The Room Were It Happens is genius with the sneaking that progression in there because Burr is now TRULY adopting Hamilton's take-all-leave-all attitude.
*Gets to the "The World Was Wide Enough" part of the video.* "We hear the final instance of the 'My Shot' anthem" *Heart aches.* *Gets to the "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who tells your story" part. EveN BIGGER HEART ACHE*
in the world was wide enough, it might have been hollow and weak because he was repeating "i will not throw away my shot" in my shot, but in the world was wide enough, he was throwing away his shot, breaking his promise to himself. he turned into a shell of what he was at the beginning, as in the beginning he was hopeful, prideful, honest and loyal, and as the story progressed he slowly corrupted himself. he cheated Eliza, he told Phillip to throw away his shot, he was violent for the sake of violence. he couldn't claim to be who he was before, as he grew and changed with power, but he clung on to that hope that he's had since the beginning, a scrap of light, and so he remembers his time where he swore to not throw away his shot, but now it seemed melancholic to him, a distant, bittersweet memory of another time.
I love chickens! wait in "blow us all away" he says "this will put an end to the whole affair", does it mean he wanted philip to throw away his shot just to be okay with eliza? idk just ran into my head
I literally almost cried, especially when he talked about Burr's cry to be heard and how the theme of ambition eventually only led to pain and violence ;__;
The lyrics to My Shot became more poignant when I read the book Hamilton is based on. The chapters leading up to the duel use the phrase 'throw away his shot' constantly. It was the term for not shooting to kill in a duel, and Hamilton had made the decision that a duel was murder, and he wouldn't do it. So, he starts his journey in the show by saying that he won't throw away his shot, but then ends it because he did.
There is also this another literal layer to it, since young Hamilton was REALLY into duels. Then later in life he switched his views on duelling by 180 degrees.
I read the book the week it was released. When I first heard about Hamilton and this song, this point was my first thought. Of course, Hamilton’s views on dueling changed with age…and no doubt even more so after Philip’s death.
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! YOU MISSED "What'd i miss" The first minute of the thing is an in your face, My Shot Anthem. It starts in the bassline, strong, real bold. They have the tools to build a nation and they're ready to build a nation. So lets get to it. As we start to introduce Jefferson it grows, builds and flourishes into the Jazz routine hallmarking Jefferson's entrance.
It also acts as a slow build to get the band, and the ensemble (who are just stretching on stage), and the audience, slowly ramped up to jump back into act two. Start with a hyper slimplistic piano line, and grow it in the strings, percussion and bass.
+Howard Ho you're right. I watched this first. And you cover the music theory. But you don't talk about the arrangement nearly at all. But that's ok. Can't wait for Right Hand Man!
Howard Ho In The Schuyler Sisters In response to in the part where Peggy is pointing out the bad things The people who sings are Peggy Angelica Peggy ELIZA Peggy Angelica Peggy ELIZA
Just the slightest itty bitty correction, Eliza sings half of the lines in responding to Peggy's criticisms and is also a part of the happy, hopeful, inspiring parts of the song so maybe put an annotations or something adding Eliza.
With the popularity of Hamilton, you'd expect college courses on it soon, and I think these videos are proof that there's enough there to unpack. You're doing a great job of unlocking the relationship between themes and musical cues and I'm looking forward to when you cover I - III - vi - IV - iv progression that we hear in the finale (with the pop tradition of the 1/2 step modulation!). Great stuff!
I know, right? I've actually given a guest lecture at a university about Hamilton...although it was not music theory, but more about why hip-hop works versus other genres. Maybe I'll throw in that lecture as a "bonus" video!
I always noticed the lyrical similarities between the songs in the play, and some of the more obvious chord progressions, or melodies, like the "My Shot Anthem," but you've totally exposed me to some fascinating new things! As an avid piano player and Hamilton fan, this is a wonderful, wonderful, video.
I don't know a lot about music and I struggled to follow some of the details about the chords (like, my knowledge stops at "major chords are happy, minor chords are sad") but this video was still really successful in explaining the... leitmotifs, I guess, of the various characters and themes in "Hamilton" and how they're used to convey certain ideas. This was super well done and I cried a little at the end (WLWDWTYS will always do that to me, I think). Thank you so much for producing this video, I'm really glad I saw it!
I'm not sure if you mentioned this? Maybe I over looked it! There's a section in Right Hand Man where Washington asks Hamilton why he's upset and The My Shot Anthem can be heard during the exchange!
Two points: Number one! I can totally see how this took 6 years to write. Number two! I will never listen to Hamilton the same way again. These points apply to all the how hamilton works musically videos.
IKR? You die from all the layers in the plot & characters alone. Yes, one notices the repeated musical themes & mashups and how they are used to tell the story, but NOTHING this deep or detailed. Like another commenter, I wrongly assumed Lin had help with the theory & weaving of musical themes, chords & the like. I thought maybe he came up with the rap, song lyrics & melodies, but had help for everything else. Now I am in unspeakable awe. What a talent!!!
