My Top 10 Best Songs From the Broadway Show Hamilton

The Hamilton musical is a masterpiece.

The music, lyrics, and performances are all incredibly powerful and moving. The story of Alexander Hamilton’s rise to fame and eventual downfall is told in a way that is both engaging and educational.

The use of hip-hop and R&B styles to tell the story adds a unique and modern twist. Overall, it is a must-see for any musical theatre enthusiast.

Many years ago 2017 I was in my dormitory at uni and I was reading and listening to music on shuffle and Sia and Queen Latifa’s Satisfied from the Mixtape came up. I went online to check the lyrics and I discovered it was from the Hamilton Mixtape Of songs from the hamilton musical ladies and gentlemen that is how my Hamilton journey started and I remembered that day as clear as day today.

Because what I didn’t know that day was that this would be the start of a new relationship as well as a new me.

The message of the show – to never give up on your dreams, no matter what obstacles may come your way – has resonated with me on a deep level. I have found myself listening to the soundtrack on repeat when I need a boost of motivation, and it never fails to lift my spirits.

The whole album has a song for everything, motivating, celebration, loss, love, farewell, and much more you name it.  Satisfied has been used as a toast at many weddings since 2016 and I can’t wait till I get to use it in a toast at my sister’s wedding also.

So here are my top 10 songs from the Hamilton Musical and some more.

“My Shot” – This song perfectly captures the determination and ambition of the young Alexander Hamilton. With its catchy beat and empowering lyrics, it is the perfect anthem for anyone looking to seize the day. Definitely not throwing away my shot, this song shows who hamilton and the other ensemble are and it hypes you up for the rest of the musical. Do not throw away your shot. Oh the irony

2. Alexandra Hamilton

What’s your name man??

Alexander Hamilton

 I loved this song a lot because it introduces the musical to us. I loved the smooth storytelling as it lets us know who Alexander Hamilton is.

“Alexander Hamilton” – The opening number of the show, this song sets the stage for the entire story of Hamilton. With its rapid-fire lyrics and historical references, it is a masterclass in storytelling.

3. Satisfied

This is the first song I heard on the hamilton album. I heard it on a shuffle playlist randomly 5 years ago and I wasn’t satisfied I went looking for more and that was how I discovered the Hamilton musical.

This song showcases the complex relationship between Hamilton and his wife Eliza. With its clever use of rap and stunning vocals, it is a standout moment in the show.

When Angelica first meets Hamilton, she’s completely entranced by him. But she knows that Eliza also wants to be with him.

Because of this, Angelica sets her feelings aside so that Eliza and Hamilton can be together. 

“Satisfied” shows that Angelica’s love for her sister is stronger than her love for Hamilton.

Angelica also provides a nice range of emotions from being happy for Angelica, to melancholic for losing Hamilton.

4. Take a break

The thing about the Hamilton album is you discover something new after so many listens. This is a song on the album that didn’t become a favourite until my 3rd year of listening to the album.

I was interested in Hamilton and Angelica’s relationship after the wedding and during his marriage to Eliza, and this song kinda showed a lot including his relationship with his family Eliza and kids included. 

This has to be my fav part of the song. the placement of the Comma totally changes the sentence and reflects on the relationship between Angelica and Hamilton.

Angelica comes from London and Hamilton still says no. It shows how determined he is but at the same time also shows how strong-headed Hamilton could be sometimes.

5. Nonstop

Being the last song of the first act, “Non-Stop” touches on everything that’s happened so far. After the war, Hamilton continues writing endlessly.

Everyone around him, including Eliza and Burr, notice how much and how fast he writes. They ask him why he keeps writing, but Hamilton doesn’t stop and works harder towards a new nation.

“Non-Stop” also brings back elements of earlier songs, such as “Helpless,” “History Has Its Eyes On You,” and “My Shot.”

The song is a culmination of all the work the cast of the musical put forward thus far, and it couldn’t have worked better. With its catchy beat and clever lyrics, it is a fan favourite including mine.

