The Meaning Behind The Song: Found/Tonight by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Introduction

In March 2018, two of the most popular Broadway stars, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt, collaborated to create a powerful mashup called “Found/Tonight.” The song features portions of two hit Broadway songs: “The Story of Tonight” from Miranda’s Hamilton, and “You Will Be Found” from Platt’s Dear Evan Hansen. “Found/Tonight” is not just a beautifully sung song, but it’s also inspiring and has a significant meaning that resonates with many people.

The song was released in support of the March for Our Lives movement, a protest aimed at ending gun violence and mass shootings in America. The mashup is an uplifting call-to-action to those fighting for change, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope.

The lyrics

The mashup features lyrics from the two original songs to create a beautiful chorus that feels new and appropriate for the rally cry to demand change.

The chorus for “Found/Tonight” reads,

“Even when the dark comes crashing through
When you need a friend to carry you
And when you’re broken on the ground
You will be found.

So let the sun come streaming in
‘Cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again
If you only look around
You will be found.”

The lyrics emphasize the power of hope and unity in the face of turmoil and isolation.

The meaning behind the song

The goal of “Found/Tonight” was to inspire hope and motivate people to fight for change. Miranda and Platt wanted to create something that would make people feel less alone and remind them that they have the strength to overcome adversity.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Miranda shared that the song is about “hope and light in the face of darkness.” He wanted the song to have an uplifting message and to remind people that they are not alone in their fight for justice.

The main connection between the original songs is the idea of friendship and solidarity. While “The Story of Tonight” is about four friends toasting to their future, their friendship and the idea of standing united in the face of adversity, “You Will Be Found” is about the power of reaching out and making someone feel less alone.

The two songs combined create a powerful message of never giving up, standing together, and finding hope and strength in the midst of chaos.

The musicality

The mashup of the two songs is beautifully crafted, with Miranda’s lyrics perfectly complementing Platt’s melody. The song begins with the opening chord progression of “The Story of Tonight,” building up to the chorus of “You Will Be Found.” The tempo is set to be slow in the beginning, with a gradually building of momentum that matches the sentiments of rising up and pushing back against adversity. The result is an inspiring song that touches the hearts of those who listen to it.

Why was it released during the March for Our Lives movement?

In the wake of yet another school shooting, students across America started protesting for change in gun laws. On February 14, 2018, a gunman entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and killed 17 people, mostly students. Fueled by grief and rage, students took to social media to demand an end to gun violence and organized a nationwide protest called “March for Our Lives.”

“Found/Tonight” was released to show support for the movement, its goals, and the students involved. The song’s message is about being heard, standing strong, and having hope even in the midst of uncertainty. It was considered one of the most popular songs to come out in support of the March for Our Lives movement.

What impact did it have on the audience?

Found/Tonight had a significant impact on those who heard it. Its words of hope and solidarity resonated with many, especially in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting. The message of the song provided a sense of comfort and hope among the students, teachers, and families affected by the shooting.

Melissa Falkowski, a teacher from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, wrote in The New York Times that the song gave her strength in the aftermath of the shooting. She said, “It felt like the perfect anthem for a group trying to find its footing amidst tragedy.”

The song also received massive support from people on social media, with many sharing their stories of how the song touched their hearts and helped them in their struggles.

What is the social and political impact of the song?

Found/Tonight became an anthem for the March for Our Lives movement, spreading a message of hope and unity for change. The song’s message reflects the movement’s goals, emphasizing the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.

Moreover, the song became a symbol of the fact that artists can use their platform to make a difference in the world. Miranda and Platt’s collaboration showed how music can have a powerful impact on social and political issues, inspiring people to take action and speak out for what they believe in.

What was the process of creating Found/Tonight like?

In a tweet, Miranda revealed that Found/Tonight was recorded in a single night at the New York City studio of Atlantic Records. He and Platt initially meant to perform it during the March for Our Lives rally but did not due to scheduling conflicts.

According to Miranda, the two friends had a great time recording the song together, with their voices blending beautifully. The song’s final version was a product of their creative collaboration and the hard work of their team.

This song features in which album?

Found/Tonight was never part of any album. It was released as a single in 2018.

How successful was Found/Tonight?

Found/Tonight was a huge success, especially for a single released for a political movement. The song debuted at number 31 on the US Billboard Hot 100, selling over 28,000 copies in its first week of release. It also reached number 7 on the US Digital Song Sales chart.

The song’s success can also be measured in its social media impact, with an outpouring of support from people who found the song’s message inspiring and uplifting.

What was the critical reception of Found/Tonight?

Found/Tonight was widely praised by music critics, with many commending its inspiring message and musicality. Rolling Stone called the song “transformative,” while The New York Times described it as “gorgeous.” Many critics believed that the song was emotionally powerful and beautifully sung.

What makes Found/Tonight different from other protest songs?

Found/Tonight is a unique protest song because it combines two Broadway songs to create something new and inspiring. Instead of being explicitly political like most protest songs, Found/Tonight is both subtle and emotional, relying on its inspiring message of hope and unity to make an impact.

Moreover, the fact that the song was performed by two musical theater stars and released in support of a youth-led political movement, challenged the stereotype that Broadway is solely for entertainment and lacks social and political relevance.

How did the March for Our Lives movement benefit from Found/Tonight?

Found/Tonight provided a powerful boost of motivation to the March for Our Lives movement. The song’s inspiring message of hope and unity reflected the movement’s goals, and its beautiful musicality captured the public’s attention. By being widely available on iTunes and other platforms, the song allowed people to connect with the movement on an emotional level, inspiring them to get involved and support the cause in their own way.

What is the legacy of Found/Tonight?

Found/Tonight will be remembered as a beautiful and inspiring mashup that touched the hearts of many. The song provided a sense of comfort and hope in the aftermath of a tragedy, reminding us that we are not alone and there is always a way forward.

Moreover, Found/Tonight also showed how art can be used to make a difference in the world. The song’s success demonstrated that music can be a powerful tool for change, inspiring people to take action and speak out for what they believe in.

Conclusion

Found/Tonight is a beautiful and inspiring mashup that touched many people’s hearts. Through its powerful message of hope and unity, the song reminded us that even in the darkest moments, we’re never alone. Miranda and Platt’s collaboration shows us how art can be used to make a difference in the world, offering a sense of comfort and hope to all those who need it. Found/Tonight is a true testament to the power of music to inspire change.