I adored every single one of your videos about Hamilton! It is the best musical I’ve ever seen in my life!! The music, the characters, the effects in the play, everything is awesome! But as someone who plays piano since young, your videos totally blew me away and I’ve become fascinated with chord progressions and motifs ever since!! THANK YOU, YOU ARE A GENIUS!! ❤️
i always sort of imagine the my shot chord progression as his call to legacy and redemption. (i know none of the specifics of how music rlly works, i just rlly like hamilton and know enough music basics to sing stuff. in case im using this wrong, im reffering to the part the ensemble always sings, where they say oh while john tells ppl they need to rise up) every time he feels called to make something of himself this plays and i feel like it always touches me. first in my shot, when hes all happy-golucky and ready to become something. go to college, join the army, secede from britian, and get the finances in order. after laurens dies, realizing that his friend never got to finish his dream and that you never know if you have more yesterdays or tomorrows. of course in history has its eyes on you. that song is so powerful to me, because alexander realizes he has a shot to make it in the army and have legacy. i think that theyre also speaking to the audience (many of whom are americans) using the most famed and honored leader in the US, the father of our country. essentially, george washington is tellimg you to get off your ass and make something of yourself. and thatll stir up some emotions, regardless of your nationality. the most interesting to me though is hurricane. as the musical goes on, ham adopts some of burr's "talk less" attitude while burr steals ham's "rise up" attitude. while id like to say better late than never, both of them were too late for the change to rlly help. ofcourse, once again you here the my shot chord progression, because this is a very blatant act on legacy. but, at the same time (nonstop style) you here aaron burr's "wait for it" chords. because yes, youre going after legacy, but as youre thinking about your advicw all those years ago its also triggering the downfall of the entire rest of his life time. it only gets worse from here. so i think the chord is so interesting. i could write so much more about this, but i know this is already too much. edit: somehow i forgot the world was wide enough!! ugh i wont take up ur time just listen to his sililoquy
Because I don't read or write music, you are beautifully articulating something I sensed but couldn't identify, which is that this show is a freakin' Swiss watch of extraordinary skill. I am a writer however (fiction, not theater) and have considered thel theme building/repetition in the lyrics, which is just as remarkable. A question: I know it's not a contest between musicals, but do you think other sung-through musicals have built themes/motifs as successfully? Can you name any?
Thanks for watching! And yes, great question! Typically musicals have dialogue in them. Some people characterize Les Miz, Phantom and other "sung-through musicals" as operettas partly for this reason. Honestly, I can't think of a musical where this technique was employed as successfully, at least not among the sung-through shows. Sondheim however does this quite frequently in his musicals, which are not sung-through.
Howard Ho thanks! And yes, I'm referring to shows like "Rent" or "Les Miz" where the book is contained in the music. Interesting about Sondheim, who Lin has said often is a huge influence on him. He sure put those lessons to phenomenal use. A genius,indeed. Thanks for your efforts in explicating his genius. A shout-out too to the somewhat under appreciated--except by Lin, who cites him often--Alex Lacamoire, so vital to the orchestrations and bringing the music to life on a grand scale. It's one hell of a show. How lucky we are to have it.
Martha Southgate Jesus Christ Superstar uses a lot of leitmotifs in this way although not as rigidly. It is very effective and a moving work in its own right.
Sweeney Todd (a Sondheim musical and one that I'm way too obsessed with), definitely. Almost every character has a theme that is used multiple times throughout songs that represent them. I'd like to go back and analyze it!
I'm pretty sure the 'anthem' as you described it appears at the start of What'd I Miss? as well whilst Burr is talking about Hamilton and what he's achieved. (I know that the opening chord progression is from Alexander Hamilton but I'm pretty sure the My Shot Anthem is also there after Burr interrupts the ensemble and starts talking).Maybe it could relate to what you said about ambitions? Either way great video! :)
This literally opened my eyes and changed my view on the songs and the whole musical!😮 Lin you are a genius not to be messed with. Excellent work on the video omg it was so interesting!!
It was also in “Right Hand Man”.. not just when they sang it, but also at Why are you upset I’m not It’s alright you want to fight. You’ve got a hunger. I was just like you when I was younger
Wow, it's just incredible. Thank you for going with such depth into those songs. I love Hamilton, I've listened to it so many times and I have noticed some of the things you talk about. I've also heard some people talking about how much the music represents each character and in a way I could see it, but now I see it a thousand times better and I love it. I think that you describe the pieces extremely well and I love this series and I hope that you continue it, because I'm very curious about the rest of the songs
I love these videos. You point out a whole bunch of musical cues that I always heard, but you also talk about some that I've never noticed before. Watching these videos makes me appreciate this music even more. Thank you for making them.
