’ Popular?
Its quick rap, historical story, and Daveed Diggs’ strong performance make it one of the most liked songs in Hamilton.
