I love Musicals. Always have. Can't really explain why.
Until recently, I would have sworn, "Singing in the Rain" is the best there is. But now I have met "Hamilton". And I am obsessed.
So it's only fair to write about it.
I stumbled upon Hamilton on YouTube. And since I had nothing better to do, I listened to the 2 hours long lyrics video. And I have it on nearly non-stop since then. So, obviously, the music is great. And the story is true. That's definitely a plus. But why can't I stop listening to it?!
1. I had never heard of Alexander Hamilton before and this musical taught me more about history than any history class I ever had. Now, I'm convinced, that this is the only sensible way to teach history. You really remember the story, and the most important dates, the protagonists and the places. Everything hammered in my memory by a nice little tune.
2. The lyrics are fantastic. Humorous. Witty. Smart. Everything you want from words. And even after a weeks listening, I still don't know them all by heart. Cause they're fast and full of meaning. Every time my thoughts stop at another spot and reflect what I just heard.
3. The meaning. It's more than 200 years ago, but its actual as ever. Politics never change, it seems. And Hamilton was a heck of a politician and a great visionary. If only there were politicians like him, nowadays.
4. His personal life, his grievings, his mistakes. Eliza. Angelica. Philip. It always brings tears to my eyes. Bittersweet pain. Memories of my own losses meshed-up with the sad story. It's captivating and emotional and perfectly narrated.
5. I can't really decide which song I like best. Every single one of them has something special and in every single one of them my mind wanders off. So I will probably listen to this musical many times more. And I will probably write about some of these thoughts.
6. The inspiration. Not only for my brain to think about politics, religion, life, death and everything in between. But to play music myself. To sing along. To dance. This musical has taken over my body and soul and I'm loving it.
7. What provokes the most thinking:
Burr: "Talk less, smile more. Don't let them know what you're against and what you're for. [...] Why do you always say what you believe? Every proclamation guarantees free ammunition for your enemies."
Hamilton: "If you stand for nothing, what'll you fall for?! [...] I'd rather be divisive than indecisive."
I'm usually more like Hamilton, but have been told that I should be more like Burr.
8. Legacy. What is a legacy? Do we need a legacy? What kind of legacy? What for? For whom? For us, to live forever? Or for everyone else, to make the world a better place?
I'm still working on these thoughts. And many more. And for that I love "Hamilton"! Thank you, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
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