This stuff is great. I subscribed because of your last video on Aaron Burr. It was a great musical analysis and it really brought me to a new way of understanding the Broadway musical. Thank you very much.
speaking of the my shot anthem, I'm pretty sure it also shows up in right hand man when Alexander is asked by Washington to actually be his right hand man as that shows Hamilton not throwing away his shot to rise up
makes sense that satisfied is from my shot, since angelica and alexander say themselves that they're like each other. they have the same ambition, they're never satisfied
The motif also shows up in "Right hand man" when Washington is asking Hamilton why he is upset, but it is only half complete. It is Hamilton's want to be significant breaking through.
There's a thing I found in Aaron Burr. In Schuyler Sisters, when he is flirting with Angeliecq, a lot of thingy plays, and that comes back in other places like Room Where it Happens
I honestly got chills as you were explaining the idea represented by the pentatonic scale for Satisfied while that same melody was playing in the background.
What you call the "My shot anthem" I see many calling the "Rise up riff". Just thought I'd mention that to people who are reading up on this sort of thing and encounter the other usage
These vids are great! I have enough musical theory to recognise that Hamilton is so many shades of genius, but these videos where you break down the repeating themes, and the changing character chords really help me gain new appreciation for the music. Thank you!
I looove your work, I'd love to see a full analysis of Hamilton! Also, in Satisfied, Alexander says to Angelica " You're like me" which strengthens the link about ambitions and everything... More over, Satisfied finishes on a minor chord!
Eliza’s “narrative” motif also fits on top of the my shot chords and anthem (if you put them in the same key, of course), which makes the final song even better
I just found your channel by chance, doing some research on my own potential Hamilton analysis, and I have to say, this is exceptional. Everything from your points to your graphic design is well done. Subscribed.
These are great videos! I have no musical knowledge, but the way you use the visuals of the keys and the color coding as you discuss the chords and progression makes it easy for even a layman like myself to understand what makes this musical so special down to the specific notes. Thank you for making these!
The skeletal structure of my shot, G minor, B flat, C minor and E flat almost made me start sobbing because it reminded me of the beginning of Freedom from Brothers of the Wind
I've been seeing your video about The Ten Duel Commandments on my recommended for so long, and then I finally watched it today. I was super impressed, and then I watched the Aaron Burr Chord Progression video and I was really blown away! I subscribed, I love your works! Keep it up!
this is fascinating! your graphics are simple and helpful, and you explain this all so well. the Angelica part - how that scale plays in later songs when she reminds him of his duty to his family - that part floored me. the poetry of Lin's lyrics stands out to me, so it's really cool to learn about the poetry of his composition too.
I've always enjoyed My Shot, but I never knew how complex and brilliant it was until now. YOU ARE AMAZING AND THIS VIDEO/VIDEO SERIES DESERVES INFINITELY MORE VIEWS. WE SHALL SPREAD THE WORD.
Man, your stuff is so good. I'm starting to hear the My Shot chord progression in places you didn't even mention. Like, correct me if I'm wrong but it plays in "Your obedient servant" while Burr is singing the small reprise of "Room Where it Happened" in the beginning.
OMG. Wow...I have been into Hamilton for over a year and this is a FANTASTIC break down of not only the music, and the show, but a wonderful point to the depth of the music that has been given to us. Thank you for this insightful review of I thought I knew- but now appreciate even further!! Thank you!!
This is such an awesome analysis of the score!! Really great job. :) I feel I do have to mention that Lin worked collaboratively with Alex Lacamoire though, who really did most of the orchestration.
Yes, absolutely! Alex's orchestrations are brilliant. But Lin is still the composer, and his use of chord progressions is really the subject of these videos. Glad you enjoyed watching this, and perhaps I will talk about orchestrations in a future video. Thanks!
The "my shot anthem" has always been my favourite motif. Throughout the musical i began to associate the anthem with rising up (of course) but also ambition and warning, and finally, in TWWWE all that came crashing down. I watched the musical on disney+ and when the rise up anthem came on with the credits, i couldnt watch it. I couldnt bear to, yk? An anthem about what could happen, about building a legacy, and in TWWWE it all fell apart and hamilton was forgotten for... A considerable amount of time. Ive rewatched hamilton on disney about 13 times now, and only on my latest rewatch did i finally build up the courage to watch the credits through. I cried the whole way through :,) (but that could also just be iqu and wlwdwtys)
Okay, I have noticed that many melodies and progressions do repeat in different songs, but I don't really have the knowledge to look into it in such depth like you did. I really enjoyed the video and although I can't play the piano (badly wish I did though), I am fascinated by everything you said and I hope you make more videos about Hamilton.
love the commentary about ambition and the deeper thoughts on satisfied & history has its eyes on you shows how throughout alexander's story he was so blinded by that ambition.
This whole Hamilton series is great. Thanks, Harold! Anyway, I'm surely not the first person to notice this, and it doesn't relate to the chord progressions specifically, but I think it's worth noting that it's significant that Hamilton's refrain throughout the entire show is that "I'm not throwing away my shot," but then at the end, in the duel with Burr, he literally throws away his literal shot.
