12 Best Hamilton Songs
5. Alexander Hamilton
"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?"
Name a better and more recognisable opening line to a musical. Go on take your time.
This is the song that started it all. Miranda adapted the first 40 pages of Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton biography into a four-minute song, with no idea how it would be received by audiences.
In 2009, he got the chance to perform it at The White House to President Obama and the First Lady, Michelle. He received a standing ovation.
The song is pure exposition, summarising Hamilton's upbringing and early life, putting in motion his epic story and setting up the major motifs that will continue throughout the near three-hour musical sensation.
Not only is it the perfect introduction to the story of Alexander Hamilton, it is also the perfect introduction for people new to the musical. If anyone you know is wondering what all the fuss about Hamilton is about, just play this song. You won't regret it.
The added genius of having Aaron Burr, Hamilton's main rival and: "The damned fool who shot him," makes this song even more special. This is truly a song that will go down in history.