The Best 'Hamilton' Songs That Are Impossible To Get Out Of Your Head

Musical Moment: Jonathan Groff is the only white actor in the show, which is intentional, given that he’s King George (and the villain). He’s under the impression that America can’t make it without the support of the crown and wants everyone to know it.

Why It Sticks In Your Head: Throughout the song, we get the impression that King George is a whiny ex who thinks you’ll come back to them. It’s catchy in the most unhinged way. Basically, it ups the toxic charm so you can’t help but sing along even though you hate the homicidal and creepy possessive lyrics. He’s so upbeat that it masks the horror of what he’s actually saying. 

Standout Lyrics:

Cuz when push comes to shove,

I will kill your friends and family to remind you of my love.

Da da da dat da dat da da da da ya da!

Musical Moment: Here, Eliza’s sister Angelica gives a toast at Hamilton and Eliza’s wedding. We also learn that Angelica had a thing for Hamilton. Yet nothing could ever happen between the two because he’s of a lower status and she’s the eldest with more responsibilities and expectations than her sister. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: Despite its happy tempo and vocals, the song is actually pretty melancholic. Angelica has to find happiness for her sister even though she’s hurting herself. Angelica knows she can never have Hamilton - the man she deems as her equal in all the ways that matter. But her sister means more to her than any man ever will. The moment where she lists her three truths is hard-hitting despite the song's upbeat pacing. 

Standout Lyrics:

But when I fantasize at night

it’s Alexander’s eyes,

as I romanticize what might

have been if I hadn’t sized him

up so quickly.

At least my dear Eliza’s his wife;

at least I keep his eyes in my life…

Musical Moment: Even the 1700s had sordid romance. Aaron Burr is hooking up with a married English woman he’s in love with, and the song gives us insight into who he is as a person. As an orphan during a period of revolution, he believes that his own life is the only thing he can control. As a result, he takes it to an extreme. But he still can’t help comparing himself to Hamilton. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: The truth in the words that “death doesn’t discriminate between the sinners and the saints” is a universal bummer anyone can relate to. “Wait for It” is one of the few truly solo songs in the show. Burr sings it on his own, while the majority of the musical features an ensemble. It’s more of a softspoken ballad with moments of intensity. Burr is seeking answers to questions with no answers, and his desperation is palpable. While some of the lines will play over in your head from a catchy standpoint, the lyrics will probably stay with you more than anything.

Standout Lyrics:

Death doesn’t discriminate

between the sinners and the saints,

it takes and it takes and it takes

and we keep living anyway.

Musical Moment: This song immediately follows “Aaron Burr, Sir.” Hamilton is pumping himself up in a bar as he prepares to begin the revolution. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: This boppy number is primarily performed by Hamilton. The energy is palpable in what is essentially a hype song. You almost feel like you’re in the bar with Hamilton in the 1770s with freedom in the air. The line “A bunch of revolutionary manumission abolitionists? Give me a position, show me where the ammunition is” is quite literally a showstopper as the music pauses along with the line. Can you say it five times fast? Probably not. Is it catchy? Absolutely.

Standout Lyrics:

I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory

When’s it gonna get me?

In my sleep? Seven feet ahead of me?

If I see it comin’, do I run or do I let it be?

Is it like a beat without a melody?

Musical Moment: This is the establishing song for the women who will become Hamilton's wife and sister-in-law. They make it clear Angelica is the adventurous eldest sister while Eliza is the quieter and kinder one. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: “The Schuyler Sisters” is a female-led bop that gives the women of the time a voice. It’s a unique depiction of female freethinkers you don’t often see in representations of this period. There's a voraciousness with which they dictate their opinions that's refreshing. The ensemble gives equal opportunity for everyone to shine and we can feel that the women are excited for the revolution. That excitement transfers to the audience.

Standout Lyrics:

I’ve been reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine.

So men say that I’m intense or I’m insane.

You want a revolution? I want a revelation

So listen to my declaration:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident

That all men are created equal”

And when I meet Thomas Jefferson,

I’m ‘a compel him to include women in the sequel!

Musical Moment: “The Room Where It Happens” takes place during the conversation about where the center of government should be. It describes the compromise that occurred even though no one really knows what was said in the room where it happened.

Why It Sticks In Your Head: We hear this number from Burr’s perspective, where he's jealously looking on and wishing he could be in the room where decisions are made. The song is one of the angrier and fast-tempo songs that illustrates Burr’s fury. Given that the wedge between Hamilton and Burr is pretty strong, it further cements his growing frustration that Hamilton is getting everything Burr wants. The beats transfer some of the song's intensity onto the audience.

Standout Lyrics:

God help and forgive me,

I wanna build

something that’s gonna

outlive me.

Musical Moment: At this point, Hamilton and Burr are both lawyers in New York, which is serving as the capital of the newly formed United States. The two go back and forth with their different ideologies and approaches to what independence means. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: There’s a whole lot to unpack in this six minutes of exposition. However, the feud between Burr and Hamilton is the part that stands out. We can all relate to the concept of working yourself to death. The tempo and staccato nature of the notes emulate those frantic working vibes that still plague the workforce today. Clearly, we've learned nothing. But at least we can bop to our workforce misery.

