Hamilton’s Song Numbers Have Hidden Death Meanings

Hamilton‘s iconic soundtrack significantly contributes to carrying the story, and even its song numbers reveal hidden meanings concerning the deaths of characters in the show. The musical has received mountains of praise and unprecedented popularity since it first hit Broadway in 2015, and since premiering on Disney+ last year, it has allowed viewers to watch even more attentively. This means that eagle-eyed viewers can now notice hidden meanings in the show, which they may not have picked up on before. Penned by Lin Manuel Miranda, the catchy songs of Hamilton are arguably its biggest selling point due to their unique and inventive style, but the numbers are also a huge hint into the major deaths of the show.

Lin Manuel Miranda’s show documented the rise of American founding father Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton‘s narrative poetically showcased him from humble beginnings as he arrived in New York as an immigrant to his rising political influence. Hamilton concluded with his death at the age of 47 in the highly anticipated duel between Alexander and his long-standing foe Aaron Burr. His death is one of two in the show, along with his son Philip. Philip, sadly, died young at the age of 19 in a duel where he meant to defend his father’s honor against George Eacker, a high-class lawyer who had been publically defaming the older Hamilton.

The Hamilton soundtrack actually has hidden meanings regarding these deaths. As mentioned, Hamilton died at the age of 47, and there are 47 songs in the whole show, from the opening number “Alexander Hamilton” to “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.” The same is true in regards to Philip, who died at the age of 19. His character was first mentioned in ‘Dear Theodosia’ when Burr and Hamilton have both had their first children, and they touchingly sing about wanting to build a nation they can pass onto their firstborn. Philip then lived through the next 19 songs until his death in “Stay Alive (Reprise)” following his duel.

Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is uniquely inventive, and his attention to detail in the production is evident. It should come as no surprise that he honored these two characters beyond lyrics and music by including significance in the very soundtrack listing. Philip’s momentous death is even more impactful when this hidden meaning is uncovered, and it cements how untimely his passing was. It also ensures that the next song, Alexander and Eliza’s grieving number “It’s Quiet Uptown,” really impresses in the audience the devastation of what it’s like to lose a child. Similarly, Hamilton sharing his age of death with the number of songs in the show fully establishes how much he accomplished in a relatively short time. It demonstrates how he played such a large part in developing the United States as a nation free of British rule, something which the show states he doesn’t get enough credit for.

The show continues to impress audiences as it uniquely combines history lessons, song and dance, and important inclusivity. Hamilton‘s addition to Disney+ means audiences can now experience the Broadway hit from their own homes with ease, which they have done in their millions. Undoubtedly, there will be even more hidden meanings and fun details that are yet to be uncovered.

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