This was amazing!! This has so much emotion and you are teaching me things I never knew about the chords. Lin is a fantastic composer and I love that you are able to show that with things beyond the lyrics. I can't wait till next video.
I've always noticed that some bits of the songs sounded similar to each other, but you've made it so easy to hear and understand. Mind blown, amazing work!!
Also, "Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story" there is a hint of the Angelica theme at 1:34. Took me several times listening through before I noticed it.
I literally got chills hearing you describe these songs. You gave me a new appreciation for the music and the masterful way it was crafted. You got yourself a sub today.
thank you so much for these videos. felt like this was a college course dissecting Hamilton which made me appreciate Lin - Manuel Miranda even more. please for videos like this, you're great.
Holy crap dude. These videos of yours are amazing. I would honestly just watch how many ever hours it would take for you to explain the whole album. You go into such depth and detail. KUDOS.
My six year old loves these videos. She watched this one, paying close attention. At the end, she says, "hey, he missed one!" Turns out, the melody version is in "Right Hand Man." I can't believe she both noticed and remembered that! Great videos, she wants more!
now that I know the notes from 'My Shot' are in 'The World Was Wide Enough' it get's a million times sadder
nitroandy5960 From My Shot, "Is it like a beat without a melody." In The World Was Wide Enough, "There is no beat. No melody."
+nitroandy5960 It's SO SAD. He confirmed how he felt about death... her really did know what it was like.
the Kingdom of Hella Leg yeah for some reason it makes me really sad whenever I hear.
the Kingdom of Hella Leg it's very obvious how would you not notice before
the Kingdom of Hella Leg Hamilton’s shot came right to him ;v;
The Room Were It Happens is genius with the sneaking that progression in there because Burr is now TRULY adopting Hamilton's take-all-leave-all attitude.
Especially that brass sample thing. Wow.
+tori2dles That brass sample thing blew my mind! Also it made me want to cry, something I don't usually associate with this song...
I imagine Lin watching this and going:
This guy figured it out. Nice
Lin: holy sh!t, I didn't even know I did that...
colt retz 😂
colt retz Lin: Dang! I'm a genius!
he actually tweeted about one of the analysis videos just now (which is how i found them) so I bet he watched them.
Lin: I probably shouldn’t brag but dang I amaze and astonish
*Gets to the "The World Was Wide Enough" part of the video.* "We hear the final instance of the 'My Shot' anthem" *Heart aches.*
*Gets to the "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who tells your story" part. EveN BIGGER HEART ACHE*
same tho. That "devoid of purpose and ambition, just senseless violence" got me;_;
Amen
Remember the three meanings of the word "shot"? The alcohol, the ambition and chance, and the shot that killed him?
"Your mother can't take another heart break"
in the world was wide enough, it might have been hollow and weak because he was repeating "i will not throw away my shot" in my shot, but in the world was wide enough, he was throwing away his shot, breaking his promise to himself. he turned into a shell of what he was at the beginning, as in the beginning he was hopeful, prideful, honest and loyal, and as the story progressed he slowly corrupted himself. he cheated Eliza, he told Phillip to throw away his shot, he was violent for the sake of violence. he couldn't claim to be who he was before, as he grew and changed with power, but he clung on to that hope that he's had since the beginning, a scrap of light, and so he remembers his time where he swore to not throw away his shot, but now it seemed melancholic to him, a distant, bittersweet memory of another time.
Nice.
I love chickens! wait
in "blow us all away" he says "this will put an end to the whole affair", does it mean he wanted philip to throw away his shot just to be okay with eliza? idk just ran into my head
wow. this thought is amazing
whyyyy ;-;
Ive been studying the lyrics and music theory of this musical for a long time and I've been thinking this too.
The way you marry the philosophical with the musical gives it even more impact. This is fantastic.
I literally almost cried, especially when he talked about Burr's cry to be heard and how the theme of ambition eventually only led to pain and violence ;__;
Sorry, had to ruin the perfect 66 likes.
Hamilton’s probably the best musical I’ve ever seen.
Perfectly stated. 👏🏻
things i've learned from this video:
1) lin-manuel miranda is a genius
2) /you/ are a genius
3) it's pronounced repreeze and not reeprize
Violet Holmes it is reprize
Reprise******
Where are you from??? I pronounce it reprise...
well originally it's a french word pronounced more like Repreeze. Idk if there actually is one correct English pronounciation
I actually pernounce it re-[pr-I-ze]
The lyrics to My Shot became more poignant when I read the book Hamilton is based on. The chapters leading up to the duel use the phrase 'throw away his shot' constantly. It was the term for not shooting to kill in a duel, and Hamilton had made the decision that a duel was murder, and he wouldn't do it. So, he starts his journey in the show by saying that he won't throw away his shot, but then ends it because he did.