6. The room where it happens

The room where it happens sows more into Burr’s story. It shows how He goes from being cool, collected and barely saying what he thinks, to being angry, jealous and really enraged. He wants to be in the room where it happens.

What I loved most were the lyrics

The part where Hamilton says 

The art of the compromise

Hold your nose and close your eyes

We want our leaders to save the day

But we don’t get a say in what they trade away

We dream of a brand new start

But we dream in the dark for the most part

Dark as a tomb where it happens

I’ve got to be in the room (room where it happens)

I gotta be (the room where it happens)

I gotta be (the room where it happens)

I’ve got to be in the room (the room where it happens)

I gotta be, I gotta be, gotta be (the room where it happens)

In the room (I wanna be in the room where it happens)

Click, boom

Watching it even shows more passion and how much he wanted to be in the room. He did get it at the end so you know.

7. Burn

Burn is an emotional and powerful song that showcases the inner turmoil of Alexander Hamilton as he grapples with his own flaws and mistakes.

This song explores the heartbreak and betrayal that Eliza experiences at the hands of Hamilton. With its powerful vocals and emotional lyrics, it is a haunting reminder of the consequences of infidelity.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrics are incredibly poignant and thought-provoking, painting a vivid picture of Hamilton’s struggles and the weight of his actions on his mind. The song’s powerful message of redemption and the importance of self-reflection resonates with audiences, making it a standout moment in the musical.

Overall, “Burn” is a beautifully written and performed song that showcases the incredible talent of the Hamilton cast and creative team. It is a must-see for fans of the musical and a powerful reminder of the human experience.

8. Hurricane

I loved this song especially because it shows how Hamilton took a bad situation and made something good out of it. He wrote his way out. It showed his resolve to make something out of himself and how he has held on to that same belief and wrote his way out. 

“He wrote his own deliverance”

Never waiting for things to be handed over to him but taking action instead.

With its powerful vocals and emotional lyrics, it is a moving moment in the show.

9. Wait For It 

I love this song. I totally get all of what Burr feels and Says. I’m more of a Burr but listening to this makes me want to be a Hamilton. I listen to this song when I feel like giving up but don’t want to.

Here, Burr evaluates the differences between Hamilton and himself. How they are currently both a reflection of actions they’ve taken over the years.

Hamilton goes after what he wants and gets it, while Burr remains neutral towards everything. Despite Hamilton’s success, Burr decides it’s better to wait, as people who go after what they want can get hurt.

“Wait for It” is important for establishing Burr as more complex than he lets on.

10. What Did I Miss

This was a nice introduction to the second act. Grateful Dave had his own songs because he had them back to back I wanna give him a kiss Muah. 

This song introduces the character of Thomas Jefferson and his laid-back attitude towards the Revolution. With its catchy beat and humorous lyrics, it is a fun and lighthearted moment in the show.

Notable Mentions:

11. Guns and Ships

What’s this list without guns and ships? Dave Diggs steller’s performance n this was amazing. and I know I’m not the only one belting out the lyrics to this trying to catch up with Daves’s speed at which he raps out the lyrics.

12. Quiet Uptown

 This song explores the grief and loss that Eliza and Hamilton experience after the death of their son. With its sombre melody and moving lyrics, it is a poignant moment in the show.

13. Ten Duel Commandments

 This song explores the rules and customs of duelling in the late 18th century. With its clever lyrics and catchy beat, it is a humorous and entertaining moment in the show.

14. History Has Its Eyes on You

Overall, the Hamilton musical is filled with incredible songs that showcase the talent and creativity of its creators. From the energetic “My Shot” to the haunting “Wait for It,” there is something for everyone in this incredible show.

15. Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story

“Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton is a powerful and emotional song that explores the legacies we leave behind after we are gone. The song is sung by the character of Aaron Burr, who reflects on his own mortality and the impact he has had on history. 

The song is beautifully written and showcases the talents of the actor who portrays Burr. The melody is haunting and the lyrics are thought-provoking, making it a standout track from the show.

 Overall, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” is a poignant and moving addition to the Hamilton soundtrack.