Standout Lyrics:

How do you write like tomorrow won’t arrive?

How do you write like you need it to survive?

How do you write ev’ry second you’re alive?

Ev’ry second you’re alive? Ev’ry second you’re alive?

Musical Moment: “Alexander Hamilton” is the establishing song that sets up the musical. It serves as a background track to bring the audience up to speed about Hamilton’s life prior to the start of the show. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: This is an ensemble piece where every character sings a part of Hamilton's backstory. Compellingly, because the musical is fictionalized history, Aaron Burr gives away the ending that he shoots Hamilton. The song is catchy and upbeat while it teases the characters’ relationship with Hamilton. “And me, I’m the damn fool who shot him” is certainly a memorable moment in the number. It previews that the musical has fun with its retelling of history - even the dark parts.

Standout Lyrics:

Alexander Hamilton.

My name is Alexander Hamilton.

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

but just you wait, just you wait…

Musical Moment: “Burn” takes place after Eliza finds out that Hamilton cheated on her while she and the kids were away. She takes an unusually strong approach for the time period by kicking him out of their bed and telling him she’ll stay married out of obligation but nothing more.

Why It Sticks In Your Head: This delicate ballad from Eliza’s perspective is one of the softer songs in the musical. While it’s sad and wistful, it’s also strong-willed. A heartbroken Eliza refuses to compromise on her decision to ice her husband out and calls him out on how much his very public infidelity hurt her and the kids. 

Most people have been in the position where someone they love has misplaced priorities. This song is a reminder that we're allowed to choose ourselves. While Eliza is unable to fully leave Hamilton, she still chooses herself. Even better, Eliza gets spiteful and hopes he burns in hell. It’s such a quiet “f*** you,” but it’s a powerful one. It's low volume but loud in meaning.

Standout Lyrics:

I’m erasing myself from the narrative.

Let future historians wonder

how Eliza reacted when you broke her heart.

You have torn it all apart.

I am watching it burn.

Musical Moment: Hamilton is destroying his relationship in real time during this song. He’s accused of embezzling from the government, but in reality, he was paying off the husband of his lover with his own personal money. So he types up and releases the Reynolds Pamphlet detailing his indiscretion while he publicly subjects his family to the fallout. This number leads to the song “Burn,” where Eliza tells him their marriage is over in all the ways that matter.

Why It Sticks In Your Head: Hamilton selfishly feels that the way people perceive him and his legacy is more important than his family. While this isn’t the catchiest song, it’s integral in understanding Hamilton’s priorities at the time. It’s almost like a dis track . The most impactful moment is Angelica throwing shade in the beautiful yet scathing bridge. Hamilton has essentially thrown away his chance at the presidency, and the song is a thorough description of his hubris. It's also a blueprint detailing what not to do to get what you want. 

Standout Lyrics:

I know my sister like I know my own mind,

you will never find anyone as trusting or as kind.

I love my sister more than anything in this life,

I will choose her happiness over mine every time.

Put what we had aside.

I’m standing at her side.

You could never be satisfied.

God, I hope you’re satisfied.

Musical Moment: Hamilton and his future wife Eliza meet in this wistful number. It’s from Eliza's perspective and details how she feels helpless to resist his charms. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: Eliza primarily sings in this number that shows off more belting than we typically see in the muscal. It’s catchy in its naivete and radiates a first-love kind of energy full of promise and hope. While the song is introduced as a lovestruck ballad, it’s hard to watch a second time knowing he’s about to break all of his promises. This speaks to the naivete and unbridled joy of the song.

Standout Lyrics:

Helpless!

Look into your eyes, and the sky’s the limit

I’m helpless!

Down for the count, and I’m drownin' in 'em

I’m helpless!

Musical Moment: “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” is the final song in the musical. It takes place as a widowed Eliza struggles to deal with grief over losing her husband. She dedicates the rest of her life to documenting Hamilton’s role in the revolution so no one will forget his contributions. She also opens an orphanage and raises kids who have no one else to turn to. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: Eliza is the primary voice in this number that chronicles the concepts of legacy, what we leave behind, and who will tell our story. The ballad is tinged with a bittersweet sadness as it picks up momentum. Audiences can relate to the concept of time and what we’ll leave behind. Did we do enough? Will we be remembered for our accomplishments and not our failings? The message sticks with audiences and inspires them to reevaluate their own lives. Later, Eliza gasps, but we don’t know why. It’s a powerful conclusion to the entire show.  Is it her last breath? Is it her realizing she sees the audience because she did her job and told his story? Is she seeing Hamilton when she takes her last breath? We don't know. And that's why it works.

Standout Lyrics:

Every other founding fathers' story gets told.

Every other founding father gets to grow old.

But when you’re gone, who remembers your name?