There is also this another literal layer to it, since young Hamilton was REALLY into duels. Then later in life he switched his views on duelling by 180 degrees.
I read the book the week it was released. When I first heard about Hamilton and this song, this point was my first thought.
Of course, Hamilton’s views on dueling changed with age…and no doubt even more so after Philip’s death.
I'm not gonna lie, that mash-up at the end blew my mind.
It really felt like going even deeper into Hamilton's music, I love this!!
And Lin-Manuel should really see these videos, they are amazing. xD
agreed
Totally agree!
he saw the Ten Duel Commandments one
WLA102494 how ya know?
@@whenitcounts8657 LMM shared it.
Over a year later I STILL get chills when I hear the "Satisfied" motif so 7:38 had me shook
Samee it hits hard
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
YOU MISSED "What'd i miss"
The first minute of the thing is an in your face, My Shot Anthem.
It starts in the bassline, strong, real bold. They have the tools to build a nation and they're ready to build a nation. So lets get to it. As we start to introduce Jefferson it grows, builds and flourishes into the Jazz routine hallmarking Jefferson's entrance.
It also acts as a slow build to get the band, and the ensemble (who are just stretching on stage), and the audience, slowly ramped up to jump back into act two. Start with a hyper slimplistic piano line, and grow it in the strings, percussion and bass.
Yup, I know. I go into depth on that connection in my newest video: goo.gl/NPqhMr
It's EVEN MORE brilliant than that. It combines My Shot Anthem with something else too! Check out the video: goo.gl/NPqhMr
+Howard Ho you're right. I watched this first. And you cover the music theory. But you don't talk about the arrangement nearly at all.
But that's ok.
Can't wait for Right Hand Man!
True, the arrangements are amazing too. Maybe I will talk about that at some point. Thanks for watching!
LINNAMON ROLL YOU WONDERFUL ANGEL YOU ARE AN AMAZING HUMAN AND I LOVE YOU GODDAMN IT
Linnamon roll lmao
HAHA!
Linnamon roll is best name
Howard Ho In The Schuyler Sisters In response to in the part where Peggy is pointing out the bad things The people who sings are Peggy Angelica Peggy ELIZA Peggy Angelica Peggy ELIZA
I KNOW!! I also realized that!
Just the slightest itty bitty correction, Eliza sings half of the lines in responding to Peggy's criticisms and is also a part of the happy, hopeful, inspiring parts of the song so maybe put an annotations or something adding Eliza.
Sure, I can do that. Good catch.
You never did, BTW.
Howard Ho Angelica, Peggy
Eliza: WELL THIS TIME IM GETTING THE RED DRESS
With the popularity of Hamilton, you'd expect college courses on it soon, and I think these videos are proof that there's enough there to unpack. You're doing a great job of unlocking the relationship between themes and musical cues and I'm looking forward to when you cover I - III - vi - IV - iv progression that we hear in the finale (with the pop tradition of the 1/2 step modulation!). Great stuff!
I know, right? I've actually given a guest lecture at a university about Hamilton...although it was not music theory, but more about why hip-hop works versus other genres. Maybe I'll throw in that lecture as a "bonus" video!
I always noticed the lyrical similarities between the songs in the play, and some of the more obvious chord progressions, or melodies, like the "My Shot Anthem," but you've totally exposed me to some fascinating new things! As an avid piano player and Hamilton fan, this is a wonderful, wonderful, video.
My sentiments exactly!!
I don't know a lot about music and I struggled to follow some of the details about the chords (like, my knowledge stops at "major chords are happy, minor chords are sad") but this video was still really successful in explaining the... leitmotifs, I guess, of the various characters and themes in "Hamilton" and how they're used to convey certain ideas. This was super well done and I cried a little at the end (WLWDWTYS will always do that to me, I think). Thank you so much for producing this video, I'm really glad I saw it!
I'm glad you saw it too! I'm creating a video to talk more about the concept of leitmotifs soon too!
Same, I'm learning piano and I really want to learn these songs.
I'm not sure if you mentioned this? Maybe I over looked it! There's a section in Right Hand Man where Washington asks Hamilton why he's upset and The My Shot Anthem can be heard during the exchange!
10:15 dude!!! Dude!!! this is crazy!!!
Two points:
Number one!
I can totally see how this took 6 years to write.
Number two!
I will never listen to Hamilton the same way again.
These points apply to all the how hamilton works musically videos.
Godammit, why did these two videos make me feel like crying? WHY WOULD LIN PUT THESE THINGS IN HAMILTON, MY HEARTTTTT!
IKR? You die from all the layers in the plot & characters alone. Yes, one notices the repeated musical themes & mashups and how they are used to tell the story, but NOTHING this deep or detailed.
Like another commenter, I wrongly assumed Lin had help with the theory & weaving of musical themes, chords & the like. I thought maybe he came up with the rap, song lyrics & melodies, but had help for everything else.
Now I am in unspeakable awe. What a talent!!!
SAME!!!!! ;n;
Did you figure this out all on your own? That's badass.
Thanks! Yeah, I did. Benefits of a musicology degree I guess.
I adored every single one of your videos about Hamilton! It is the best musical I’ve ever seen in my life!! The music, the characters, the effects in the play, everything is awesome! But as someone who plays piano since young, your videos totally blew me away and I’ve become fascinated with chord progressions and motifs ever since!! THANK YOU, YOU ARE A GENIUS!! ❤️
The mashup of "Satisfied" and "My Shot" at 12:48 is chilling and beautiful.
i always sort of imagine the my shot chord progression as his call to legacy and redemption. (i know none of the specifics of how music rlly works, i just rlly like hamilton and know enough music basics to sing stuff. in case im using this wrong, im reffering to the part the ensemble always sings, where they say oh while john tells ppl they need to rise up) every time he feels called to make something of himself
this plays and i feel like it always touches me. first in my shot, when hes all happy-golucky and ready to become something. go to college, join the army, secede from britian, and get the finances in order. after laurens dies, realizing that his friend never got to finish his dream and that you never know if you have more yesterdays or tomorrows. of course in history has its eyes on you. that song is so powerful to me, because alexander realizes he has a shot to make it in the army and have legacy. i think that theyre also speaking to the audience (many of whom are americans) using the most famed and honored leader in the US, the father of our country. essentially, george washington is tellimg you to get off your ass and make something of yourself. and thatll stir up some emotions, regardless of your nationality. the most interesting to me though is hurricane. as the musical goes on, ham adopts some of burr's "talk less" attitude while burr steals ham's "rise up" attitude. while id like to say better late than never, both of them were too late for the change to rlly help. ofcourse, once again you here the my shot chord progression, because this is a very blatant act on legacy. but, at the same time (nonstop style) you here aaron burr's "wait for it" chords. because yes, youre going after legacy, but as youre thinking about your advicw all those years ago its also triggering the downfall of the entire rest of his life time. it only gets worse from here. so i think the chord is so interesting. i could write so much more about this, but i know this is already too much.
edit: somehow i forgot the world was wide enough!! ugh i wont take up ur time just listen to his sililoquy
Because I don't read or write music, you are beautifully articulating something I sensed but couldn't identify, which is that this show is a freakin' Swiss watch of extraordinary skill. I am a writer however (fiction, not theater) and have considered thel theme building/repetition in the lyrics, which is just as remarkable. A question: I know it's not a contest between musicals, but do you think other sung-through musicals have built themes/motifs as successfully? Can you name any?
Thanks for watching! And yes, great question! Typically musicals have dialogue in them. Some people characterize Les Miz, Phantom and other "sung-through musicals" as operettas partly for this reason. Honestly, I can't think of a musical where this technique was employed as successfully, at least not among the sung-through shows. Sondheim however does this quite frequently in his musicals, which are not sung-through.
Howard Ho thanks! And yes, I'm referring to shows like "Rent" or "Les Miz" where the book is contained in the music. Interesting about Sondheim, who Lin has said often is a huge influence on him. He sure put those lessons to phenomenal use. A genius,indeed. Thanks for your efforts in explicating his genius. A shout-out too to the somewhat under appreciated--except by Lin, who cites him often--Alex Lacamoire, so vital to the orchestrations and bringing the music to life on a grand scale. It's one hell of a show. How lucky we are to have it.
Martha Southgate Jesus Christ Superstar uses a lot of leitmotifs in this way although not as rigidly. It is very effective and a moving work in its own right.
Sweeney Todd (a Sondheim musical and one that I'm way too obsessed with), definitely. Almost every character has a theme that is used multiple times throughout songs that represent them. I'd like to go back and analyze it!
I'm pretty sure the 'anthem' as you described it appears at the start of What'd I Miss? as well whilst Burr is talking about Hamilton and what he's achieved. (I know that the opening chord progression is from Alexander Hamilton but I'm pretty sure the My Shot Anthem is also there after Burr interrupts the ensemble and starts talking).Maybe it could relate to what you said about ambitions? Either way great video! :)
Sam Astbury it does. you're totally right
At this point It's quite cool since at the same moment it symbolizes ambitions of Hamilton and Jefferson who were just about to clash with eachother.
This literally opened my eyes and changed my view on the songs and the whole musical!😮 Lin you are a genius not to be messed with. Excellent work on the video omg it was so interesting!!
It was also in “Right Hand Man”.. not just when they sang it, but also at
Why are you upset
I’m not
It’s alright you want to fight. You’ve got a hunger. I was just like you when I was younger
There is that bit of the Satisfied run in Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story after Angelica and Eliza sign, "We tell your story."
can you please make another. these are so freaking cool!