Who keeps your flame?

Musical Moment: Burr and Hamilton wax poetic about the birth of their firstborn children in “Dear Theodosia.” Now, instead of trying to build and strengthen the country for themselves, they're more interested in making a better world for their children.

Why It Sticks In Your Head: This song is particularly poignant for parents. It captures the moment when your priorities shift to your kids and that new sense of self recontextualizes everything in your life. Even though they're very different people, this universal feeling is mirrored by both Hamilton and Burr. It’s a soft song that’s almost like a soothing lullaby to their kids.

Standout Lyrics:

If we lay a strong enough foundation

we’ll pass it on to you,

we’ll give the world to you, and you’ll blow us all away...

someday, someday.

Yeah, you’ll blow us all away,

someday, someday.

Musical Moment: Hamilton throws his shot in his duel with Burr, which is supposed to result in a draw. His decision is a callback to the naivete of his previous bullheaded line, “I am not throwing away my shot.” Sometimes you have to throw away your shot because it's better to make a wise decision than a prideful one. But Burr doesn’t honor the draw. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: The song illustrates that Hamilton and Burr have switched places. Hamilton has become the more level-headed one while Burr gets angry and impulsive. Burr doesn’t consider that Hamilton’s introspection is the result of standing where his son was shot and killed, and Hamilton makes the same choice to throw the shot he convinced his son to take. But just like it did for his son, the attempted draw backfires. This number is almost like three songs in one. The first part is in Burr's perspective, who's convinced Hamilton is trying to kill him. The second part is Hamilton realizing he’s dying and accepting it. The third chronicles Burr's regret over shooting Hamilton. These very different pieces of the song are both powerful and striking due to the stark contrasts of each part. It's a lot to unpack both lyrically and musically, but the mishmash of voices and points of view really make it shine.

Standout Lyrics:

Now I’m the villain in your history.

I was too young and blind to see...

I should’ve known.

I should’ve known

the world was wide enough for both Hamilton and me.

The world was wide enough for both Hamilton and me.

Musical Moment: “It's Quiet Uptown” details Eliza and Hamilton trying to survive after the tragic death of their son. It’s also the moment where they find their way back to each other despite everything that's happened.

Why It Sticks In Your Head: Eliza's sister Angelica actually sings this song about the fractured couple while she watches them grieve. The softspoken song is indicative of what it feels like to watch someone you love suffer a great loss. The moments when the angelic chorus harmonizes are soft but powerful. There‘s also a tragic desperation that’s heartbreaking and gripping all at once. This number will haunt you more than it will get stuck in your head. But it replays over and over nonetheless.

Standout Lyrics:

There are moments that the words don’t reach.

There is a grace too powerful to name.

We push away what we can never understand,

we push away the unimaginable.

Musical Moment: Here, we meet Hamilton as a young man when he's about 19. The song highlights how Hamilton and Burr meet and teases their contrasting personalities. 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: Hamilton and Burr primarily duet during this conversational number. Early on, it’s clear that Burr is opportunistic and changes his ideology based on convenience. Meanwhile, Hamilton doesn’t waver in his beliefs. This sets up their future rivalry. “If you stand for nothing then what do you fall for” is one of the catchiest and most thought-provoking lines. 

Standout Lyrics:

Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for. 

Fools who run their mouths off wind up dead.

Musical Moment: Hamilton, Lafayette, Mulligan, and Laurens talk about how this night is the night the idea of revolution was born. They’re adamant this historical moment will be remembered forever. Well, they were right.

Why It Sticks In Your Head: The lyrics repeat on a loop, hammering in the idea of freedom that pulses like a drum. The song and its repetition are almost like a rallying cry for freedom that people today can still relate to. Some musical moments just give you chills, and the concept of remembered history does just that. Given that we’re singing about it today, that legacy does in fact live on. And that's a powerful thing.

Standout Lyrics:

Raise a glass to freedom,

Something they can never take away,

no matter what they tell you.

Raise a glass to the four of us.

Tomorrow there’ll be more of us.

Telling the story of tonight.

Musical Moment: Angelica and Eliza try to get Hamilton to stop working while he’s on vacation. The song shows how much Philip is like his father as he grows up, and it’s one of very few moments where we see Eliza, Philip, and Hamilton function as a family (kind of). 

Why It Sticks In Your Head: When you rewatch the show, it’s easy to pick up on the parallels between Hamilton and Philip - both in life and how they die. The beginning of this song is actually the one Philip and Eliza sing later in the show when Philip dies, making the parallel even more powerful. “Take a Break” is one of the more wholesome and child-like songs, indicative of naive wonder that seeps into the DNA of the song. It’s hard-hitting because Hamilton is more focused on work than family, which is his undoing. And Hamilton loses precious time with his son who will die too soon.

Standout Lyrics:

Daddy, daddy, look -

My name is Philip.

I am a poet.

I wrote this poem just to show it.

And I just turned 9.

You can write rhymes,

but you can’t write mine.