Wow, it's just incredible. Thank you for going with such depth into those songs. I love Hamilton, I've listened to it so many times and I have noticed some of the things you talk about. I've also heard some people talking about how much the music represents each character and in a way I could see it, but now I see it a thousand times better and I love it. I think that you describe the pieces extremely well and I love this series and I hope that you continue it, because I'm very curious about the rest of the songs
I love these videos. You point out a whole bunch of musical cues that I always heard, but you also talk about some that I've never noticed before. Watching these videos makes me appreciate this music even more. Thank you for making them.
The My Shot Anthem is also in Right Hand Man
This stuff is great. I subscribed because of your last video on Aaron Burr. It was a great musical analysis and it really brought me to a new way of understanding the Broadway musical. Thank you very much.
These are great Howard!!
Thanks, man!
I've loved this album for many reasons, but the stuff you're talking about gives it so much more depth. These analyses are absolutely incredible!
speaking of the my shot anthem, I'm pretty sure it also shows up in right hand man when Alexander is asked by Washington to actually be his right hand man as that shows Hamilton not throwing away his shot to rise up
Are you a music student/teacher? These are...incredible. The thought and work put into these videos... They're amazing :)
makes sense that satisfied is from my shot, since angelica and alexander say themselves that they're like each other. they have the same ambition, they're never satisfied
I need MORE OF THIS! As a musician, this was absolutely MINDBLOWING to see!
Just letting you know the second rebuttal to Peggy in the Schuyler sisters is actually Eliza. ;) Also this is really cool.
The motif also shows up in "Right hand man" when Washington is asking Hamilton why he is upset, but it is only half complete. It is Hamilton's want to be significant breaking through.
New subscriber! I just love Hamilton, and you perfectly explain songs and other HamilHam stuff! Thank you so much!
this is such an incredible series. i'm ridiculously excited for any future videos!
There's a thing I found in Aaron Burr. In Schuyler Sisters, when he is flirting with Angeliecq, a lot of thingy plays, and that comes back in other places like Room Where it Happens
Dude! May I just say, you're as cool as Lin! Oh and thanks for these videos!
I just noticed, but the same pentatonic progression in Satisfied is also present in the first part of Wait for It, when Burr sings about Theodosia
I honestly got chills as you were explaining the idea represented by the pentatonic scale for Satisfied while that same melody was playing in the background.
I will never be able to state how much I love Lin and how much of a genius he is
And I wish there was a "love" button.
What you call the "My shot anthem" I see many calling the "Rise up riff". Just thought I'd mention that to people who are reading up on this sort of thing and encounter the other usage
Hmmm...interesting, good to know. I guess I didn't call it that because the lyrics "rise up" are used in the show separately from that melody.
It tends to be used in a place which would thematically make sense with the words "Rise Up"
Me to the creators of Hamilton: "I am trying not to cry coz there's nothing that your mind can't do."
Y'ALL ARE GENIUSES
These vids are great! I have enough musical theory to recognise that Hamilton is so many shades of genius, but these videos where you break down the repeating themes, and the changing character chords really help me gain new appreciation for the music. Thank you!
I looove your work, I'd love to see a full analysis of Hamilton!
Also, in Satisfied, Alexander says to Angelica " You're like me" which strengthens the link about ambitions and everything... More over, Satisfied finishes on a minor chord!
Eliza’s “narrative” motif also fits on top of the my shot chords and anthem (if you put them in the same key, of course), which makes the final song even better
But it fits even better over the pentatonic Angelica scale
I've never seen an analysis like this. As a piano player (by ear, and sight) and a HamFan, I'm blown away!
I just found your channel by chance, doing some research on my own potential Hamilton analysis, and I have to say, this is exceptional. Everything from your points to your graphic design is well done. Subscribed.
These are great videos! I have no musical knowledge, but the way you use the visuals of the keys and the color coding as you discuss the chords and progression makes it easy for even a layman like myself to understand what makes this musical so special down to the specific notes. Thank you for making these!
These are so cool I love learning about the compositional intricacies in music Please make more.
Really impressive video :D Keep up the great work!
The skeletal structure of my shot, G minor, B flat, C minor and E flat almost made me start sobbing because it reminded me of the beginning of Freedom from Brothers of the Wind
I've been seeing your video about The Ten Duel Commandments on my recommended for so long, and then I finally watched it today. I was super impressed, and then I watched the Aaron Burr Chord Progression video and I was really blown away! I subscribed, I love your works! Keep it up!
this is fascinating! your graphics are simple and helpful, and you explain this all so well. the Angelica part - how that scale plays in later songs when she reminds him of his duty to his family - that part floored me. the poetry of Lin's lyrics stands out to me, so it's really cool to learn about the poetry of his composition too.
Easily one of my fav videos, informational yet easy to follow
I've always enjoyed My Shot, but I never knew how complex and brilliant it was until now. YOU ARE AMAZING AND THIS VIDEO/VIDEO SERIES DESERVES INFINITELY MORE VIEWS. WE SHALL SPREAD THE WORD.
Man, your stuff is so good. I'm starting to hear the My Shot chord progression in places you didn't even mention. Like, correct me if I'm wrong but it plays in "Your obedient servant" while Burr is singing the small reprise of "Room Where it Happened" in the beginning.
OMG. Wow...I have been into Hamilton for over a year and this is a FANTASTIC break down of not only the music, and the show, but a wonderful point to the depth of the music that has been given to us. Thank you for this insightful review of I thought I knew-
but now appreciate even further!! Thank you!!
Amazing. The repurposed brass sample, the hollow anthem; all the details are there. Great, great video
This is INCREDIBLE please, dive deeper!!!!
This really is amazing! All of the editing that went into this is pretty impressive. You deserve more attention!!!
IM CRYING. THIS IS SO BEATUFIUL. JUST. I. UGH. AHHHHHHHHHH
This is such an awesome analysis of the score!! Really great job. :) I feel I do have to mention that Lin worked collaboratively with Alex Lacamoire though, who really did most of the orchestration.
Yes, absolutely! Alex's orchestrations are brilliant. But Lin is still the composer, and his use of chord progressions is really the subject of these videos. Glad you enjoyed watching this, and perhaps I will talk about orchestrations in a future video. Thanks!
Okay, fair enough. I'd love to see a video about Lac's orchestrations in the future!! I'll be waiting for it:)
The "my shot anthem" has always been my favourite motif. Throughout the musical i began to associate the anthem with rising up (of course) but also ambition and warning, and finally, in TWWWE all that came crashing down. I watched the musical on disney+ and when the rise up anthem came on with the credits, i couldnt watch it. I couldnt bear to, yk? An anthem about what could happen, about building a legacy, and in TWWWE it all fell apart and hamilton was forgotten for... A considerable amount of time. Ive rewatched hamilton on disney about 13 times now, and only on my latest rewatch did i finally build up the courage to watch the credits through. I cried the whole way through :,) (but that could also just be iqu and wlwdwtys)
You have to do one on the Satisfied sonata.
w ELP TIME TO LISTEN TO ALL THE INSTRUMENTALS
I'm astounded by the depth of musical and thematic analysis in these videos! It makes me appreciate each listen that much more. Thank you!
Okay, I have noticed that many melodies and progressions do repeat in different songs, but I don't really have the knowledge to look into it in such depth like you did. I really enjoyed the video and although I can't play the piano (badly wish I did though), I am fascinated by everything you said and I hope you make more videos about Hamilton.
Please make more!!! I love this series so much!!!
I'm a music major and huge Hamilfan sitting in my dorm watching this and I am absolutely positively blown away. Thank you so much
love the commentary about ambition and the deeper thoughts on satisfied & history has its eyes on you shows how throughout alexander's story he was so blinded by that ambition.
I'm not sure how many times I've watched this but I learn something new each time... these are all fantastic!!
This whole Hamilton series is great. Thanks, Harold! Anyway, I'm surely not the first person to notice this, and it doesn't relate to the chord progressions specifically, but I think it's worth noting that it's significant that Hamilton's refrain throughout the entire show is that "I'm not throwing away my shot," but then at the end, in the duel with Burr, he literally throws away his literal shot.
When you parallel Burr's "I want to be in the room where it happens" with the My Shot chord progression, I got the chills
This was amazing!! This has so much emotion and you are teaching me things I never knew about the chords. Lin is a fantastic composer and I love that you are able to show that with things beyond the lyrics. I can't wait till next video.
Wow. So much went into this video, this is actually pretty awesome.
I've always noticed that some bits of the songs sounded similar to each other, but you've made it so easy to hear and understand. Mind blown, amazing work!!
This series is remarkable and really helps me appreciate the show even more than I already do.
Also, "Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story" there is a hint of the Angelica theme at 1:34. Took me several times listening through before I noticed it.
I'm so glad I found your channel. Your insights are so intelligent.
This is FANTASTIC!
Ahhh I love these videos!! Thank you for making them and letting me understand Lin's work :)
I literally got chills hearing you describe these songs. You gave me a new appreciation for the music and the masterful way it was crafted. You got yourself a sub today.
This video was so amazing! Mind blown!
Daaamn chills at the Satisfied part. Love your videos of these!! LMM is indeed genius and full of frickin spirit!
thank you so much for these videos. felt like this was a college course dissecting Hamilton which made me appreciate Lin - Manuel Miranda even more. please for videos like this, you're great.
Holy crap dude. These videos of yours are amazing. I would honestly just watch how many ever hours it would take for you to explain the whole album. You go into such depth and detail. KUDOS.
THIS IS SO FASCINATING I LOVE THIS
Goosebumps!!! This is really cool :D
This video is really blowing my mind. Lin is such a damn musical genius, thank you for explaining these crazy things
My six year old loves these videos. She watched this one, paying close attention. At the end, she says, "hey, he missed one!" Turns out, the melody version is in "Right Hand Man." I can't believe she both noticed and remembered that!
Great videos, she wants more!